Subdivisions & Planning: Watch This Before You Build or Subdivide - Benedict McCarthy | HBP скачать в хорошем качестве

Subdivisions & Planning: Watch This Before You Build or Subdivide - Benedict McCarthy | HBP

Building or subdividing in Western Australia can feel overwhelming. Planning approvals, building approvals, council policies, R-Codes, neighbour sign-offs, subdivisions, strata titles… it’s a lot. In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, we’re joined by Benedict McCarthy from Planning Horizons, a town planner with over 25 years of experience working across local government, construction, and private consultancy. We break down: The difference between planning approval and building approval When you can avoid planning altogether Why councils say no (even when neighbours were approved) How performance-based planning actually works Common mistakes that delay builds by months Subdivision options: green title, survey strata, strata What subdivision really costs in WA Why street trees, setbacks, and services can kill projects When SAT (State Administrative Tribunal) makes sense and when it doesn’t If you’re building your forever home, considering a subdivision, or buying property with development potential, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes and make smarter decisions from day one. 01:05 – Ben McCarthy’s background in planning & construction 02:42 – Planning vs building approval explained simply 04:43 – Why every council is different (and why it matters) 05:50 – The danger of missing one line in a policy 07:06 – Informal council rules nobody tells you about 08:49 – Deemed-to-comply vs performance-based planning 10:17 – How planners justify variations successfully 11:42 – When you can skip planning altogether 12:43 – Why planning delays builds by months 13:51 – When planning is worth it for your own home 15:13 – How far is too far when pushing council rules 17:52 – Why neighbours matter more than you think 19:42 – How council assesses planning applications 21:37 – When applications go to full council 22:55 – SAT explained: mediation vs tribunal 24:25 – When SAT is worth it (and when it isn’t) 26:04 – Real example: boundary walls & policy contradictions 28:38 – Why precedent means nothing anymore 31:37 – How to avoid planning entirely with smarter design 33:16 – Neighbour consent (BA20) explained 35:59 – Introduction to subdivisions in WA 36:39 – Green title vs survey strata vs strata 39:09 – When strata actually makes sense 40:54 – Subdivision layout options explained 41:26 – First questions to ask before subdividing 42:35 – Minimum access widths & driveway rules 44:03 – Why surveys are critical before you start 45:19 – R-Code densities explained simply 47:00 – Subdivision approval process step-by-step 49:22 – Why subdivision approvals add real value 50:47 – The real cost of services & infrastructure 52:05 – Why subdivisions take 6–12 months 54:16 – Retain or demolish? What makes more sense 55:21 – Capital gains tax traps to avoid 56:46 – Side-by-side vs rear battle-axe lots 58:01 – Why verge trees can kill developments 01:02:41 – Driveway, drainage & infrastructure pitfalls 01:05:16 – Why expert advice saves money long term 01:06:01 – Due diligence tips before buying 01:07:01 – Final question: $10k to spend on your home About Our Guest Benedict McCarthy is the Director of Planning Horizons and a highly experienced town planner with over 25 years in the industry. Having worked in both local government and private consultancy, Ben brings a rare, practical perspective on how councils actually assess planning applications. His experience spans residential planning, complex subdivisions, commercial projects, and construction, giving him a deep understanding of how planning decisions impact real builds on the ground. Ben specialises in performance-based planning solutions, helping clients navigate council requirements, avoid costly delays, and unlock development potential that others miss. Get in touch with Ben Website: https://www.planninghorizonswa.com.au/ Socials: Facebook | Instagram Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website: https://independentbuildingadvice.com... Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube