Thursday, 10 March 2016
Development approvals simpler & quicker with new code
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today welcomed the NSW Government’s move to streamline planning controls for developments in country NSW, making it easier and faster for people to get on with minor construction activity.
Mr Marshall said the government’s new Draft Inland Code provided clearer and simpler planning rules tailored to the needs of country communities.
“The proposed changes will fast-track complying development assessments in 83 regional council areas west of the Great Dividing Range, including all seven local councils in the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Marshall.
“Complying development is a fast track approval process that allows low impact, straightforward projects that meet building standards to be approved without a full development application and merit assessment.
“This reform will make it quicker, easier and cheaper for residents to build a shed or a farm building without having to deal with unnecessary red tape and delays via a council approval process.
“The current state policy for complying development is difficult to understand and doesn’t take into account the differences between country NSW and metropolitan areas – this new code will change this for the better.
“I encourage residents across the Northern Tablelands to have their say on this proposal during the public consultation period which is currently underway.”
Mr Marshall said a complying development approval took an on average 22 days, while approval for a development application can take up to three times longer.
After the exhibition period closes the Department of Planning & Environment will review all of the submissions received.
Any issues raised or suggestions made in the submissions will be considered before finalising any amendments to the policy.
Submissions can be made until 29 April 2015.
To view the proposal visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/proposals