Works Approval Process
Starting the dialogue
Anyone considering building, landscaping or other works within Designated Areas is encouraged to approach the National Capital Authority at an early stage to discuss the proposal, before completing and lodging an application for Works Approval.
These discussions centre on the requirements of the National Capital Plan which might affect a proposal. The National Capital Plan Unit of the NCA can be contacted on 6271 2836 to initiate discussions or book a meeting time.
Submission of sketch designs
A sketch design which shows the development intention should be submitted to the NCA for consideration and comment, before proceeding with design development.
Detailed design drawings, when developed, may also be submitted to the NCA for assessment and 'support in principle' before construction documentation is prepared.
Discussions held with the NCA in the early stages of developing designs for a proposal will help identify any major issues that require resolution prior to approval.
Lodging an Application
The formal approval of the NCA will be based on construction documentation. Three copies of the drawings and other supporting information (together with a completed application form and application fee) are required.
The NCA will consider the formal application and, once it is satisfied that all relevant matters have been resolved and the proposal is in accordance with the National Capital Plan, issue a formal works approval.
Information Required
A checklist of informationwhich should be provided with an application is available from the NCA.
While basic information (such as a locality plan and scaled drawings) is always required, more detailed information may be required depending on the complexity of the proposal. For larger or complex projects, there may be a need for detailed visual studies or models to be submitted in support of the application.
Applicants should confirm with the NCA the information required for their specific proposal.
Consideration of Applications
The NCA's Planning and Development Service Charter includes a commitment to finalise its consideration of formal applications within 15 working days. Major projects and those which require consultation or clearance from external agencies may take longer.
External Consultation and Clearances
The National Capital Plan sets out specific requirements for public consultation of dual occupancy residential development on detached house blocks and for telecommunications facilities which are likely to have a high visual impact in Designated Areas.
Adjoining neighbours are also consulted on single dwelling residential development in Designated Areas.
For development proposals on:
- Commonwealth land;
- Designated Areas;
- sites that may have endangered and protected species of flora and fauna, or some other environmental value (including heritage); or
- development that has a significant impact on the heritage values of a ‘place' entered in the Commonwealth or National Heritage list,
the applicant may be required to provide evidence of environmental clearance or approval from the Department of the Environment and Heritage before the Authority will give its approval to the proposal.
Where projects involve established buildings, artworks, or designed landscape areas, obligations under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2002 must be met by the owner of the property.
Consultations with Australian Capital Territory Government agencies may also be required on vehicular access, traffic safety, waste management, storm water drainage, leasing and lease compliance, tree preservation, and verge landscaping and management.
Planning Appeals
There is no provision for planning appeal relating to the merits or otherwise of development proposals approved or disallowed by the Authority. There is however, the opportunity for recourse under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 to determine whether a decision of the Authority has been made correctly.
Parliamentary Zone Development
The Parliamentary Zone - the place of the people is the physical manifestation of Australian democratic government and the home of the nation's most important cultural and judicial institutions and symbols.
Because of this significance, works proposed within the Parliamentary Zone require the approval of the National Capital Authority and also require the approval of both Houses of Federal Parliament.
Works related to maintenance and repair and that are of temporary or minor nature do not require parliamentary approval.
The parliamentary approval process is coordinated by the Authority, but is separate from, and in addition to, the Authority's approval.
