• August 21, 2025
• By JEP Team

If you’ve recently purchased or leased an industrial building or facility, you’ll likely want to adapt its original use to better suit your business operations. It might come as a surprise, but you can’t simply modify or repurpose the building without first going through the proper approval process. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain development approval from the local Council (at a minimum) before commencing any works.

Changing the approved use of a property is considered a form of development under NSW planning laws, meaning development consent is required. To obtain this consent, you must submit a comprehensive development application, which includes a range of detailed reports outlining the scope and potential impact of your proposed use. These documents often require input from qualified professionals such as surveyors, industrial planners, architects, and engineers.

Some of the key documents typically required include:

• Architectural plans
• Waste management plans
• Traffic and parking assessments
• Noise and vibration impact assessments
• Air quality impact assessments
• Stormwater and drainage reports
• Fire safety strategies 
• Hazardous materials management plans
• Environmental management plans 
• Environmental sustainability reports
• Community consultation and social impact assessments

Councils often require these documents to properly assess the impact of your proposal on the surrounding area, infrastructure, and communities, while also ensuring that all environmental and safety considerations are addressed. The range and complexity of these requirements can escalate quickly, depending on the nature and scale of your proposed changes.

We know that sounds complicated and time-consuming — but it doesn’t have to be. Engaging an experienced planner can make all the difference by helping you secure approval faster, increasing the chances of success on the first submission, and avoiding costly delays and revisions.

If you’re looking to change the use of an industrial facility or property, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert guidance and support throughout the development approval process. Contact us at (02) 8056 1849 or email us at admin@jacksonenvironment.com.au. More info at https://www.jacksonenvironment.com.au.