Development One Stop Shop
Pre-application Meetings with Planners
Pre-application Meetings with Planners
Pre-application Meetings with Planners provide prospective applicants with the opportunity to meet with a Development Assessment Services (DAS) Planner to discuss upcoming development proposals and receive comprehensive feedback in relation to the requirements of the NT Planning Scheme, the Planning Act and the procedures and processes that will apply to their forthcoming application.
The identification of critical issues and a full understanding of the requirements of the NT Planning Scheme and development assessment process will enable applicants to prepare targeted and specific documentation to include in their development application. This will facilitate a more streamlined assessment by reducing the potential for delays due to inadequate information.
Briefings are confidential and one hour appointments are available most business days with the exception of lodgement cut off days and DCA meeting days. Appointments are available at the offices of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
There is no limit to the number of times that you may book an appointment to discuss your proposal with a Planner however it is preferable to meet with the same Planner to ensure the advice provided continues to build on previous meetings. If you have had a previous meeting with a Planner on the proposal you should identify this when making any subsequent appointment.
Large scale proposals may benefit from multiple appointments as the design of the development proposal progresses.
Meeting with a Planner is not a substitute for individual consultation with agencies on the specific details of your application that might require upfront negotiation or detailed technical knowledge. A detailed assessment of technical or design aspects of your proposal will occur during the formal assessment process established by the Planning Act after you have lodged your development application.
The Planner can provide advice only and these meetings are not a substitute for engaging qualified consultants to assist you with your proposal.
What information do I need to provide and when do I provide it?
The decision on what, if anything, to provide to the Planner prior to the appointment rests with you and will depend on where you are in the development and design phase of your proposal and the type of information you wish to receive.
Appointments can be booked up to two months in advance and up to two days prior to your selected appointment time.
If you wish to submit documentation prior, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is delivered to DAS by close of business two days before your appointment (i.e. if your appointment is for Friday 20 January any documentation should be submitted by Wednesday 18 January). This will ensure that the Planner has adequate opportunity to review it and identify any potential issues.
Documentation can be submitted:
- Electronically in PDF format if the file size is no greater than 5MB and emailed to das.dpi@nt.gov.au; or
- On CD ROM or Memory Stick (all documentation must be in PDF format) or In hard copy and delivered to the relevant DAS Office:
* Darwin - Ground Floor, Cavenagh House, 38 Cavenagh Street, Darwin;
* Katherine - First Floor, Katherine Government Centre, 5 First Street, Katherine;
* Alice Springs - First Floor, Alice Plaza, Cnr Todd Mall and Parsons Street, Alice Springs
When submitting documentation you should include your name, contact information and the date and time of your appointment.
Book for Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs
Assistance with preparation of a Development Application
This appointment is designed to specifically assist prospective applicants who have not prepared a development application before. You will meet with a Planner who can advise you on completing the application form, preparing a Statement of Effect that correctly addresses the requirements of the Planning Act and the NT Planning Scheme and identify the types of plans and drawings that you will need to submit to enable proper assessment of your proposal. Additionally the Planner will be able to provide you with information on the fees payable and the processes and timeframes involved in the development assessment process.
One hour appointments can be booked up to two months in advance and up to two business days prior to your selected time. Appointments are available most business days with the exception of lodgement cut off days and DCA meeting days. Appointments are available at the offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
Book for Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs
Lodgement of a New Application
This appointment is for applicants who wish to lodge a new development or subdivision application or other type of application required by the Planning Act.
The DCA publishes lodgement cut off days for each of its scheduled meetings throughout the year. Lodgement of an application by the cut off date secures a place for that application to be considered at the relevant DCA meeting. In some cases issues may arise during the exhibition and assessment phase that can result in the need for additional information which may delay consideration. It is therefore recommended that applications be lodged as soon as they are ready rather than waiting for a cut off date.
Half hour appointments can be booked up to two months in advance and up to one hour prior to your selected time on an advertised lodgement cut-off day (subject to availability). It is recommended that applicants make their appointment in advance of the cut off day as demand can be high. This meeting type is prioritised on the lodgement cut off days to ensure applicants are able to achieve the established lodgement deadline.
You can also lodge a new application through one hour appointments (booked up to two months in advance and up to two business days prior to your selected time). Appointments are available most business days at the offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
If you are a new applicant and would like detailed information from a Planner on the development assessment process at the time of lodging it is recommended you book a one hour appointment that does not fall on a cut off day.
