Streamlined process for planning applications

Approval times for some simple development applications will be reduced with changes made to streamline the planning approval process.

Under the changes Wagga Wagga City Council staff will now be able to determine Development Applications (DAs) for developments that have a numerical variation of ten per cent or more, for example extending a shed by more than ten per cent.

Manager City Strategy Tristan Kell says some developments will still be reported to Council for consideration.

“These include any multi-dwelling developments or any DA that receives ten or more submissions,” he said.

“In addition if one or more submissions are received for DAs that have a numerical variation of ten per cent or more, the DA will still be reported to Council for consideration.

“The changes provide more confidence and consistency with Council’s planning process for straight forward development applications.”

The Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, says the changes are a win for homeowners and industry.

“This new process will cut the processing time for simple DAs such as sheds, car ports and residential extensions by 30 to 40 days, while still ensuring significant or contentious DAs are considered by the elected body of Council,” he said.

“These shorter approval timeframes and reduced red tape will increase confidence within the local construction industry, which has positive flow on effects for the local economy.”