SMH Sat 21-10-23Local councils are taking up to nine and a half months to assess development applications, blowing out times for renovations and small residential builds.The housing industry says the delays are increasing building and labour costs, adding unnecessary levels of red tape and putting further pressure on a market that is already failing to meet targets.Data from the state government shows that NSW councils are taking an average of 111 days to determine DAs since July, compared to 107 days in 2022-23 and 83 days in 2021-22.Many Sydney councils take far longer to assess the DAs for home building and renovations, with Liverpool taking an average of 280 days to scrutinise building plans in 2022-23, followed by Sutherland Shire at 215 days, Hunters Hill at 212 and Georges River at 201 days.The blowout in wait times for DAs occurred despite the number of building plans submitted to NSW councils falling from 81,158 in 2021-22 to 64,980 in 2022-23.A Planning Department spokeswoman said the data showed local councils need to improve their performance in the processing of DAs.“The Department is looking at a range of measures to deliver more homes,” she said.

After being elected deputy mayor of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Fiona Macnaught has pledged to continue working hard for the community.She said she was humbled by the honour bestowed on her by …

The sights, delights and pulsating rhythms of South Asia explode in the Macquarie Mall this weekend as the spectacular Starry Sari Nights returns for another crowd-pleasing celebration.Starry Sari Nig…

Liverpool’s spectacular Starry Sari Nights pageant is returning to again delight big crowds in Macquarie Mall with its colour and culture.Starry Sari Nights is the festival that brings India to Liverp…

Liverpool’s spectacular Starry Sari Nights pageant is returning to again delight big crowds in Macquarie Mall with its colour and culture.Starry Sari Nights is the festival that brings India to Liverp…

Everything’s coming up roses – and any other plant you care to name – in this year’s Liverpool City Council’s garden competition.Building on the momentum of last year successes, this year’s competitio…

Everything’s coming up roses – and any other plant you care to name – in this year’s Liverpool City Council’s garden competition.Building on the momentum of last year successes, this year’s competitio…

Get ready to stay up late in Liverpool with an exciting range of free after-dark fun and entertainment heading to Casula Powerhouse from September 2023 to February 2024.

Get ready to stay up late in Liverpool with an exciting range of free after-dark fun and entertainment heading to Casula Powerhouse from September 2023 to February 2024.