If lodging a new subdivision or development application you should bring all the information required for lodgement including 10 copies of each of the application form, the Statement of Effect and the plans and if you are not the owner a copy of the owner’s authorisation (if the applicant is not the land owner). For subdivision applications where existing buildings are on the land evidence demonstrating ongoing compliance of those buildings with the Building Act is also required.
If you are lodging an application that is not a new development or subdivision application it is also recommended that you book an appointment that does not fall on a cut off day. The documentation required for lodgement is detailed on the relevant application form.
The relevant fee is also payable upon lodgement of an application by cash (including direct debit), cheque or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Bankcard only). For copies of the application forms and details of the fees that will be payable please visit:www.nt.gov.au/planning/fees/ or telephone 8999 6046
Book for Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs
Enquire about your Existing Development Permit
If you already have a development/subdivision permit, this appointment will enable you to discuss with a Planner any conditions that are included on the permit and how to meet them, the processes involved in making changes to the approved development or subdivision, extending the period of the permit and achieving compliance with your permit.
One hour appointments can be booked up to two months in advance and up to two business days prior to your selected time. Appointments are available most business days with the exception of lodgement cut off days and DCA meeting days. Appointments are available at the offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
Book for Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs
Enquire about a current Development Application (on exhibition)
This appointment will enable interested members of the public to talk with a Planner about a specific development application that is currently on public exhibition. The Planner will be able to provide information on the nature of the application and the development assessment process that the application is subject to.
Advice on how to make a submission in relation to a proposal can also be provided. Please note that submissions must be lodged in writing by the advertised closing day of the exhibition period and discussions at this appointment do not constitute a submission.
One hour appointments can be booked up to two weeks in advance and up to two business days prior to your selected time. Appointments are available most business days at the offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
Book for Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs
Enquire about a Rezoning Proposal
This appointment will enable:
- Prospective applicants to talk with a Planner about changing the existing zoning of their property. Advice can be provided on options and the assessment process and timeframes associated with rezoning applications. You should bring any drawings or documents to this appointment that you think might assist the Planner in providing you with accurate information.
- Interested members of the public to talk with a Planner about a specific rezoning proposal that is currently on public exhibition. The Planner will be able to provide information on the nature of the application and the assessment process for the application as well as advice on how to make a submission. Please note that submissions must be lodged in writing by the advertised closing day of the exhibition period and discussions at this appointment do not constitute a submission.
One hour appointments can be booked up to two months in advance and up to two business days prior to your selected time. Appointments are available most business days at the offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
Book for Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs
Appointments for any of the above Planner Services can also be booked online, or by phoning 8999 6046.
If you require detailed information on the policies and requirements of relevant agencies that will be involved in the assessment of your development proposal you should consider making an appointment for the Pre-application Planning Forum
Once your appointment has been booked, a Planner with skills and experience in the nature of your enquiry will be identified for your appointment. Other planning staff may also attend to assist or gain experience in pre-application meeting services.
You may invite others to the meeting such as a consultant or other representatives.
Once you have lodged your application the assessment process commences. Development Assessment Services will review your application and arrange for the necessary notifications and newspaper advertisement and refer your application to the relevant services authorities and to the local Council. An individual Planner is then assigned to “case manage” your application.
You will be contacted within a few days of making your application by the Planner assigned to guide it through the assessment process.
The Planner assigned to your application will provide you with copies of all correspondence received from service authorities, the local Council and any person who has made a submission about your application together with a technical assessment of your proposal before any decision is made. This gives you the opportunity to address any matters you consider necessary that may have a bearing on the outcome of your application.
Remember the Planner assigned to your application is available to discuss any aspect of your application as it proceeds through the assessment process so if you have a question talk to the Planner.
Consultation with the Community
Applications for some types of developments are required to be advertised either by notification to your neighbours or by an advertisement in the newspaper and the placement of a sign on the proposed development site. Other people have the opportunity to make a submission about your proposed development that the Development Consent Authority must consider in making its decision on your application. Under some circumstances a person who makes a submission may have a right to appeal the outcome by making an appeal to the Lands, Planning and Mining Tribunal.
It is in your interest to consider consulting with members of the community most likely to be affected by your development proposal before making your application. For example, are your neighbours likely to be interested in what you are proposing? Is there a resident group active within the local area? Are any other community organisations likely to have an interest?
Other than for any formal advertisement or notification required under the Planning Act the decision about who to specifically consult within the community is for you to make.