Navigating Council Approvals and Permits Without the Headaches

Let’s be honest — no one gets excited about paperwork.

When you think about building your home, you’re picturing floor plans, finishes, maybe the alfresco setup for summer nights.

You’re not dreaming about permit applications, overlays, or planning regulations.

But approvals and permits are a huge part of the process — and if they’re not handled properly, they can delay your build before a shovel even hits the ground.

So let’s demystify it.

What Are Approvals and Permits, Really?

Before your home can be built, it needs a green light from two main angles:

1. Planning Approval (if required): This is about how your home fits into your neighbourhood — think setbacks, height restrictions, zoning rules. Not every build needs it, but if you’re in a growth area or overlay zone, it may apply.

2. Building Permit: This is non-negotiable. It confirms your home is structurally sound, fire-safe, energy compliant, and meets all the building codes.

Both matter. But most of the stress comes from the process, not the paperwork itself.

Where It Goes Wrong

The biggest headaches happen when:

• You’re not told what approvals you need

• Your builder doesn’t handle it (or doesn’t handle it well)

• You find out about restrictions after design work is done

That’s when you get delays, redraw fees, or worst case — having to go back to the drawing board.

What You Should Expect From a Good Builder

Approvals and permits shouldn’t be your burden to carry.

Your builder should:

• Investigate your block’s planning requirements before design starts

• Explain any zoning, overlays or estate covenants

• Manage the approval and permit process on your behalf

• Keep you updated at every step — no radio silence, no last-minute surprises

At Hedgley Homes, we bake this into our process.

We don’t move forward until we know your build is 100% feasible, legally and practically. No guesswork. No crossed fingers.

How Long Do Approvals Take?

It depends on your local council, your land, and whether your design needs planning approval. In general:

• Standard building permits: 2–4 weeks

• Planning permits (if needed): 8–12 weeks or more

That’s why it’s so important to factor this into your timeline upfront.

A good builder will help you plan for it — not just promise “we’ll get started soon” without checking the requirements.

Final Word

You shouldn’t have to be a planning expert to build a home. That’s your builder’s job.

What you do need is a team that knows the system, communicates clearly, and handles the process with zero shortcuts.

If you’re after a builder who handles the red tape — so you don’t have to — we’d love to help.

Let’s talk