Introduction of online Planning Portal to cut down on DA assessment delays

From 30 November, the NSW Planning Portal will become the required way to electronically lodge a DA with Yass Valley Council. Paper based applications will still be accepted via Customer Service until 1 February 2021. From this date, however, all applications can only be lodged via the online Planning Portal.

Taking the process online will provide the community consistency and convenience with a ‘one stop shop’ that will be available anywhere and in real time, improving assessment times and providing transparency every step of the way. Applicants will receive notifications during the assessment process to keep them in the loop from start to finish.

“Once registered, users can view, manage, track and progress applications online via their user dashboard,” said Council’s Director Planning & Environment, Julie Rogers.

“Previously, hard copies would need to be submitted through Customer Service, uploaded to the internal system, registered, and then allocated to an officer.

“The Planning Portal will streamline the front end of the system and put the customer at the centre of the DA process by eliminating the need for paperwork. This will mean the assessing officer will get the documentation faster and Council will be able to electronically send the information to external agencies to speed up the process.”

The following applications can be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal: Development Applications, Consent Modification Applications, Complying Development Applications, Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates.

Mayor Rowena Abbey said the online portal will reinforce Council’s commitment to reduce development application assessment times.

“Through an accelerated uptake of the Planning Portal and the employment of additional assessment staff, Council hopes to achieve a significant improvement in timeframes with a target of reducing the gross median assessment times by 10 per cent (58 days) by December 2020 and 15 per cent (55 days) by June 2021.”

As of 1 February 2021, all of the above applications must be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal. To make this transition as smooth as possible, please refer to Council’s website or the NSW Planning Portal 

Council understands that some users will need assistance and/or access to computers to enable them to electronically lodge their development applications. For more information on how to do this or for assistance, please contact Council’s Planning & Environment Team on 6226 1477.