11 Oct, 2017

Reduced Red Tape Leads To Faster Planning Approvals

A concerted effort by the City of Adelaide to improve its customer service has resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in the time taken to process planning approvals.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese has welcomed confirmation that the average decision times for planning applications submitted to Council’s Development Assessment Panel fell from 80 days in 2015-16 to just 60 days in 2016-17.

The Lord Mayor said this was the fastest average processing time for Council approvals in over a decade and reflected the administration’s drive to become a less bureaucratic and more business-friendly organisation.

“To further streamline the application process for customers, the City of Adelaide is currently implementing a new ePlanning system that is due to begin operating from 1 January 2018.

“This new system will provide a simplified and intuitive online lodgement service, as well as readily accessible information specific to individual properties.”

As part of the reform of the State’s planning system, Development Assessment Panels have been replaced by Council Assessment Panels. The make-up of the new Adelaide Council Assessment Panel (CAP) has been confirmed.

The previous Development Assessment Panel had comprised five independent members and four Council Elected Members. The new CAP is made up primarily of members with relevant professional qualifications and experience.

Following a public call for nominations in June, the following members have been appointed for a two-year term, effective from 1 October:

• Mr John Hodgson (Presiding Member)
• Mr Mads Gaardboe
• Mr Heath Edwards
• Mr Ross Bateup
• Councillor Anne Moran

Paula Stevens