Shoalhaven City Council has been working with the NSW Department of Industry and Planning to review and improve aspects of its Development Application process.
Council has also undertaken the review of its Development Application lodgement process to ensure it aligns with the introduction of the NSW Planning Portal.
From 31 December 2020, the NSW Planning Portal will become to the required way to lodge a Development Application with Shoalhaven City Council.
Council is however encouraging customers to lodge applications via the Planning Portal from 1 December in order to take advantage of the new system.
Shoalhaven City Council, Mayor, Amanda Findley, said, "One of the key aspects of our review has been on the lodgement of Development Applications and other approvals administered by Council, to identify quicker and easier ways for customers to engage with Council."
"Best of all customers can lodge a Development Application using the NSW Planning Portal now, they don't have to wait until December, to take advantage of a faster registration process," said Clr Findley.
"I am confident that all of Council's customers, both from the community and the development industry, will appreciate the accessibility of the portal and the consistency that it adds to the lodgement of a Development Application.
"Council staff have done a lot of work to ensure the overall process has been simplified as much as possible and as a result, the time taken to register a Development Application will be reduced.
"Whilst there is a great deal of Planning information for the Shoalhaven on the Portal, we are mindful that some people may wish to seek information directly from Council or request guidance on how to use the portal. Council staff will remain available to respond to these enquiries".
Director, GJ Gardener, Shoalhaven, Nathan Fay said, "The introduction of the NSW Planning Portal has made the process of submitting a Development Application much quicker. We have found our clients have had a better and faster experience using the new Portal, which helps save time and money in the long run".
The new portal is a major component of Council's overall ePlanning program providing an online environment where the community can access planning services and information from any location at any time of the day.
Council is also undertaking other initiatives including the introduction of an accelerated assessment pathway for dwelling applications, a Development Application review panel has been established to guide complex applications and new software is being introduced to standardise and hasten many aspects of the approvals process.
