19 March 2008
Twenty NSW councils wont give you a development approval in the same season you asked for it, according to Aaron Gadiel, CEO of the Urban Taskforce.
This is well over the statutory deadline of 40 days, Mr Gadiel said.
Twenty councils average processing times exceed three months.
It will be well into winter before these councils to approve a simple change to your home lodged today, Mr Gadiel said.
No wonder home renovators dread dealing with local councils.
The property industry is also suffering at the hands of local councils.
Delays and disputes in the development application process are hurting home owners, aspiring home owners and those looking to rent affordable properties.
More matters can be handled by private certifiers without the involvement of council.
Theres no reason why approving a pergola or a minor home extension should take more than seven days.
Applicants for small developments should have quick and easy access to arbitration if a council has not issued a swift approval.
Larger matters should be dealt with by regional planning panels instead of councillors.
These panels would include council representatives.
The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing Australias most prominent property developers and equity financiers.
The NSW development industrys annual turnover is $35 billion and employs 180,000 people, accounting for six percent of the States total employment. It is the fifth largest contributor to the State economy.
