Can I find out whether a development is possible before paying for detailed plans?
You do not necessarily need to pay for a complete set of detailed plans before finding out whether your development idea is realistic.
An early assessment can check things such as the property’s zoning, Crown lease, block size, applicable planning requirements, easements, heritage or environmental constraints, and other site conditions. This can help identify major issues before significant money is spent on detailed design.
Concept plans may then be prepared once there is a clearer understanding of what is likely to work on the
Reference: ACT Planning – Before you apply – Before you apply – City and Environment Directorate – Planning
Short Answer
Yes. It is possible to carry out an initial planning feasibility assessment before committing to detailed architectural plans.
This can identify whether the proposed development is generally possible on the block and highlight major planning constraints that may affect the design.
Detailed Explanation
A preliminary feasibility assessment can be undertaken by reviewing the site against the current Territory Plan, including the applicable District Policy, Zone Policy, Assessment Outcomes and Assessment Requirements, together with relevant Technical Specifications and site constraints. ACT Planning specifically recommends checking the permitted land use, Crown lease, applicable district/block/zone requirements, site suitability, neighbouring development, utilities and easements before lodging a DA.
Where additional certainty is required before progressing to detailed design, pre-application advice can also be sought. Current ACT Planning guidance confirms that concept plans may be sufficient for pre-application advice depending on the proposal. Written pre-application advice can address whether development is likely to be exempt, assessable or prohibited, Crown lease consistency, referrals, notification and additional DA information requirements. However, pre-application advice is not a development approval and does not guarantee that a future DA will be approved.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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