9 Steps to Mastering Property Development Applications in the Inner West
At their best, the New Zealand All Blacks are one of the best sporting teams in the world. At their best they have a formidable, experienced and focused team. Just like a game of rugby, the Development Application (DA) process is an uncertain and messy one, but there are things that lead to success over time. Here are 9 things that can significantly contribute to the success of DAs in the Inner West Council area:
1. A formidable team
Like rugby, planning is a team effort. For complex problems like gaining council approvals, you need a focused group of professionals. For us, that includes not only our internal team but also external experts such as heritage consultants, engineers, planners and legal advisors who can provide invaluable support and advice. Having the right team not only gives weight to your application, it can also inform strategy and help you navigate the complexities of the process more effectively.
2.Experience
Having a history of dealing with numerous DAs provides a deep understanding of the systems, trapdoors and nuances in the next project. Each project under our belt brings insights that help refine our development toolkit, enabling us to anticipate challenges and address them proactively - and save you time and money.
3.Preparation
Thorough research is where we truly excel. We gather all relevant information meticulously, leaving no stone unturned. This comprehensive approach ensures that we are well-prepared to address any concerns that may arise during the application process.
4.Strategy
A well-formed strategy is crucial for navigating the DA process. Our strategies are informed by our above mentioned extensive experience and thorough research. This strategic planning allows us to outline clear steps and anticipate potential obstacles, ensuring a smoother journey for clients through the application process.
5.Technology
We utilise advanced tools such as 3D ArchiCAD and on-site 3D scanning to create accurate representations of our projects. These technologies enable us to present our plans clearly and convincingly, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and objections.
6.Tenacity
Unfortunately in modern planning one of the things that is consistent is a lack of consistency. Persistence is essential in pursuing a submitted DA. We remain committed to our goals, tirelessly working through any issues that arise. Importantly, we maintain a polite and professional demeanour throughout the process, fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders, including the assessment team at council. The key is knowing when to push forward and when to step back.
7.Patience
We all know patience is a virtue, and that is especially so in property development. We take a pragmatic approach, recognising that sometimes it’s more cost-effective in terms of time and money to comply with a council’s demand, even if it seems unreasonable, than engaging in prolonged disputes.
8.Community engagement
Engaging with the local community and building positive relationships can be incredibly beneficial. Understanding neighbours’ concerns and addressing them early in the planning process can help build support for the project, and help get it over the line. Hosting public consultations and being transparent about the development's impact fosters trust and can smooth the approval process.
9.Risk management
Identifying potential challenges early and developing strategies to mitigate them is essential. One of the questions we ask our clients is, “If this project was to fail, what are the things that would need to happen?”. A proactive approach to risk management can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant (and costly) problems.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation today to kick off your DA process with confidence.
