April 2009 saw the formal release of the latest e-planning module from the City of Cockburn Council – MasterPlan Applicant. This module allows for the on-line lodgement of planning applications further complementing the MasterPlan Enquirer System which has been in place for some time.
MasterPlan Enquirer is available on the Council website 24/7. There are no requirements to register to use the Enquirer system, the user simply enters their property details, selects the type of development they propose and the relevant sections of the Planning Scheme will be displayed enabling the user to see the rules that apply to their enquiry including the likely level of assessment. If an application is required to be sent to Council, the system also informs the user as to the requirements of the application, i.e. site plan, survey plan, etc. This is referred to as the manual route.
The manual route will remain in place for some time, but for those who are interested in saving time, money and would like assistance in creating a well made application – MasterPlan Applicant is the future. City of Cockburn recognises this, and this is why MasterPlan Applicant is the latest module they have released.
MasterPlan Applicant presents a tailored application form based on the Applicants address and proposed development. This ensures that the applicant has read the relevant sections of the scheme and identified how they have or have not met the criteria. Ultimately MasterPlan Applicant will create a down-turn in the number of Requests for Further Information that Council currently sends out – again saving time and money. This also takes away the frustration of the Applicant, they are guided through the process of submitting a well made application and for free!
There are many other lodgement tools available on the market including an email facility, however, MasterPlan Applicant is in a league of its own, with multiple people able to work on the same application i.e. applicant, architect, engineer, and cross-referenced against the context of the planning scheme, MasterPlan Applicant is so much more than a transaction or upload tool. Remember rubbish in is rubbish out, ONLY MasterPlan Applicant can deliver a well made application to Council.
From left: Chris O’Connor (Roberts Day), Vicki Lumner (City of Cockburn) , Andrew Gizariotis (City of Melville), Lee Rodda (RPS Koltasz Smith)