A new plan for developments

Published on 28 June 2021

From 1 July 2021 the NSW State Government will provide a new platform for lodging all planning applications in order to create a simpler, faster and more transparent process.

For any planning approval you will need to use the NSW Planning Portal to submit and monitor your application.

Kempsey Shire Council Development and Compliance Manager, Graham Snow, said the NSW Planning Portal planningportal.nsw.gov.au aims offer the community a one-stop-shop for the development application process.

“The community, industry and Council will have access to a range of digital planning services to assist all those involved in a proposed development including improvements in accessing information and in services to determine approval timeframes.”

“That said, the best time to do all your thinking, planning and checking is before you submit anything. Council still strongly recommends you take advantage of our pre-lodgement services, and also seek the assistance of a professional planning consultant, before you make a submission through the NSW Planning Portal.”

Kempsey Shire Council’s role as the assessing body for developments remains the same, still Council acknowledges that this is a major change in the way in which planning applications are lodged and wishes to assure residents that Council is still here to help.

“While all applications will need to be lodged through the online portal, Council is aware that not all residents will be comfortable with this and our Customer Service team are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have,” said Mr Snow.

Once a planning application has been submitted through the NSW Planning Portal, users are able to view, manage and check the progress of their application through the dashboard. Users will also be notified through email when their application has progressed to key stages of the approval process.

For more information on the NSW Planning Portal, please visit ksc.pub/planningportal