Planning & Development Resources

Are you considering developing your property in Brisbane? Whether you're planning a minor renovation, subdividing your land, or embarking on a major development project, navigating the planning approval process can be complex. Here are ten crucial factors to consider before starting your development journey. 1. Brisbane City Plan 2014 Understanding how your property is zoned under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 is essential. This planning scheme is the legislation that determines what types of developments are permitted, the building height limits, setbacks, and other requirements. The various Zones , such as Medium Density Residential, Business Centre, and Industry Zones, have different requirements and limitations, so checking your property's zoning should be your first step. Brisbane's planning scheme includes numerous overlays that might affect your property. These could include heritage protections, flood hazard areas, biodiversity areas, or bushfire risk zones. Local plans are a common feature and may also apply additional requirements specific to your neighbourhood. Check all relevant overlays and local plans as they can significantly impact what you can build. 2. Development Categories Your project will fall into one of several development categories: Accepted development Accepted development subject to requirements Code assessable development Impact assessable development Understanding which category applies to your project is crucial as it determines the approval process and level of assessment required. Accepted Development means that the development is immediately accepted and does not require a formal application, however, if it is subject to requirements then you do need to check your development against the prescribed codes to ensure there are no legal issues down the track. Code Assessable indicates that the development is must be assessed by the Council against all relevant codes. This will require a formal application addressing all codes. Impact Assessable indicates the development may have negative impacts on the zone or surrounding sensitive uses and so requires a formal application addressing all codes as well as public notification of intent to develop.

With workers having made the gradual switch back to working in the office, the population experiencing a post-covid spike, and many parents opting to return to work, childcare centres are filled to the brim. The result is an urgent demand for more childcare centres within most Queensland communities. ABS data shows a spike in population growth across Australia during late 2021 and early 2022. Whilst the growth rate is gradually settling back to pre-covid levels, childcare centres and communities are still dealing with the boom . Planning Approval Group have been assisting childcare centres to obtain planning approvals over the past few years, providing an insightful and experienced service to all childcare providers. Defining Childcare Centre The majority of Planning Schemes (for instance, Brisbane City Council and Southern Downs Regional Council ), if not all, define a Childcare Centre (or Child Care Centre) as: “Childcare centre means the use of premises for the care, education and minding, but not residence, of children.” Childcare Centres can include: Before or After School Care Crèche Early Childhood Centre Kindergarten Vacation Care Childcare Centres do not include: Educational Establishment Home-Based Child Care Family Day Care A home-based childcare or family day care arrangement will likely be considered a home-based business, however check with your local council’s planning scheme. Note: Be sure to check the definitions of your local Council planning scheme, in case there are any differences. Need help? We can carry out a Development Potential Health Check to give you the essential information and point you in the right direction.