One of the most simple ways to avoid delays in getting a Development Application approved is providing the Council all of the information they require up-front.
Substantial time can be wasted when all the information required is not provided. The time can be wasted through the Council rejecting the application up-front (meaning it will be sent back to you if lodged in the post or you will be turned away at the front counter if lodging in person). The Council may also initially accept your application and then write to you requesting the information later.
Fortunately, most Councils today have checklists which are attached to their application forms, meaning it is relatively simple to identify all of the information required. The checklists will normally tell you what type of documents are required and how many copies are required.
It makes sense to provide all of the information required on Council checklists, as the time taken providing it is often far less than the time that can be spent arguing with Council over whether the information should be required or not. Ultimately the Council has the power to decide what information is required to assess your application.
For large and complex developments, it often pays to discuss with Council what type of information they require before lodging, as more types of specialist reports will often be required, that do not appear on standard checklists.
Ultimately, giving Council all of the information they require will help both you and Council complete your job as easily as possible.
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