Pre-Application Meetings (PAM)

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.

We ordinarily host PAM’s for development including the following:

  • Child care centres
  • Large scale subdivision
  • Boarding houses
  • Residential flat buildings
  • Large commercial development
  • Educational facilities
  • Industrial development
  • Mixed use development
  • Designated development
  • Health services facilities

 

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.PAM FAQ's

 

PAM FAQ's

How to book a PAM

 1. Complete the relevant PAM form:

  • Request a PAM form - Small scale residential and industrial commercial
  • Request a PAM form - RFB and multi dwelling housing.

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 meeting. These meetings are booked via email and sent as a meeting appointment with the next available date and time.

When is a PAM not required?

PAM’s are generally not held for dual occupancies, dwelling houses, dwelling alterations/additions, or development ancillary to residential land uses (e.g. swimming pools, garages, awnings etc.).

You can always speak to Council’s Duty Officers (planning, engineering and building) on 9839 6000 for small scale developments or you can attend council’s gateway counter for advice from 8am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday except public holidays.

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

Please refer to the relevant “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 much does a PAM cost?

PAM’s here at Blacktown are all free of charge. It is hoped that this encourages you to discuss your development ideas with us first and then incorporate our advice into your proposal.

Who will attend my PAM?

Experienced Council officers will attend your meeting 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. 

Can I talk to a planner before booking a PAM?

Yes. You can discuss your proposal with the Duty Town Planner prior to lodging your request for a PAM. The Duty Planner can be contacted on (02) 9839 6000 during office hours or alternatively at the Gateway Counter located at the Civic Centre between 8 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. 

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

Your proposed development may be integrated development with 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 and discuss your proposed development with the relevant external government authority prior to booking a PAM. You may also invite the relevant authority to attend the meeting with you.

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

How, when and where is a PAM held?

PAM’s are held in person with customers and Council officers from a range of disciplines in a meeting room at Council’s Civic Centre at 62 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown.

Meetings are typically held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

A meeting room will be booked and you will be notified of the location with confirmation of your meeting.

Will my PAM be confidential?

All meetings are commercial-in-confidence.

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

We will contact you once we have received your request however you are advised to book at least 2 weeks in advance of the date on which you want to have the meeting. 

How long is a PAM?

The meetings are scheduled for a maximum of 1 hour. Council officers may consider a second PAM to go through issues raised in the earlier meeting.

Will Council support any variations in a PAM?

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 amendments or a variation to the prevailing planning controls.

Will I receive PAM minutes?

A Council officer is present at the meeting to take minutes. You will be provided with e-mailed minutes after your meeting to confirm matters discussed in the meeting.  We will endeavour to provide your PAM minutes within 15 working days. These will be sent to you by e-mail with the details you provide on your booking request form. 

What will my PAM minutes include?

The minutes will include the matters discussed in the meeting, and other information we hope you find useful that will assist you prepare the documents for your development application, should you choose to pursue a development application.

How many people can I bring to my PAM?

A maximum of 5 people including yourself can attend the meeting. Our meeting rooms are limited in seating capacity.

Is teleconferencing available?

Video conferencing is not available. We can provide for teleconferencing on request. You are advised to contact Council officers early to see if this is able to be provided. No Permissions is given at any time to record our verbal advice.

How do I access the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s (DPIE) website?

  • Please access the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s (DPIE) website through the following link: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/.

    Note: the DPIE has superseded the Department of Planning and Environment (“DPE”) as the regulatory authority for NSW state planning matters. However, you can still access the DPE’s website which includes useful information through the following link: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/

  • Please access NSW Planning Portal to assist you to understand and meet the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 through the following link: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/

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