Local Design Review Scheme approved
Published Wednesday, 31 March 2021
The Minister for Planning and Local Government has approved the Local Design Review Scheme for South Australia to come into effect on 1 July 2021.
The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act) enables South Australia’s new planning system to place greater emphasis on the design quality of our built environments. One of the ways it is achieving this is by creating more opportunities to participate in Design Review under the new Local Design Review Scheme (the Scheme).
Design Review is an independent evaluation process where a panel of built environment experts review the design quality of a development proposal before it is lodged for assessment.
State Design Review has operated successfully in South Australia since 2011 and is currently available to larger-scale development proposals assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) and referred to the South Australian Government Architect. State Design Review will continue for these larger-scale development proposals in the new planning system.
The Local Design Review Scheme will expand the availability of Design Review to development proposals that are assessed by relevant authorities appointed by councils. Councils in South Australia are increasingly offering design advisory services to proponents in varying formats. The Scheme sets out a consistent approach to Local Design Review to support those councils who choose to provide the service within their communities, as well as independent Design Review providers.
The Scheme is designed to:
- support high-quality design
- improve access to independent and expert design advice early in the planning and design process
- support consistent and informed planning decisions
- facilitate collaboration between allied professionals
- support the State’s planning system to meet objects and principles in the PDI Act.
In 2020, the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA) drafted the Scheme in close collaboration with the State Planning Commission, council staff from across the State, representatives from peak industry bodies and interstate government agencies with experience in Local Design Review.
The draft Scheme was available for public comment for eight weeks, from 26 June to 21 August 2020. A total of 39 submissions were received in response to the draft Scheme. ODASA updated the Scheme to reflect the feedback received and in early 2021 undertook a targeted consultation process with council staff and representatives from peak industry bodies to further test and refine it.
ODASA is now preparing for the Scheme to come into operation across the State. This involves completing a number of statutory and regulatory requirements and the supporting guidance material prior to the Scheme commencing.
ODASA has also prepared an Engagement Summary Report to summarise the drafting and engagement processes relating to the Scheme and discuss key themes that emerged from the feedback.
The approved Scheme and the Engagement Summary Report can be accessed below.
If you would like to speak with someone about Local Design Review, please contact ODASA on 8402 1884 during business hours (9.00 am to 5.00 pm, weekdays).
