Getting your property planning application approved by the council can be a nightmare. In New South Wales alone, councils took an average of 87 days to process a development application in 2015. And even after a long wait, you can’t be guaranteed your development application will be approved.
Sometimes the rejections can seem unreasonable, but if you want to make your next development project more amenable to councils, it’s a good idea to understand how councils favour certain property types over others.
In a recent discussion with proUrban Director Hugh McKenzie, Hugh talked about the complexity of the development market, with trends indicating that councils view office development plans more favourably than residential plans.
Faced with less opposition and promising job opportunities for the community, property developments for office complexes tend to be processed far quicker than other property types. Below, we take a further look at why.
Residential developments tend to face greater opposition
While residential housing demands are high in many council areas, such developments can prove a tricky minefield for developers and councils alike.
Every council has its own urban planning objectives to create a community feel that offers everything residents would need, without disrupting the neighbourhood’s overall character. For this reason, many councils impose height restrictions on buildings and protect green spaces wherever possible.
In particular, proposed high-density, multi-apartment complexes often come under heavy scrutiny by councils.
For example, the Gold Coast City Council rejected plans for a 50-storey, 143-unit beachfront tower. At a proposed 160 metres in height, it would have become the tallest building in the suburb.
It was refused for multiple reasons largely related to the high density of the development and the building’s failure to keep with the character of the area.
Multi-apartment complexes often face extreme opposition by community members who believe that a large multi-storied development would threaten the local aesthetic. For example, in Stonnington Council (Victoria), a proposed housing project application that involved multiple apartment complexes up to 12 storeys high endured 600 community objections.
Office and industrial developments have a leg up
Every council wants to encourage jobs growth and urban growth within their area. Because of this, they’re generally supportive of proposals that will help contribute to the economy of the area.
Often, they’re much more amenable to office and industrial developments and may even be willing to work with developers to help create a viable plan that enhances the character of the area in addition to providing more jobs to the community.
For example, a seven-storey office tower in Kensington, Adelaide was approved despite some local residents opposition. The government considered the development “of economic significance to SA” after it was projected to generate over 450 jobs.
How to improve your chances of getting a proposed development approved
Hugh McKenzie advises that the best way to gain approval for a project is to invest in a solid team from the get-go and work in collaboration with the respective council and community members to reach a common consensus.
If your application is not straightforward, or it doesn’t include all the necessary vital information from the outset, your application approval process may be drawn out considerably.
Check out our recent post for more tips on getting your development application through council hassle-free.
Or if you’re ready to look for your next development opportunity, browse our dedicated online portal for property developments for sale today!
