The 3rd Stage of Development Management
After you are satisfied with your Due Diligence process and identified and mitigated risks, the next stage is to seek Development Approval from all relevant authorities.
Design development
This stage brings together the architectural design in a format that provides sufficient detail to achieve Town Planning Approval from the local council, as well as Referral Agencies such as Environment, Main Roads, Heritage etc.
What is often not completed at this stage is a design review by the Civil Engineer which includes infrastructure capacity, soil types and buildability issues. Most of the time this is not completed because the developer wants to save some costs. This is a short sighted high risk approach and should be avoided.
Infrastructure capacity assessment
It is critical to have your engineer not only assess the development site but they must also assess the capacity of the external infrastructure servicing the site including sewer, water, stormwater and power. It’s no good if you find out after you have gone unconditional, that you need to upgrade the sewer and build a new sewer pump station just to service your development. Infrastructure capacity is a major risk element that must be addressed early.
Planning Analysis and Approval
Engage with a trusted Town Planning consultant who has strong relationships with decision makers in council and who can take your development concept and frame the application wording in such a way that it meets all the criteria of all the approval authorities. They can also negotiate conditions that are better tailored towards your projects and its’ expected outcomes.
