• October 13, 2025
• By JEP Team

In many commercial and industrial businesses there often comes a point where extending operating hours is essential to growth and productivity. This is true in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and waste management where operating on a 24/7 schedule maximises efficiency and output. 

To enable this change, a business must lodge a development application to amend the operational times set by their original consent. 

A change in operating hours through a development modification or an alterations and additions pathway requires the preparation of a planning application that clearly outlines the modifications to the existing consent, along with justification for the amendment. The application must also confirm that the changes comply with all legislative and environmental requirements, while addressing any operational adjustments such as staffing, construction works, waste management, or parking needs.

In addition, the application must also demonstrate that extended hours will not disturb or negatively impact the surrounding community, especially during the night. To satisfy these requirements, businesses are typically required to provide supporting reports and assessments, often prepared by individual specialists.

Key considerations usually include: noise management within and around the facility, truck routes that minimise residential disturbance, lighting designs, as to not spill into neighbouring properties, and environmental management plans.

As industrial planners, we support businesses seeking to modify or alter their development approval (DA) conditions by guiding them through the complex approval process. Key steps include:

• Reviewing the original DA and identifying what can realistically be amended.
• Working with specialists and consultants to prepare supporting documents for the application, often including acoustic and traffic assessments.
• Preparing a detailed planning application, consisting of impact assessments, management plans and specialist reports.
• Engaging with the relevant consent authority to negotiate the approval.

By taking a strategic and well-prepared approach, businesses can secure approval for extended operating hours successfully with little complication and minimal delay. Engaging an experienced industrial planner to manage the planning process, coordinate specialist input, and handle negotiations with the consent authority can make securing your 24/7 approval a smooth and straightforward process. 

If you need support navigating the 24/7 development approval process, our team of experienced environmental and industrial planners are here to help. Reach us at (02) 8056 1849 or email us at admin@jacksonenvironment.com.au. More info at https://www.jacksonenvironment.com.au.