Hi all,
This is more of a whinge than anything...
Due to the shape of our block (nearly triangular - wide at the front narrowing to a point at the back left rear) we have found it difficult to find a plan to suit without going down the design-our-own path.
We found a plan that is the right shape, but the length is a slight problem as the council has a minimum 4m setback from the front boundary - meaning the house length has to be less than about 18m. Coming up 4 weeks ago I submitted a "report and consent" to apply for a 3m setback - meaning the house will only have 80cm taken off the length.
To apply for report and consent is $200 - which we think is a bit of an unnecessary cost but we are willing to pay it in the hope we get the extra house area. When I handed in the paperwork I asked how long it would take to find out whether it was approved or not, and was told we would hear in 2-3 weeks, and if we hadn't heard by then to give the council a call...
Tuesday (3 weeks since I lodged the papers) we called the council and asked about the progress of the application. The response was "oh, it's on the desk, ring tomorrow and we'll have an answer". Rang Wednesday late afternoon and was told "oh, the guy's just looking at it now, we'll have a decision by tomorrow, ring back then". Rang Thursday and was told "a letter has been sent out, we were unable to process the report until we get more information from you".
Could they not have told us that we had provided insufficient information 3 weeks ago at the time, or shortly after lodging the form? We provided the information listed on the form (plans of the house, plans of the subdivision, sitings of the house on the land, title etc) yet now they want more information. We didn't generate the papers they asked for - it was from the builder and they should know what is required. Now we have to go back to the builder and get them to re-do what they have already given us (wasting more time) but with every minute detail. I realise that they are basing their decision on what will go on the land, but this has got nothing to do with getting council approval to build - we just want the nod to say we can build to 3m of the setback. I firmly believe had we not rang on Tuesday we would still be waiting for an answer and the papers would still be "sitting on the desk".
If they are being this difficult about "report and consent" how much worse are they going to be when it comes time to get council approval of the plans to build?!
Has anyone had any experience applying for report and consent? Or are all councils the same?
Ray.