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Preliminary Assessment and Preparation of a Development Application

Before you undertake any construction, make any changes to a building or occupy a premises, you may need to submit a Development Application.

Development is a complex issue, regardless of the size or location of a development. Council recommends seeking assistance from professional consultants when preparing your development application. You should also discuss your proposal with an officer from Council's Planning & Building Division prior to submitting the application to Council.

It is essential that you check the zoning of your property, what development is permitted on your property and what matters must be considered as part of a development application, before you spend the time, effort and money required in preparing a Development Application.

Zoning and Planning Controls

You can confirm the zoning of your property by purchasing a Planning Certificate (Section 149 Certificate). The zoning of your land is determined by provisions of a Local Environmental Plan. This Plan is Council's primary Planning Control will also provide guidance on what development is prohibited or permitted on your land.

A Planning Certificate will also detail which other Planning Controls apply to your property. Planning Controls need to be considered in preparing your Development Application as they guide the design of the building and other related issues. 

What is a Preliminary Assessment?

A Preliminary Assessment  is an informal meeting between the landowner/developer and officers from Council which allows for open discussion about a proposal and any potential issues the landowner/developer may need to address within a development application. The meeting is held in Council's Forster office and representatives from planning, building, engineering, environmental health attend the meeting to provide this preliminary advice and assistance.

A Preliminary Assessment is generally recommended for any proposal over and above a single dwelling e.g. multiple dwellings, tall buildings, commercial, industrial and subdivision applications.  A Preliminary Assessment can be undertaken with Council's Development Assessment Panel (DAP) on any Tuesday morning at the Forster Office. Council will require you to have draft plans of the development available in order to provide constructive advice on your proposal.

To arrange a Preliminary Assessment with DAP please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on (02) 6591 7222 and ask to speak to the Manager of Development Assessment, you will need to provide the property details when making this appointment.

It should be noted that any advice provided by DAP is preliminary in nature does not represent an exhaustive list of the issues which may arise during a more detailed assessment of a complete Development Application.

If you are unable to attend a meeting with Council officers, a Preliminary Assessment Application form also available from Council's Customer Service Officers which can be mailed or faxed upon request. A nominal fee is charged upon lodgement of a Preliminary Assessment Application as formal written advice is provided in response to the Application.

Council Officers 

Planning & Building Officers

A Planning or Building Officer should be contacted for more detailed advice on the preparation and assessment of a Development Application. Officers are generally available between 8.30am and 10.00am weekdays or by appointment. To make an appointment, contact the Customer Service Centre on (02) 6591 7222.

Engineering Development Officers

If your development is likely to involve engineering issues such as road and drainage construction, officers within Council's Engineering Services Division are available for consultation over the telephone or in person upon appointment, for advice on what Council may require.To contact Council's Engineering Services Division contact the Customer Service Centre on (02) 6591 7222.

Customer Service Centre Officers

Customer Service Centre Officers are able to provide general advice on the processes, fees and administrative aspects of a Development Application. These Officers may be contacted by phone 02 6591 7222 or visit us at our district offices: Breese Parade Forster; Myall Drive Tea Gardens; and The Bucketts Way Stroud. The Forster and Tea Gardens offices are open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) and the Stroud Office is open from 8.30am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

Contact details
Customer Service Officer
02 6591 7222 (ph)
02 6591 7200 (fax)
council@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au

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