Before you lodge a development application (DA) or change proposal, you can use our pre-lodgement advice service.
The service puts you in touch with Council officers to get feedback about complex or site-specific issues. You can also get advice on:
- what you need to prepare and lodge a DA
- issues with your proposal
- a site, proposed development or proposed changes to an approval.
After using the advice service, you should be ready to prepare your DA.
Learn more about the DA process.
You don't have to use this service before you lodge a DA, but we recommend you do. It's especially useful for big or complex developments.
To access the pre-lodgement advice service, fill in the pre-lodgement service form.
It can take us up to 3 weeks to assess your form if your proposal is complex.
If you need advice in writing, you can request written advice(PDF, 2MB).
Minimum mandatory information
Attach your supporting information as a single file.
This supporting information must have at least:
- a description of the main parts of your proposal
- a brief planning assessment
- a to-scale site layout plan.
Site layout plans
The site layout plan must show:
- the whole site, including property boundaries, key dimensions, and named adjoining and intersecting roads
- key features of the site, such as contours, vegetation and gullies.
Material change of use applications
If you're applying for material change of use, the layout plan must show:
- proposed and existing structures
- car parking locations
- vehicle and pedestrian access
- landscaping
- the proposed building floor plans and elevations (if possible).
Lot reconfiguration applications
If you're reconfiguring a lot, the layout plan must show:
- lot sizes
- typical dimensions
- duplex sites (if relevant)
- road frontages.
Our advice aims to help you meet the rules under the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme by ensuring you know:
- the information and technical studies you need to lodge with the DA
- the category of assessment and any approvals
- if you need to refer the DA to other agencies
- design issues to address – based on the initial information
- questions about a potential DA.
The pre-lodgement advice service does not:
- provide in principle support
- assess the development proposal in detail or let you know the likely outcome of the DA
- include detailed infrastructure charges
- check if your proposal meets all planning scheme codes or other Council policy instruments
- suggest issues to raise in public submissions
- give feedback on development proposals other than the one you're using the advice service for.
Written advice
Written advice can be useful for:
- planning information on complex proposals
- topics such as existing use rights or property transfers.
We aim to return written advice within 10 business days of receiving the fee payment.
To request written advice:
Plans or justification to support the request may also be needed. Submit requests to development@tr.qld.gov.au.
For more information about Council's pre-lodgement service, contact our Technical Advice Team or via development@tr.qld.gov.au.