20/06/2012
1. Survey the territory
Gather together all the information that affects the property. Check the certificate of title, verify what the zoning is for your property and obtain any information your local council has regarding development within that zone. Research past development sales in the area and find out what your proposed development is likely to fetch in the future.
2. Gather the troops
Seek professional help and assemble a team to help you. Depending on the property, you may require a conveyance, property lawyer, building designer, architect, surveyor, urban planner and an engineer.
3. Form a plan
Have a team meeting with your professional help and discuss any issues that are raised regarding the development of the site. Take your preliminary plans to your local council for a pre-lodgement meeting and discuss your proposal with the council’s urban planner to confirm that it meets the planning policies and guidelines.
4. Execute the attack
Meet with your professional team again to discuss any changes that have to be made. When everybody is clear on what needs to be done, lodge your development application.
5. Follow through to reap the rewards
Keep track of your development application once it’s been lodged. The time taken to approve these varies between different states and different councils.
