The term development applies to a broad range of activities. In some circumstances the approval of Council will be required and in other instances it will not. The information in the following sections is designed to assist you in determining whether your proposal may be exempt development, complying development or whether a development application would be required. It also provides an explanation of the processes involved in the determination of a development application.

Planning and Building Enquiries Council provides an enquiry service for planning and building enquires through the Duty Planner or Building Inspector.

What do I need Approval For Your proposal may be exempt development, complying development or may require submission of a development application. Follow the flow chart to determine what category your development falls into.

Pre-Development Application Services Council’s offers two pre development application services designed to provide professional advice to prospective applicants on development proposals.

Assessment Process for Development Applications A number processes are undertaken between submission and determination of a development application including an initial review, internal and/or external referrals, advertising and/or notification.

Exempt Development Certain forms of low impact development do not need a planning or construction approval where predetermined development standards are met. Exempt development typically covers small scale structures associated with a dwelling including pergolas, fences and rainwater tanks.

Complying Development Complying Development relates to specific development types that have been identified as having minimal environmental impact and meet pre determined development standards.

Information Required to Lodge a Development Application A variety of documentation is required to accompany a development application to assist Council to determine a proposal. A matrix has been prepared to guide you about the information required for particular development proposals.

Development Application Fees and Charges The fees and charges applicable to Development Applications, Construction Certificates and other Council approvals are outlined in Annexure A of the Tamworth Regional Council Management Plan.

Development Forms Tamworth Regional Council has a series of application forms online that may be printed out to help you prepare your application. Hardcopies of our application forms are also available at our branch offices.

Development Industry Newsletters The Development Industry Newsletters feature a range of articles designed to raise awareness on local development and construction matters and keep the development industry informed of the changing legislative requirements.

Development Industry Forums Development Industry Forums are held each year to facilitate open discussion between the development industry and Council. A variety of presentations on development, construction and the changing legislation are made during the Forum.

Engineering Design Guidelines for Subdivisions and Developments Council’s Engineering Design Guidelines for Subdivisions and Developments identify the requirements for construction of public infrastructure associated with subdivision and development.

Development Control Plans (DCPs) Development Control Plans provide specific, more comprehensive guidelines for certain types of development, or area specific requirements for localities within the Tamworth Regional Council Local Government Area.

How do I Modify my Development Consent A development consent may be modified under section 96 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 where it is demonstrated that the modification is substantially the same as the approved development.

How do I seek a Review of Determination If you are unhappy with the determination of your development application, you may request that Council review the determination under section 82A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

If I Disagree with my Notice of Determination If you disagree with the determination of your development application, you may consider a review of determination, a modification to your development consent or an appeal to the Land and Environment Court.

How do I make a Submission about a Development Application Any person who feels their property or neighbourhood may be adversely affected by a proposed development may make a written submission in response to a development application.

Development Fact Sheets Council Development Fact Sheets aim to provide answers to many frequently asked questions about development in the Tamworth Regional Council Local Government Area.