Northern Beaches Council has streamlined its Development Application process in a move to make the process more sustainable, transparent and accurate.

As of 1 January, paper copies of applications and supporting technical reports and plans are no longer required, but should still be submitted on a USB stick. Council will now display the internal floor plans online to provide the community greater transparency, when viewing applications on public exhibition.

CEO Ray Brownlee said Council was making the changes to improve the Development Application experience.

“We have listened to our local community and are reducing the burden associated with submitting paperwork. At the same time, we want to ensure everyone can more fully assess the impact of proposed changes, which internal floor plans will do.

“Council will display all plans online, providing the community greater transparency and ease of access to all relevant information lodged with a DA.”

In other changes, a Boundary Identification Survey will need to be submitted to ensure accurate assessment and identification of property boundaries.

“It’s very important when assessing a development application that we have absolute clarity on property boundaries. Boundary Identification Surveys provided by registered surveyors enable this,” Mr Brownlee said.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678