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Planning Process

A guide to the planning process

It is important to note that there are many variables to consider with each and every Planning Permit, and that they will directly affect the timelines for your planning project. 

Application for a Planning Permit

Submit the application, including all relevant documentation and fees. 

Getting Started with a Planning Permit and How to submit a planning application will guide you through the requirements, as well as any additional items to consider. 

Lodgement

Your submission will be assessed to ensure all initial documentation has been provided with your application and contact you if further information is required. 

Council’s Planning staff will then lodge the application and send you the invoice to pay. Once it is paid, the application will be allocated to a Planning Officer for assessment. 

Preliminary assessment

We will refer your application to other council employees, including, but not limited to a Development Engineering Officer, Environmental Planner, Plumbing Officer, Environmental Health Officer, and Urban Designer. 

Once these officers have completed their initial assessment of your proposal, we will determine whether further information is required to advertise and/or assess your development. 

If we need more information, we will let you know in a timely manner. Planning officers have up to 21 days in which to request further information for discretionary planning applications and 14 days for permitted planning applications.

Advertising period

Your application may require advertising, pursuant to the requirements of the Act. 

Members of the public have 14 days from the date of advertisement to lodge a representation with Council (as per the representation expiry date).  This must be done in writing and should state the reasons why they support or object to the application. 

Discretionary planning applications are able to be viewed within the advertising period online

Second assessment

The time assessment takes varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. 

Assessment against the planning scheme provisions must be made. Planners consider both internal, and external referrals, and representations made by members of the public, either for or against the proposal. 

Council Meeting

Planning applications may need to be presented to the Councillors, who act as the planning authority, for determination at a council meeting. 

Planning applications need to be presented to the Councillors if a representation has been received, or is for refusal. An extension of time may need to be requested in order to present an application to the Councillors within the statutory time-frame of 42 days. 

For full council meeting details, dates and agendas, visit Council Meetings. 

Decision

We will issue a notice of our decision to approve or refuse the application.