Just today I've tried to get an sensible commitment from a Sydney Council.Yes,a set of boom gates does need a DA with the cost of Architectual Plans but it may be altered or rejected.My request for a site meeting to determine a position that satisfied their regulations was rejected.They just don't do that until the plans are submitted.So I blindly submit plans which they will probably reject,they then have a site meeting and then a second set of plans must be paid for to satisfy their requirements.

Is is any wonder that the West is in economic meltdown?No body in Govt wants to commit to anything.When was the last major infrastructure project completed in this country?

Dear Arjay,

My husband's an architect. The usual practice to obtain
a Development Approval (planning permit), is for the architect
or the owner, to take design sketches showing the design
and the location, on a plan of the intended work, to the Council
Building/Planning Department, and discuss the details with the
Chief Officer, until a satisfactory agreement is reached.

Next, complete final documentation, and submit to Council for
approval, pay fees and await notification in about four to
six weeks. That's how it works. They won't come out and
discuss anything because it takes time and the cost is
prohibitive to the Council to undertake such a comitment
on every project that's submitted. They will inspect the
projects on completion to ensure that they comply with
approved documentation.

If you have spoken to a Building or Planning Officer at your
Council, they should have fully explained all of this to you.

Thanks for your advice Foxy.Perhaps I spoke to a trainee.
However ,dealing with Govt at any level is an onerous task simply because of the fear of litigation and the culture of backside covering,in which no one is ever responsible.

At all times I'm polite in dealing with Govt officials since I know who has the upper hand.However,this culture of official impotence in the face of our collapsing economy must end.