Temporary accepted development

Under the Planning Act, the Planning Minister is able to declare a material change of use of a premises as temporary accepted development under the Planning Regulation 2017 for a stated period. This enables  the government to respond to urgent or emergent needs (such as temporary housing).

At the end of the stated period the use rights afforded under the declaration will cease. At that time, the use rights will revert to what was in place prior to the declaration. Alternatively, if required under the relevant planning scheme, a person may apply for a development approval for the material change of use while the declaration is in place.

Planning Regulation 2017

Temporary accepted development declarations will be made under the Planning Regulation. The declaration will state the material change of use which will be accepted development and the time period in which development approval is not required.

• The declaration may set parameters such as locational requirements or threshold limitations to minimise impacts on the community or the environment.
• Proposed declarations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require Planning Minister and Governor in Council approval.

A declaration will not remove any requirements in relation to carrying out operational works or building works including complying with accepted development provisions or obtaining relevant approvals for assessable development.