Pre-Application Meetings (PAM)

NOTICE: CHANGES OF PRE-APPLICATION MEETINGS TO VIRTUAL MEETING USING MICROSOFT TEAMS
Please be advised all pre-application meetings will now be virtual meetings using Microsoft Teams. We are now minimising contact internally and externally in the best interest of health and safety to all parties. Please note you are not required to attend Council's Administration Centre.

Early discussions between applicants and our officers reduce the potential for development projects to be delayed or lodged incomplete. You should contact the Gateway Planning Team to find out if your proposal would benefit from a pre-lodgement meeting (PAM). 

Experience shows that delays in the processing of development applications often occur as a result of inadequate information being submitted or a lack of understanding about the relevant local development controls.

In order to provide an efficient development assessment system, we encourage applicants to book a pre-lodgement meeting.

A review of the proposed development options will highlight the opportunities that may be available, any identifiable site constraints, as well as potential solutions. Our officers will be able to provide general guidance, but cannot give any undertakings regarding the acceptability of non-compliances or the anticipated timeframe to determine a development application. 

Guidelines

  • each meeting will only deal with the proposed development of one site.

  • meetings will be arranged once we receive an email from the proponent with the completed PAM form and proposed plans.

  • the site must be precisely identified (including the legal description – Lot and DP/SP)

  • additional information is to be submitted a minimum of 7 days prior to the meeting to allow our officers adequate time to thoroughly check the proposal to identify any issues prior to providing any advice.

  • the meetings are normally scheduled for an hour. If your proposal is complex and requires additional time, you are able to book two consecutive time slots (and pay for 2 x 1 hour PAMs).  Council officers may also recommend a later second PAM to go through issues raised in the first PAM meeting.

PAM FAQ's

How much does a PAM cost?

From 1 July 2022, Blacktown City Council introduced fees for all Pre-Application Meetings (PAMs). These fees can be found in our Goods and Services Pricing Schedule: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/About-Council/What-we-do/Delivery-Program-and-Operational-Plan/Goods-and-Services-Pricing-Schedule

For more information regarding these fees, please contact our Gateway Planning Team on 5300 6000.

 

 

How to book a PAM

1. complete the PAM Form(PDF, 196KB)

2. email this through to council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au with a set of the required plans.

3. our officers will be in contact with you as soon as possible to book this virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams.

4. once payment has been received, these meetings are booked via email as a Microsoft Teams meeting appointment with the next available date and time.

 

Will Council support any variations to the Planning Controls?

Council officers will not commit to or guarantee any proposed variations to policy, controls or guidelines in a PAM. Any variations will be subject to a detailed planning assessment when the development application is lodged. Council officers will advise you of any necessary supporting information required if you wish to pursue a variation to the prevailing planning controls.

What information do I need to provide when booking a PAM?

Please refer to the “Request a PAM” form for the information that is required with your PAM request.

Note: The more detailed the information you provide in support of your development proposal, the greater understanding we will have in giving you advice. You will not be provided advice for concepts that are proposed in the meeting and are therefore requested to be prepared so that Council officers can investigate any particular issues in advance.

How long is a PAM?

The meetings are normally scheduled for an hour. If your proposal is complex and requires additional time, you are able to book two consecutive time slots (and pay for 2 x 1 hour PAMs).

Council officers may also recommend a later second PAM to go through issues raised in the first PAM meeting.

 

How, when and where is a PAM held?

Your PAM will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams with Council officers from a range of disciplines and fields.

Meetings are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

How long do I need to wait for a PAM booking?

We will contact you within 5 business days of receiving your booking request. Depending on the proposal and the availability of the Council Officers required to attend your PAM, we will book your meeting as soon as possible after making your request. 

 

How many people can I bring to my PAM?

PAMs are held as virtual meetings using Microsoft Teams.

A maximum of five professionals may attend the virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams, preferably with one spokesperson to ensure the meeting can be conducted in an orderly manner. 

 

Can I talk to a planner before booking a PAM?

Yes. You can briefly discuss the key requirements of your proposal with the Duty Town Planner prior to lodging your request for a PAM. The Duty Planner can be contacted on (02) 5300 6000 during office hours or alternatively you can see them at the Gateway Counter located on the ground floor at the Civic Centre between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. 

Please note: only general planning advice will be provided over the phone or at the Gateway Counter.

 

Who will attend my PAM?

The applicable experienced Council officers will be available for your Microsoft Teams meeting when booked including Town Planners, Civil Engineers, Traffic Management Officers, Waste Management Officers, Environmental Health Officers, Building Surveyors, our City Architect, Biodiversity Officers, or other relevant officers where required. 

 

Will my PAM be confidential?

All meetings are commercial-in-confidence.

Will I receive a PAM Report?

A Council officer is present at the meeting to take notes. You will be provided with an emailed report after your meeting to confirm matters discussed in the meeting.  We will endeavour to provide your PAM report within 15 business days. These will be sent to you by email with the details you provide on your booking request form. 

 

What will my PAM Report include?

The report will include the matters discussed in the meeting, and other information we hope you find useful in assisting you to prepare the documents for your development application.

 

Who might I need to consult with externally to Council before I attend a PAM?

Your proposed development or site may be integrated development under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2021 or affected in some way by  an external government authority under other NSW legislation, or require a referral to an external government or regulatory authority. You are advised to seek early advice from these authorities  prior to booking a PAM.

Please refer to the below links for information on some of the key  external government and regulatory authorities:

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