mid-sized development in the 5-50 dwelling range. I also note that projects at this scale tend to cost more per dwelling to construct than a larger one (to a point, so can be harder to stack up) .
What they get wrong is suggesting that the data doesn’t support the planning system has gotten slower. ❌
The error? Focusing exclusively on the planning permit itself as the data point.
Planning permits generally take about the same time to process, on balance, because in most cases the developer will just push the button for failure to determine and go to VCAT. Particulary in standard residential #planning zones.
They haven’t considered all the other elements that make up “planning” which aren’t time limited statutory process with immediate right to go to an umpire, e.g.: ➡️Rezoning – no timeframes, no appeal process ➡️Endorsed plans – no limits on how long to approve from Councils ➡️Functional layout plans and engineering approvals (for subdivisions) – no time limits from Councils ➡️Ever-growing list of agency referrals (like Fire Rescue Victoria) ➡️Sevice authority offers – no enforced time limits or coordination (looking at you, Melbourne Water ) ➡️Cultural Heritage Management Plan approvals and associated works which are prerequisites to permits being issued (and planning clock doesn’t start prior) ➡️Getting through the growing requirements of the building permit stage (Building and Plumbing Commission ) ➡️Post-completion compliance processes from Councils and authorities before issue of Statement of Compliance ➡️Title issue – only projects with 10+ new lots issued get priority
etc.
So when we talk about delays and time costing money, its the combination of all these things that is sending #development projects to the wall.
🤔There is no substitute to speaking to the actual practitioners (us) that deal with these issues on a daily basis to understand the extent of the problem.