Chamber supports 10 day planning approval system for local businesses

Parramatta Chamber of Commerce supports the new 10 day planning approval system for businesses in NSW that will reduce planning red tape and save businesses potentially thousands of dollars.

Currently business owners are required to lodge a development application with local councils when moving into or renovating a new shop for simple changes like shelving and signage. Under the new NSW Commercial and Industrial Code announced today by Planning Minister Kristina Keneally, business owners will be able to use a 10 day "checklist style" approval instead of having to lodge a development application which takes an average of 28 days to gain approval.

"This is a practical way of helping existing small businesses update their premises and for new small businesses to get going and open their front doors," said Trevor Oldfield, President of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

"In an environment where we are fighting for jobs, this is a step in the right direction.  It will remove an unnecessary hurdle from small business.

"It has never made sense for business owners who want to do small cosmetic changes to a shop front to have to be bogged down in planning red tape and the costs associated with getting council approvals.

Stephen Cartwright, CEO of NSW Business Chamber said that Planning Minster Kristina Keneally has demonstrated a strong commitment to getting NSW's planning system working for business owners and she should be congratulated.

"An empty or closed shop that is waiting to get the green light to make small changes to a sign or internal changes like shelving, cost business owners through lost revenue and rent charges - cutting the waiting time on approvals will save business owners money," said Mr Cartwright.

"NSW Business Chamber is a strong supporter of reforming our planning system to reduce red tape and get politics out of the system so that business owners can get on with the job of running successful job generating businesses."