In 1997, in response to its extraordinary growth, Liverpool City Council developed what is known as an Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP), and is believed to be the first of its kind in NSW. IHAP comprises of four members, specialists in areas of law, urban planning and design, the environment and a community representative. It delivers independent and specialist recommendations to Council on Development Application’s (DA), that are significant and complex or meet with unresolved objections.
On average, Council processes 2,000 DAs per annum. Prior to 1997, DAs not assessed through normal procedures were presented at a Council meeting for a decision. This created several problems, including a limited opportunity for applicants and objectors to express their views.
Along with this, complex or significant DAs were not subject to rigorous and transparent public examination. Moreover DA decisions became part of the political process instead of being decided on urban planning, environmental, community or legal merits.
IHAP is an innovative solution to these issues. Advantages of the IHAP model include the right for all parties to be heard, depoliticising the assessment process, and providing community participation in the decision process.
In addition, it enables Council to focus on strategic issues and policy, it provides specialist and independent expertise, and helps increase in the efficiency of processing DAs. The IHAP concept has interested other Councils, especially those in high growth areas. Fairfield City Council established a similar panel in October 1999.
For further information on IHAP contact Gerard Turrisi, Corporate Manager Built Environment, on (02) 9821 9277.
