Chamber backs quick approvals

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has expressed its support for the new 10-day planning approval system for businesses in NSW that will reduce planning red tape and potentially save businesses thousands of dollars.

According to chamber president Mr Matthew Wales, business owners are currently 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 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," Mr Wales said.

"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.

"In an environment where we are fighting for jobs, this is a step in the right direction."

Mr Wales said the new code would 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," Mr Wales said.

Press release, 5 Aug 2009 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce