BAL Rating - Changed (3rd Variation)

Hi community,

Just after some feedback on new (3rd) variation that's been handed down by my builder in regards to BAL.

The vacant land I purchased back Nov 2020 at a new estate had BAL-LOW rating by the Land Developer. All the land developer report (at time of land purchase/settlement) shows it as BAL-LOW. The BAL report was passed onto the builder. Build contract was signed (which was for BAL-LOW)

Now the builder has come back with a variation of close to $10K for BAL-12.5 rating. They have stated that based on reassessment, there is woodland/vegetation around 65m from plot, hence the BAL12.5, and hence the variation to original build price.

Question - can this be contested? And contested to whom - contest to Builder as Land Developer BAL reports had it at BAL-LOW (at time of land settlement and Build Contract signing). Or contest with Land Developer that Builder reassessment has indicated it should be BAL-12.5. I was thinking to just step out of this and have Builder - Land Developer sort it out (but don't think that will go anywhere if i leave it to them, especially in this current building craze environment).

I suppose BAL Rating can be changed (during the entire home build phase/journey/nightmare) if there are further developments around the area...but this is a brand new estate and nothing developed as such. Is this something the council can provide guidance on?

One of the reasons we purchased this land as opposed to other options was because it had BAL-LOW. Quite shocked with this 3rd variation.

Any suggestion or professional contact details to touch base with would be greatly appreciated.