Planning approval is required before any development or use of land other than for a single house commences. Planning approval must be obtained before a building licence can be issued for construction and before any earthworks are done.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare a sketch plan, drawn to scale, for discussion with Council staff as a first step. This may assist applicants to understand what is required before going to expense of professionally prepared plans.

Planning applications must be made on the appropriate form accompanied by the correct amount of administration fees and plans illustrating the following.

1. Two copies of plans to scale of not less than 1:500 showing -
   • Street names, lot numbers, site dimensions and North point (preferably with plans drawn so the North point is pointing to the top of the sheet);
   • Location and proposed use of any existing buildings which are to be retained, and the location and proposed use of buildings to be erected on the site;
   • Existing and proposed means of access for pedestrian and vehicles to and from the site;
   • Location, number, dimensions and layout of all car parking bays intended to be provided;
   • Location and dimensions of areas proposed for loading and unloading vehicles and the means of access to and from these areas;
   • Location, dimensions and design of proposed landscape, open storage or trade display areas, and particulars of the manner in which it is intended to develop these areas;
   • Location and means of access to refuse bin areas;
   • Contours and details of any earthworks and retaining walls.
2. Two scaled copies of the floor plans and elevations detailing finished floor levels and natural ground levels for all buildings to be erected, altered or retained.
3. Any other plan or information that the Council may require to enable it to determine the application.

Development proposal smay require advertising for public comment. Fees will apply. Statutory time limits are involved, so applications should be made well before approval is required.