Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the City undertaking a major review of its advertising policy?
The City undertakes regular reviews of all its planning policies. P301 was last reviewed in 2016 and since this time the City has made significant improvements to the way that we engage our stakeholders and community on matters that may affect them. This review seeks to ensure that engagement on planning proposals continues to meet a standard that is expected by the City and the local community. As such a significant change to the content and structure was required.
What is the purpose of an advertising policy?
An advertising policy provides guidance on the manner and method of consulting with stakeholders and the community on development applications and strategic planning proposals where advertising is required.
Are all planning proposals are advertised?
No. Some planning proposals do not require advertising as they will not affect any adjoining property or on the wider community. This may include proposals such as sheds, patios or fences. The City will only advertise an application where it determines that the development is likely to affect an adjoining land owner or the local community.
What determines the minimum advertising period for each proposal?
The minimum advertising period for planning proposals is set by the state government through policy and regulation. The City can however advertise a proposal for longer than the minimum period if it chooses to. P301 provides guidance on what advertising length is appropriate based on a number of factors such as likely impact of the proposal and conflict with holiday periods.
Will advertising lengths be increased during holiday periods?
Yes. Where an advertising period conflicts with major holiday (Easter, Christmas, School Holidays), the duration of the advertising period may be extended by up to 14 days. The City will generally however avoid advertising over holiday periods where it can.
Why does the draft policy propose to remove Neighbour Notification letters?
Under the existing policy, Neighbour Notification letters are sent out in some circumstances to advise property owners of a nearby development that the City is not seeking feedback on or to advise a wider area about a particular development. These letters have resulted in some confusion in the community about whether feedback can be provided and whether this feedback will be considered.
To ensure that the City is clear about when it is seeking feedback it is recommended that Neighbour Notification letters not be sent anymore. The wider community can find out about all development applications that are currently out for advertising on the City's website. Letters inviting feedback will continue to be sent to those properties that the City's determines to likely be affected by a proposal.
Why does the draft policy propose to reduce the minimum advertising areas?
The minimum advertising areas are being reduced as the way we measure the area is being changed. The current policy measures advertising distance along the street whereas the draft modified policy measures distance in a radius. This often results in properties a significant distance from the development being consulted to even though there is no impact on their property. Measuring in a radius will ensure that those closest to the development and therefore most likely to be affected are consulted.
Why are the advertising requirements for dividing fences, right-of-ways and road closures being removed from the policy?
These matters are not covered under planning regulations and therefore are not proposed to be included in this policy. The City will continue to consult with the community on matters relating to dividing fences, right-of-ways and road closures where necessary in accordance with the relevant Act or Regulation.
If I am not directly advertised to through via letter can I still comment on planning proposals?
Yes. Anyone is able to comment on a planning proposal that is being advertised.