Logan City Council has approved a 1,506 square metre extension to the Chatswood Central shopping centre within 3.5 hours of the development application being lodged, thanks to the new RiskSmart Framework introduced with the new Logan planning scheme earlier this year.
Planning and development committee chairperson, councillor Cherie Dalley says the RiskSmart Framework enabled simple, low-risk development applications to be assessed by accredited consultants.
"RiskSmart was a feature of our new Logan planning scheme, which started in May," she says.
"We are ecstatic that it is saving time and money for not only us at council, but for people submitting development applications as well – it's definitely sending the message that we are open for business here in the City of Logan."
Dalley says council officers worked with the planning consultant, Wolter Consulting Group, to fast-track the approval process under the framework on behalf of the complex's owners, Lancini Property and Development.
Lancini Property and Development managing director, Laurence Lancini, says he is excited to be expanding the company's investment in Logan through the Chatswood Central shopping centre.
"Our vision is to create a real village atmosphere with day to night activation and a vibrant shopping and dining experience," he says. "The development assessment process has been a very smooth one and is evidence that council is supportive of quality development that will benefit the community.
"Logan city council is certainly open for business and is proving to be a very progressive council, supporting growth at an important time for the state".
Dalley says the RiskSmart Framework enables all code assessable development applications to be processed within five days.
"This offers significantly shorter assessment timeframes, which in turn reduces holding costs on developments. We have seen a 240 per cent increase in the number of applications dealt with through RiskSmart since the new framework took effect on 18 May. We have more than 30 accredited RiskSmart consultants and this number is increasing as there has been significant interest from consultants wanting to be accredited."