The Realities of Planning Approval and Why Patience is Key

Building your dream home may sound straightforward, but if you think getting council approval is a quick and easy step—think again! Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at The Maybe Forever’s journey with the council DA process, and a few insights we’ve picked up along the way.

We knew our house would be all about the build, so we spent a year living in it to understand the pros, cons, and quirks of the block. We also knew that building on a steep, sandy site wouldn’t be straightforward, and we prepared for some hiccups. Little did we know just how complex it could get.

When we saw our final plans, we were thrilled and ready to submit. But just as we were about to lodge, our stormwater engineer flagged that our site was now marked as a flood zone. Back to the drawing board (and our budget) we went. With redesigns complete, we lodged again—this time just before Christmas.

Months passed. Eventually, the council replied, but not with the news we’d hoped for. Height restrictions meant another redesign. After a third round of revisions, two years from when we first started, we finally got DA approval. Here’s what we learned along the way:

Tips & Tricks:

Expect Delays: Even the best architects can’t predict council timelines. Be ready for unexpected waiting periods.

Choose Local Experts:

Work with designers and planners who know your council’s regulations inside out. A seasoned expert can make all the difference.

Consider a CDC: If possible, a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) may save significant time—though your design must meet all the guidelines.

Clarify Your Priorities: Have a clear list of must-haves, wants, and wishes. We have a tool on our site to help you define these, so you know where to compromise if needed.

Involve Your Builder Early: A good builder can offer budget insights and help your architect find cost-effective solutions. Don’t wait until DA approval to bring them in.

Factor in Consultants: From landscape designers to BASIX consultants, various specialists will be needed during the DA process. These add time and cost, so plan accordingly.

Navigating council approvals can feel like a marathon, but with patience and the right team, your vision will come together. It’s all part of the journey to creating something truly yours.