Does providing further information restart the assessment timeframe?
The assessment clock continues from where it stopped; it does not go back to day one.
For example, if 15 working days of the applicable assessment timeframe have already passed when ACT Planning issues a further information request, the assessment timeframe pauses. Once you provide the requested information, the clock recommences rather than starting again from zero.
There is an important distinction if you change the proposal when responding. ACT Planning says you should provide only the information requested. If you change the application or provide additional information beyond what was requested, you may need to lodge a DA amendment, and an amendment restarts the DA timeframe.
Reference: ACT Planning – After you apply – Approval timeframes – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/after-you-apply
Short Answer
No. Providing the requested further information does not restart the DA assessment timeframe from the beginning. The timeframe pauses when ACT Planning requests further information and recommences when the information is provided. This is different from a DA amendment, which restarts the assessment timeframe.
Detailed Explanation
ACT Planning's current After you apply ? Approval timeframes guidance expressly distinguishes between further information and DA amendments:
- Further information requested: the DA decision timeframe pauses from the day of the request.
- Further information provided: the DA decision timeframe recommences when it is received.
- DA amended: the DA decision timeframe restarts.
After further information is submitted, the Territory Planning Authority also undertakes a sufficiency check. It checks whether the requested documentation has been adequately provided and whether further public notification or entity referral is required. ACT Planning's Further Information factsheet states there is no statutory timeframe for this sufficiency check, although the Authority has an administrative goal of completing it within 5 working days after receiving the information.
Example: If a DA is partway through its assessment period when further information is requested, the statutory clock stops. When the requested information is received, it continues from that point. If instead the applicant redesigns the proposal and lodges a DA amendment, the applicable DA timeframe restarts.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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