What is a Pre-Application Discussion?
A Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) is:
- An opportunity to seek input from council staff about your proposal before preparing detailed plans.
- An optional process initiated by the applicant.
- Not designed to solve technical problems
- Not recommended for alterations and additions to a dwelling, or for the construction of a new single dwelling house. Experience shows that making enquiries through our Duty Officers can generally answer any concerns you may have regarding this type of development
Why have a Pre-Application Discussion?
- It ensures you are aware of the relevant standards and policies against which your proposal will be assessed.
- It is a formal process that is documented. You will be provided with a copy of this documentation.
- If you proceed with an application, council staff will refer to the PAD as part of the application process.
- As only one modification to a development application is allowed before determination, a PAD is a valuable information-sharing opportunity between council staff and the applicant.
Note: the quality of information you receive from the PAD depends on the amount and quality of information that you are able to provide about your development.
What can I expect from a Pre-Application Discussion?
A pre application discussion gives you:
- Knowledge about the information, plans, drawings or technical reports that you need to lodge with your development application.
- An understanding of the permissibility of your proposal and the relevant development standards, controls and policies.
- An understanding of issues that might cause delay, need further consideration, have some sensitivity or cause concern among councilors or in the community.
- A meeting with at least two assessment staff or a team of planning professionals, depending on the proposal and the information provided with the PAD application.
- A meeting date arranged within seven to 14 days after PAD lodgement
- Correspondence outlining the description of site and proposal discussed, details of standards, plans, policies, codes or other planning instruments considered during the PAD, as well as an outline of any issues or concerns raised by the proposal and an outline of a course of action needed to be taken by the applicant.
Note: Attending a PAD and addressing concerns and comments made during the discussion does not imply that the development will gain council consent. The views of the community, councillors, internal specialists and other government authorities are not able to be taken into account in the PAD process.
What do I supply at a Pre-Application discussion?
It is important to be prepared for your PAD. You will need to supply the following information:
- An outline of what is being proposed. Concept plans and basic development envelopes will help council staff to give an informed opinion at the meeting.
- General information covering what you hope to achieve on the site and how you propose to address any likely impacts on the local area.
- Details about the site, including photos, as well as information on existing natural features (trees, rock, outcrops, watercourses), built features (buildings, easements, utility services) and adjoining development. This includes Information such as boundary dimensions, the slope of the land and a north point.
- Owners' consent to apply for a PAD (all owners to sign the application form).
How much does it cost?
As of 1 July 2011, the following fees apply for the lodgement of a pre application discussion:
| Dwellings (50 or more dwellings) or other development with a cost of work exceeding $7 million |
$1670 |
| Dwellings (15 to 49 dwellings) or other development with a cost of work between $2 million and $7million |
$890 |
| Dwellings (3 to 14 dwellings) or other development with a cost of work not exceeding $2 million |
$410 |
| Dwellings (up to 2) |
$110 |
| Land Title Search fee |
$46 per lot |
Arranging a Pre-Application Discussion
First, ensure that a PAD is necessary by speaking to a duty officer over the phone on 9710 0333, or in person at 4 Eton Street, Sutherland, NSW. Generally, single dwelling developments will not need a PAD.
Mail a completed application form with a cheque made payable to Sutherland Shire Council. Or submit in person at the Customer Service Centre 4 Eton Street, Sutherland.
Pre-application Discussion Form
The PAD will be allocated to an assessment team staff member who will call you to arrange a time.
Architectural Review Advisory Panel Pre-application Discussion
The Architectural Review Advisory Panel (ARAP), provide a PAD service for larger developments that would normally need to be refered to ARAP during the assessment period. Attendance at a pre application discussion allows an applicant to present concept drawings and a brief outline of the proposal to the panel before preparing detailed plans. If the panel has fundamental concerns about site planning or the design concept, these can be addressed before detailed plans are prepared.
After the panel considers a pre development application proposal, it will give the applicant a copy of its recommendations, including any design changes that are needed to improve the proposal's quality. Note, a charge applies for this service as per the Schedule of Fees and Charges.
Apply for a ARAP Pre DA Discussion
Contact Details
Duty Officer
Customer Service Centre
Ph 9710 0333