A while between posts – but we are still operating, despite these strange and difficult times.
Here’s our take on the current situation and how it affects the design and approvals process.
The planning, design, approvals, planning permit and DA processes won’t change – they will remain a constant. So our suggestion to friends, investors and developers alike – keep going, get your ducks in a row, do it now, or soon.
We all know that commencement of the development or planning process is slow and tedious – approvals taking months, not weeks.
If you were about to commence an application, or design – I say continue. Here’s why:
- the approvals process won’t change after this event
- the process is long, difficult and tedious – if the process takes 3 – 4 months, or more. Using this lockdown time is efficient
- the design and approvals process is the least expensive part of the development/investment
- continuing or starting will put cash into the economy, support small businesses
- Councils MAY be a little more helpful/supportive (at least some will), especially as this unfolds over the next short time
- Councils won’t be as busy
- planning permits, DAs etc stay live for long after the approval is issued – so there’s no need to start immediately
- don’t be in the queue when things pick up again later – my guess is that there will be more and longer delays after we get back to “normal”
- for more complex/difficult proposals this time can be used constructively – if approvals take longer with more difficult projects – use this delay time now
- construction costs are likely to be lower when this finishes – yes there may be some supply issues, but contractors will be scrambling for work
This crisis will come to an end. Think strategically, think constructively.
Our operating systems still enable us to work throughout the State, from Melbourne, to regional areas such as Ballarat and Bendigo, as well as Geelong and the Surfcoast.