Two years ago, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning Portal) Regulation 2020 commenced, introducing some important changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. The amendments required the use of the NSW planning portal as the central platform for making development applications. From that point onwards MBC Group would be receiving applications this way and owners’ consent was no longer required in writing for the lodgment of a DA. The following summarises what you would currently use the portal for;

• development applications
• applications to modify a development consent under s4.55 and 4.56 of the EPA Act (modification applications)
• applications for the review of a determination under s8.3 of the EPA Act
• applications for certificates under Part 6 of the EPA Act
• complying development certificates
• construction certificates
• subdivision works certificates
• occupation certificates
• subdivision certificates

There are other sub-processes to development applications such as requests for additional information from the applicant by the consent authority or variations / amendments lodged by an applicant and so on, these are also handled through the portal.

What’s next?

Whether you love it or loathe it, the planning portal is here to stay. Having been in use for two years we have recently been informed that NSW Fair Trading are about to rollout a new ‘look and feel’ to the portal. On the face of it, this is mainly a branding exercise to align with their latest brand requirements, but there are some minor adjustments that we have seen from recent training sessions. This is of course from our view of the portal, which is different to the applicant view. The expectation is that these changes will be rolling out from mid-December this year, but they could be going into next year.

NSW Fair Trading’s intent is to simplify the application process, by adjusting sections like ‘Proposed Developments’ where they will now be grouped into categories making it easier to find and use particular choices. After lodging any of the above applications, the NSW planning portal is the channel through which requests are made and information exchanged.

From our perspective we understand that any change has the potential to cause some confusion, however MBC Group are here to help guide you, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your contact and ask, should you have any questions. Please keep in mind that we also have to learn any nuances of adjustments and changes made to the portal system, but it feels like we have all come a long way since 2020!

Visit the NSW planning portal where you will find useful resources and help: https://planningportal.nsw.gov.au