FAQ

I would say to any first time developer whether you wish to subdivide or build be prepared for the unexpected. To avoid potential complications, I would strongly recommend using a quality building designer or architect as well as licensed land surveyor who understand Council requirements and policy. Sometimes you need to spend a little extra to ensure you get a quality product that satisfies all Council requirements. Evolve Town Planning can definitely point you in the right direction with regard to engaging suitably qualified sub-consultants.

Other advice to note…if you are planning to build on or near a boundary it is generally a good idea to undertake a boundary re-establishment, so you know exactly what you are working with in terms of land size and dimension from day dot.

The first step is generally to review the Certificate of Title for the land in question to ensure there are no registered covenants which would prevent you from further developing it.

If you are unsure whether planning controls would allow you to subdivide or build units it would be best to contact us and we can further advise you.

Yes.  We can undertake project management to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible.  As with any approval process there can be hiccups along the way, so be prepared.  Evolve Town Planning also has a network of suitably experienced and qualified building designers and licensed land surveyors who can also assist with certain stages of your project.

Approval timeframes  do vary from Council to Council.  I generally recommend that you should allow at least 3 months to receive a permit for straightforward subdivision or development proposals. Timeframes can however be significantly blown out if objections are received against the proposal.

The cost of subdivision depends on a range of factors including the number of proposed lots, availability and location of services such as water, sewage, electricity, gas and drainage.

As you can imagine the location of infrastructure and services vary between properties, and therefore, it is difficult to give an estimate of costs without first investigating the site.  To assist with your project feasibility it is probably a good idea to undertake a Development Cost Estimate which Evolve Town Planning can help you with.

There are 3 main steps before you can receive a new title, they include:

1. Obtain Planning Permit to Subdivide land;
2. Obtain Certified Plan of Subdivision; and
3. Obtain Statement of Compliance.

As already mentioned, it may take up to 3 months to complete Stage 1. Stage 2 is generally completed within about 6 weeks, and Stage 3 largely depends on the availability of sub-contractors to connect services to proposed lots. A ball park estimate is therefore, anywhere from 6-12 months.