Singleton DA processing times continue to smash state average
Published on 29 May 2023
With a dedicated team focused on providing quality customer service and processing times, Singleton Council’s approach to development applications (DA) continues to pay dividends with the Council now one of the fastest processors in the Hunter region.
Singleton’s DA processing times averaged just 50 days in the month of March — 45% quicker than the NSW state average.
Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Planning said that Council remained committed to providing exceptional customer service and development application processing times.
Building projects in Singleton have also continued to ramp up across the local government area, with the number of construction certificates lodged with Council jumping by 26 per cent in 2022/23.
“Much like the rest of the Hunter, while we have seen a decrease in the number of development applications being lodged with Council, the increased number of construction certificate applications demonstrates the confidence within the local building industry to keep projects progressing, and that we’re playing our part to keep our economy growing,” he said.
“Singleton Council is one of the fastest DA processors in the Hunter region, and the numbers speak for themselves — we’re consistently well below the state average for processing times, and in March alone averaged just 50 days, 61 days ahead of the state average.
“This is a trend we have been seeing for over six months, and it just goes to show the dedication and commitment of our small team of staff who are working hard every day to deliver the best possible service that our community expects and deserve.
“This has been a focus area of Council and we’re committed to continue to deliver people’s dreams as efficiently as possible.”
Mr Fitzpatrick – Barr said Council was also committed to making development advice even more accessible with its Planning in the Park initiative, designed for anyone planning to renovate or build in Singleton to speak to Council’s team in an informal setting without a need for an appointment.
“Planning in the Park is a fantastic program which is all about demystifying the planning process. We had a brilliant turn out at Mount Olive in April, and hope to see even more people come along to our next event in July with more information to come in coming weeks,” he said.
“Our team is always here to help, and we want to make it even easier for anyone who’s thinking about renovating, building or making improvements on their properties by being able to meet with Council staff at a location that is convenient to them.”
To speak to a Duty Planner, please contact T 02 6578 7290 between 8.30am to 12pm Monday to Friday.