Development Applications made easy

THE Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre (SNRC) is now trained in using the New South Wales Planning Portal and can assist locals in submitting Development Applications (DAs).

Individuals are required to lodge Development Applications under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Luckily, aspiring Upper Hunter developers have a seasoned DA veteran to help them, SNRC manager, Lee Watts.

Ms Watts said anyone who is looking to develop and can’t get their head around the portal or has trouble with the internet can make an appointment with the SNRC to lodge their DA.

“We understand that not everyone can manoeuvre websites and we are aware that the New South Wales Planning Portal can be difficult,” Ms Watts said.

“Help is available for small, individual DAs, such as garages, patios or extensions, because you can’t just put something on your house and not lodge it. Some things are exempt, but then you have to fill out a form to get that exemption,” she said.

“People can book in, come to us and we will give them paperwork for them to fill in, so when they come back to us they’ll have everything ready to lodge on the day and then we’ll help them lodge it online,” she said.

“After you lodge the DA, it will then it go for assessment and Council will look at it. Sometimes more information is required and more paperwork may have to be submitted, so the full application process time varies depending on what the development is,” said Ms Watts.

For assistance call 02 6545 2562 or drop into the office at 130 Liverpool Street, Scone to arrange a suitable time.