Online lodgement of Development Applications now mandated
Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding customers of changes to how Development Applications are submitted following the mandatory introduction of the online NSW Planning Portal.
Council’s Group Manager Planning, Development and Regulatory Services, Nick Wilton said the rollout of the new electronic lodgement service had been several years in the making.
“Back in late 2019 the Premier of NSW announced that ePlanning Digital Services would become mandatory for certain councils starting in 2020,” he said. “These councils generally included larger metropolitan and regional councils.”
“The remaining 80 regional councils, including Wingecarribee Shire Council, were subsequently required to commence using the ePlanning Digital Services beginning 1 January 2021.
“While we’ve actually provided the service as an option for the last six months, it’s now compulsory that all development applications are submitted using this online tool.”
The implementation of the Premier’s mandate required amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
These amendments make the use of the electronic portal mandatory for the lodgement of certain applications including development applications (DA’s) and modifications, applications for complying development certificates (CDC’s) and for certificates under Part 6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
Mr Wilton said the new ePlanning service allowed customers to lodge DA’s online from anywhere and at any time without the need to come into Council or use more traditional methods such as post or email.
“The introduction of this online service is a further step towards digitally transforming the NSW planning system,” he said.
“The aim of this online portal is to reduce application processing times, simplify the planning process and provide customers with greater transparency and assurance.”
Mr Wilton said the introduction of the digital platform would enable Council to launch numerous additional online customer service improvements throughout the year.
For more information on the NSW Planning Portal including how to submit an online development application, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/development.
“Should customers have any questions regarding electronic lodgements of any applications, they can contact Council’s Planning Development and Regulatory Services Group on phone 4868 0888.”