What Is Development Approval?
Development approval is formal planning permission required before certain types of development can proceed.
In Western Australia, development approval may be required for projects such as new buildings, grouped dwellings, apartments, commercial developments or changes in land use.
Obtaining development approval ensures that a proposal complies with the relevant planning scheme, policies and development standards that apply to the land.
Understanding whether development approval is required is often the first step when planning a development project.
Do I need Development Approval?
Development approval is not required for every project. Some forms of development may be exempt where they comply with the relevant planning scheme and development standards.
However, approval is commonly required where a proposal involves:
- construction of new buildings
- additions or modifications to existing buildings
- grouped dwellings or multiple dwellings
- changes to land use
- evelopments that vary from planning standards
Because planning requirements vary between local governments, it is often beneficial to obtain planning advice before progressing with design or construction.
Who Approves Development Applications?
Development applications in Western Australia are generally determined by the local government responsible for the area in which the land is located.
However, depending on the scale and value of a proposal, development applications may also be assessed by other planning authorities such as the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) or the State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU).
Each authority assesses proposals against the relevant planning framework before determining whether approval should be granted.
Project: Palmyra Apartments
The Development Approval Process
The development approval process typically involves several key steps.
- Preliminary planning review – understanding the planning controls that apply to the site.
- Preparation of development plans – preparing drawings and supporting documentation.
- Submission of a development application to the relevant authority.
- Assessment of the application, which may include referrals to other agencies.
- Determination of the application, which may result in approval, conditional approval or refusal.
The timeframe for assessment varies depending on the complexity of the proposal and the applicable planning framework.
Development applications may be determined by different planning authorities depending on the estimated value of the development.
In general terms:
• Under $2 million – determined by the Local Government
• $2 million to $10 million – determined by either the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) or the Local Government (applicant’s choice)
• $10 million to $20 million – determined by the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP)
• Over $20 million – determined by the State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU) or JDAP (applicant’s choice)
These pathways form part of the Western Australian planning system and ensure that development proposals are assessed by the appropriate decision-making authority.
The diagram below provides a simplified overview of how development value influences the planning authority responsible for determining an application.
Development Approval Process Flowcharts
Understanding the development approval process can be complex, particularly where different approval pathways may apply.
The flowcharts below provide a simplified overview of the various development assessment pathways in Western Australia, including Development Assessment Panels and the State Administrative Tribunal review process.
Download the flowcharts below for a visual explanation of how the development approval process typically works.
How Long Does the Development Application Process Take?
The time required to determine a development application can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the proposal, as well as the authority responsible for assessing the application.
In many cases, development applications are determined within 60 to 90 days after lodgement. This timeframe may vary depending on whether public advertising or referrals to other agencies are required as part of the assessment process.
In practice, assessment timeframes may sometimes extend beyond the statutory period, particularly where additional information or design changes are requested during the assessment.
Understanding the planning assessment process and the applicable timeframes can help ensure applications progress efficiently. Rowe Group regularly assists clients in managing development applications and navigating the approval process to help keep projects moving forward.
Project: Karrinyup Shopping Centre
How Rowe Group Can Assist
Rowe Group has extensive experience managing development approval processes across Western Australia.
Our team can assist by:
- reviewing planning controls that apply to a property
- advising on development potential and planning constraints
- preparing and lodging development applications
- coordinating with architects and technical consultants
- liaising with local government and referral agencies
- responding to planning issues during the assessment process
Rowe Group regularly assists clients in navigating complex planning frameworks to achieve successful development outcomes.
Who Can I Contact for Advice?
Planning requirements can vary depending on the location and nature of a development proposal.
Understanding the planning framework that applies to a site is often the first step when progressing a project.
If you would like advice on development approval requirements or would like to discuss a potential development, please contact our office or complete the form below and one of our planners will be in touch.
Our Office
a. Level 3, 369 Newcastle Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Business Hours: 8.00 am – 6.30 pm M-F
Contact Us
p. (08) 9221 1991
f. (08) 9221 1919