Development Applications, a necessary evil when it comes to domestic property alterations like installing a pool or creating a business, whether it is new or expanding an existing business.

Lismore and surrounds is going through a 10-year high number of Development Approval (DA) submissions, which is good for our economy but causing problems for an understaffed Lismore City Council (LCC) and frustration for those putting forward DA's especially those in small business.

Read more news: Our region tops property value growth nationally

LCC has asked the community for understanding and patience when waiting for DA approvals.

With a current DA assessment waiting time of 8 to 12 weeks, LCC Built Environment manager Chris Watts said it has been an "incredible" 15 months of development since COVID-19 emerged, just over a year ago.

"Since then, our community along with the rest of the nation, have turned their minds to development and building, renovations, construction of hundreds of dwellings on newly released subdivisions, expanding commercial networks, creating new businesses and subdivisions, and the list goes on, " Mr Watts said.

In 2020, Lismore City Council recorded a 10-year high in the number of DA submissions, not to mention all the ancillary applications as well. This year, the number is even higher with 50 more DA submitted compared with this time last year.

"Last financial year, we determined 528 DAs (10 x CDCs) with an estimated total value of $127,115,575," Mr Watts said.

"Up until the end of April this financial year, we have approved 480 DAs (not including any CDCs) with an estimated total value of $130,000,000 - with another 182 waiting for review.

"Based on the DAs submitted, we estimate that over the next 12 months we will approve 1600 new lots."

"In terms of the value of construction works, including civil and building works, it is looking like an unprecedented year. You only have to drive around to see the large range of work currently being undertaken.

"Council’s Development Assessment team are working to meet this significant increase in submissions and we have introduced better efficiencies and some technology improvements to speed up the process. We have also established an external audit to get an independent view on how we can improve our service even more.

"Despite this, our current assessment times are now 8 to 12 weeks.

"We to thank the community for your understanding and patience as we work through these assessments," Mr Watts said.

The Lismore App has spoken to two small business owners, who wish to remain anonymous, that have had dealings with Council through the DA process.

"The amount of hoops they make us jump through is unreasonable," one claimed, "They do business strictly by the book but without any common sense. They should be making decisions in the best interest of the community."

"I understand that Council's resources are limited but why have a strategic plan if you can't deliver on it."

Small business owner number two said, "Council is restricted by State legislation at times but when it comes to council regulations there is no common sense used. Richmond Valley Council will wave certain aspects rather than make it a hurdle."

"It is so easy for Councillors to call up DA's. Ultimately DA's can get judged by people with their own agenda, not what is best for the community."

Development Application assessments are managed in two ways:

• Domestic applications including dwellings, carports, shed, pools and the like are assessed separately by Building Surveyors, with
• Commercial, including small business and industrial being assessed by the Planners, can direct & prioritise their resources to these development types.

When asked for further comments about business DA's and the inevitable delays that are occurring, LCC said, "Unfortunately, delays can impact all proponents. This is not unique to Lismore City Council, with other regional councils experiencing similar and, in some cases, longer delays because of the Covid Development boom."

"To reduce any potential delays, please help us to help you, by making your interaction with us as easy and efficient as possible. You can do this by providing all the relevant information when you first submit your application."

"Please use our pre-lodgement process or seek an appointment if you are not sure, upload all the relevant documents to the e-portal and respond promptly when extra information is required."