Development Application processing times on the way down
Wingecarribee Shire Council today released figures showing that its processing times for development applications have fallen 30% to an average of 61 days per development this financial year.
“This is on par with other regional councils with a similar population base,” said Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Lee.
The figure reported is a mean gross which includes time spent with both Council and the developer or applicant. This figure is further reduced to 34 days if calculating time spent in Council’s hands only.
“The figures released earlier this week by the Urban Taskforce relate to only one individual development over $5 million in value. “That development was processed by Council within standard processing times.
It then spent well over a year with the applicant to address issues of stormwater drainage before being returned to us,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s important that when data of this nature is released, the public is given the complete picture so they can make an informed judgment of their own.
“In fact, our average processing time for all development applications received across the Shire has improved from the previous year,” he said.
Data from the 2009/10 financial year released show that Wingecarribee Shire Council determined 827 development applications in a gross average of 61 days. This is an improvement of 27 days over the previous year.
In comparison, neighbouring Councils Wollondilly Shire and Goulburn Mulwaree averaged 77 and 60 days respectively for 862 development applications in Wollondilly and 385 development applications in Goulburn.
“Obviously there is still room for improvement, and this is why Council continues to review its application processes.”
“Council will continue to place a high priority on this area over the next 12 months,” Mr Lee said.
“In the interim, residents and developers can rest assured Council is committed to customer service and will continue to assess appropriate developments sympathetic to the Shire in a timely manner”.