Every year heralds change in one form or another and 2017 will be no different. In the coming months, there are a number of significant matters that will need your attention, including changes to the Planning Act.
A New SEQ Regional Plan
Submissions on the State Government’s new regional plan have now closed and on behalf of our clients, we submitted dozens of submissions. Our submissions, and all the other contributions, are now being considered by the State Government. We now need to wait and see how these submissions affect the final SEQRP, due for release in mid 2017. For advice about the prospects for your land under the new Plan please contact Mick Sheppard.
Infill Development – Opportunities
The SEQ Draft Regional Plan has indicated an increased target from 50% to 60% for infill development. This presents new opportunities for property owners in urban locations to redevelop sites with apartments and townhouses to new density allowances. Contact Project Urban for advice about infill opportunities that may be available to you.
Planning Act Changes
It’s out with the old and in with the new, with the new Planning Act commencing on 3 July 2017 (replacing the Sustainable Planning Act 2009). If the number of pages of legislation are any indication (down by half to 313 pages), the new Act has taken a ‘less is more’ approach – less complex and more streamlined.
While the new Planning Act offers a different structure, many elements of the existing system remain. This includes the retention of the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) – albeit dressed in slightly different clothes. Likewise, the terminology of Material Change of Use, Operational Work and Reconfiguration of a Lot remain the same, although there have been some modifications to the definitions.
After a relatively short run in the current legislation, compliance assessment is out, so too are the Queensland Planning Provisions. However, “prohibited development” stays.
Please note these new types of development types:
- Assessable development – a development approval is required; and
- Accepted development – a development approval is not required.
The Planning Regulations are still in draft form, so a lot of the “how” of the new Act is yet to be finalised. Suffice to say, development and planning will go on, and our team at Project Urban will help you to make the transition to the new legislation as smooth as possible. As we come to terms with the details of the new legislation, we will advise you of any likely ramifications.
Please call Project Urban for planning advice on 07 5443 2844 or email info@projecturban.com.au