What does it really mean? Environmentally Sustainable Development. This is nothing to do with climate change although, in my opinion, actioning most of these points contributes significantly to reduce the impact of climate change. Some large strides have been made since the dreaded days of the 1970s: New projects require ESD statements and calculations and […]
WARNING: this is dry! Way back in mid-2018 the Victorian State government made a number of planning changes called Amendment VC148. It seems as though their main thrust is to simplify, and reduce the number of applications through common sense. Also being able to fast track small projects is easier. What does […]
The current situation “Borrowing costs were not going to rise anytime soon” source HSBC chief economist says in mid-2019 and the Reserve Bank governor repeatedly saying that interest rates are going to stay lower for a considerable period of time. Meanwhile dwelling values in Sydney and Melbourne finished the year up with 6.2% in Sydney […]
The current situation “Borrowing costs were not going to rise anytime soon” source HSBC chief economist says in mid-2019 and the Reserve Bank governor repeatedly saying that interest rates are going to stay lower for a considerable period of time. Meanwhile dwelling values in Sydney and Melbourne finished the year up with 6.2% in Sydney […]
In obtaining competitive prices or tenders it is important that builders have exactly the same drawings, specifications schedules and documents. If they vary or are incomplete the prices you obtain will be meaningless. This is critical. Only obtain prices from builders that you know or have researched thoroughly as being excellent in this […]
Nurse, nurse, nurse the way through! Your drawings, other documents and forms and fees have to be lodged with Council. It will take Council a couple of weeks to assess the information. Council have 60 days in which to issue a permit unless the “clock stops” for any particular reason. Council may request further information […]
Council are concerned about a number of issues and here are some of the major ones. Going to Council with these sorted out is essential for your credibility. Council are mainly concerned about a thorough site analysis plan, shadows onto neighbours or onto other units and private open space in the development. Open space for […]
Warnings and allowances Council officers aren’t idiots! They have heard all the tall stores before! And a lot worse! Many times! Always be respectful of council officers. They are the professionals! Not the politicians! Openly discuss what you want to achieve and seek their honest feedback. Discuss issues without heat and be prepared to offer […]
Assessing what is a good potential development site Size, shape and location, location, location will be fundamental information that will govern the suitability of a site for development. Site impediments include easements, contaminants, surrounding buildings, traffic hazards, flooding, fire, sloping site and vegetation. Site opportunities include: views, proximity to natural or other […]
All properties have restrictions on them. Most of these can be resolved with the correct information and strategy. The Zoning of the property, for example Neighbourhood Residential, General Residential, High-Density Residential or Mixed Use, will guide the number of units that can be designed on the site. Planning overlays such as vegetation overlay, […]