Ipswich City Council

Development Applications

Material Change of Use

Making a material change of use of premises relates to any development proposal that changes the use of land (includes starting a new use, increasing the intensity of an existing use or re-commencing an abandoned use).

A development (town planning) approval for making a material change of use of premises is required when a development proposal is assessable under the Ipswich Planning Scheme or Schedule 8 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

Under the Planning Scheme, there are four levels of assessment:

Exempt Development

Development that does not require approval from Council and there are no codes or standards applied to the development. However, further approvals from State agencies may be required for the use/development.

Self Assessable

The development does not require a development approval but the proponent has a responsibility to ensure that the proposal complies with any applicable codes specified in Council's Planning Scheme, the Standard Building Regulation 1993, or other relevant legislation.

Code Assessable

The assessment of development against the applicable codes of the Planning Scheme. If the application complies with the applicable codes the application is likely to be approved. If there is substantial non-compliance with the applicable codes, particularly where the proposal does not meet the specific outcomes or desired environmental outcomes of the planning scheme, then the application may be refused.

Impact Assessable

The assessment of the environmental effects of a development having regard to a range of matters such as Council's Planning Scheme and any relevant State Planning Policy.  An application subject to Impact Assessment must be publicly notified and allows a person/s to make a submission in relation to the proposal.

You can determine if a specific proposal triggers a development application by undertaking a property enquiry in Council's PD Online.

Forms

Application forms for all types of development are available from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

How to Prepare a Proposal Plan

A proposal plan is required for development applications for a material change of use or reconfiguring a lot. The type of plan varies depending on the nature of the proposed development (e.g. a material change of use application requires a site plan, floor plan and elevation plan of the proposed buildings; a reconfiguring a lot application requires a site plan only showing the reconfiguration of lot boundaries.)

The proposal plan is to be provided at an appropriate scale and is to show the following:

  • Layout and design of lots, road reserves, open space and easements. All lots should include areas and dimensions;
  • Contours, gully lines, areas of flood inundation and areas of proposed cut and fill;
  • Existing and future roads, open space and drainage linkages to adjoining sites; and
  • Existing services and improvements on the land.
  • All plans are to include a north point, date and reference number and name of the responsible person/company.

It may be a worthwhile exercise to engage the services of a consultant who specialises in town planning or surveying to assist in the preparation of a proposal plan and in the lodgement of a development application.

4 x A3 copies of the proposal plan(s) are required.

How to Prepare a Development Application

Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Obtain Information

Once you have selected a property and a land use, the next step is to gather all the necessary information to include in the application. This can range from property details to zoning information and levels of assessment.

If you require assistance, contact Council's Planning and Development Department on (07) 3810 6888.

Step 2: Prepare the Application

In preparing a development application, it may be a worthwhile exercise to engage the services of a consultant who specialises in town planning for a material change of use or surveying in the case of reconfiguring a lot. Applicants should provide supporting information with all applications, especially with more complex proposals. The correct application forms need to be completed and submitted to Council along with proposal plan(s). The ICC Application Checklist will assist in determining the information necessary for lodgement.

Council Officers assess the application against the provisions of the Ipswich Planning Scheme. It is necessary to address all of the relevant codes and policies to ensure that the development application is suitable.  Each application is assessed on its individual merits.

For more complex applications, a pre-lodgement meeting with Council Officers is encouraged prior to lodging the application. To book a pre-lodgement meeting, contact Council's Planning and Development Department on (07) 3810 6888.

Step 3: Lodge the Development Application with Council

Applications are accepted in person or by post.  Complete the ICC application checklist and submit to Council along with the application forms, the proposal plans and the applicable fee.

In Person
  • Ipswich City Council Administration Building
    Planning & Development Customer Service Counter
    Level 1, 45 Roderick Street, Ipswich  
By Post
  • Ipswich City Council
    Development Branch
    PO Box 191
    IPSWICH  QLD  4305

Book a Pre-lodgement Meeting

Development proponents are encouraged to discuss their intentions with Council prior to lodgement, especially for more complex applications. To book a pre-lodgement meeting, call (07) 3810 6888.

Contact Council

For development enquiries, contact Council during the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

In Person
  • Ipswich City Council Administration Building
    Planning & Development Customer Service Counter
    Level 1, 45 Roderick Street, Ipswich  
Telephone
  • Customer Service Unit - (07) 3810 6888  

Related Information

Last Updated 16 Jul 2008 | Printer Friendly Version Print this page | Contact Us Contact us | Subscribe to our RSS News Feeds News Feeds | Copyright © 2008 Ipswich City Council
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