When Do I Need a Town Planner?

In principle, whenever you are undertaking any type of property development in South East Queensland, you should run the project past a town planner.

In principle, whenever you are undertaking any type of property development in South East Queensland, you should run the project past a town planner. In some instances, a competent building certifier will be able to aid you in determining if a town planner needs to be involved. However, there is still the risk the certifier could be incorrect or not up to speed with the latest City Plan requirements.At Align, we have seen numerous occasions where someone has undertaken a development or fit-out without realising they require a development approval. This can cause significant stress and costs to the owner as they have to go through the approval process retrospectively. In South East Queensland, there are several instances where you may need a town planner. Some of the situations where you will need a town planner are as follows:

Development Applications

If you are planning to develop a property, you will need to submit a development application (DA) to your local council. A town planner can help you prepare your DA, ensuring that it complies with the local planning scheme and other relevant legislation. The most common type of Development Application is a Material Change of Use. As the name suggests, a Material Change of Use is when the approved land use at a property is changed; for example, a property with a single house changes to three houses (which is defined as Multiple Dwellings). Land uses are very specific throughout South East Queensland. For example, just because you are running a warehouse use from a factory doesn’t mean you can start running a mechanics from the same building. You will require a new development approval.

Subdivision

Subdivision is the process of dividing a larger property into smaller lots, typically for the purpose of sale or development. It can be a complex process, involving a range of technical and regulatory issues. A town planner can help you navigate these challenges, providing guidance on issues such as lot size, road access, and drainage. They can also assist with the preparation and lodgement of subdivision applications. A subdivision is referred to as Reconfiguring a Lot within Queensland, and a development application is always required.

Pre-Purchase Due Diligence

Buying a property will be the largest financial decision of most people’s lives, so you want to make the right decision. Whether you are buying a property for development or not, it is critical to have a town planner review the property. A town planner will be able to inform you about critical issues, including flooding, easements, bushfire risk, heritage protection, etc. A 60-minute review by a town planner could save a purchaser from making the largest financial mistake of their lives. A town planner can source any existing development approvals or building plans that may be in place at a property. This is critical for business owners in particular who may be purchasing an industrial unit for a certain purpose, but the unit may be approved for something different. Additionally, an extension may have been undertaken, but it may not have the necessary approvals in place.

Show Cause Notice

A show cause notice is issued by the local Council when they determine the necessary development/building approval is not in place to operate the land use. Local councils employ compliance officers who are responsible for investigating any situations where the necessary approval may not be in place. In terms of town planning, this predominantly relates to Material Change of Use approvals or non-approved extensions. Many small business owners, in particular, are not aware of the town planning requirements when they move into a new building or the like. A Town Planner will be able to help you respond to the show cause notice and get the necessary approvals in place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many situations where you may need a town planner in South East Queensland. Whether you are developing a property, subdividing land, or looking to purchase a new property, a town planner can provide valuable advice and assistance throughout the planning process. They can help you navigate complex regulations, ensure compliance with relevant legislation, and develop strategies that meet the needs of the local Council.

Do you think you may need a town planner? Contact Align Planning today for an obligation free discussion.

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When Do I Need a Town Planner?