Planning and Development involves the various aspects of land use planning, building construction and land subdivision which are administered by Council. The aim is to achieve high quality and sustainable development outcomes in our urban and rural areas, taking into account the social and economic welfare of our communities and the preservation of the physical environment. Whether you are interested in major development projects, housing construction or buying or selling property, this information is designed to guide you through the sometimes complex Planning and Development process.
Exempt Development
Exempt development is very low impact development that can be done for certain residential, commercial and industrial properties. Providing your building project meets specific development standards, approval from your Council is not needed.
For More Information
New South Wales Outdoor Dining Exempt Factsheet:
NSW-outdoor-dining-exempt-factsheet.pdf(PDF, 759KB)
Complying Development
Complying development is a fast track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. Providing the application meets specific criteria then it can be determined by a Council or accredited certifier without the need for a full development application.
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Pre-Development Application (DA) Submission Meetings
As a new service to residents Council wishes to invite all those planning to submit a development application, whether in the early or late stages of preparation, to contact Council for a confidential pre-lodgement meeting with Council Planning & Building staff.
The Pre-DA is a service for potential applicants to seek feedback on specific concept plans for specific sites. At the pre-DA advice meeting we will discuss the relevant planning policies against which your proposal will be assessed as well as comment on those aspects of a proposal which are non-compliant with Council’s controls.
A pre-lodgement meeting provides the prospective applicant with the opportunity to discuss and receive feedback from Council on the technical and merit aspects of a development proposal. This occurs following a preliminary assessment by staff of submitted plans and documents detailing the proposal. Although pre-lodgement meetings are not mandatory, this service is encouraged by Council because:
- It’s the most appropriate and transparent means of dealing with enquires of a complex or site-specific nature, or where formal feedback is being sought on a specific development concept or proposed plan;
- The pre-DA advice meeting will be attended by Council staff who will be assessing the application;
- It’s an opportunity for Council to advise the applicant of strategic objectives for the development of the area;
- It allows for any potential issues to be dealt with prior to the formal lodgement of a DA; and
- It enables Council to provide relevant information to the applicant to assist in resolving any issues prior to lodging an application.
Applicants may also chose to attend additional Pre-DA meetings as required. Conducting a pre-lodgement meeting may assist in reducing the assessment times of DAs. Where possible, during the pre-lodgement meeting, Council officers will suggest alternative and acceptable solutions for the applicant to consider, which could reduce project costs.
A pre-lodgement meeting is for discussion and clarification purposes only and may not identify all possible issues. It is not, in any way, intended to pre-empt a final decision in relation to a development application. Where possible, we will endeavour to provide you with a level of certainty about your proposal, but we cannot give absolute commitment. Views of the community, Councillors and other government authorities are not able to be taken into account in the pre-DA consultation process.
Please contact Council’s Administration Services Officer Lyn Douglas on 0268 286 144 to arrange an appointment with Council’s Planning & Building staff.