Site Selection

Perhaps the most important aspect of development is selecting an appropriate site for the type of development that is proposed. Just because a site can be bought or leased does not mean it is necessarily suitable for development. Considering carefully how well the features of the site match the needs of the proposed development can save time and expense down the track. Careful site selection can help a developer to identify what expenses are likely to be associated with the development. The following factors should be taken into consideration before entering a lease agreement or sale and purchase agreement for a site:

• Is the land in a City or Town area? Does the City or Town have an approved Town Planning Scheme?
• Does the site have good transport connections to other areas and developments? (eg: For a factory, is there a road to suppliers and distributors?)

• What is the zone of the land?
• In the General Provisions that apply to the area, what types of development are Permitted, Conditional and Non-permissible in this area?
• Is the type of development proposed consistent with the zone requirements?

• Does the site include or abut a creek or river, or is it an island or in a coastal location requiring sensitive design or operation?
• Does the proposal include development on foreshore or mangrove area?
• Is the area flat, low, or otherwise flood-prone?
• Is any part of the site too steep to build on or use?
• Does any part of the site have good views?
• What type of vegetation is on the site?

• What type of access does the site have?
• If the site abuts a main road, is there an access denial strip in place that will restrict vehicle movement?
• If the site access is via a gravel track, is it a legal, surveyed access?
• Is the road wide enough for the nature or volume of traffic associated with the type of development proposed?

• What infrastructure is available to the subject land?
• Is the site already connected, or can it be connected to a public sewer?
• Is there a good, wholesome water supply available to the site? (If not, how is water provided to nearby sites?)
• Are power and telecommunication services available in the area?

• What is the site currently used for, and what was its previous use?
• What are potential problems from stopping or changing this use? (Loss of a service or open space for a community? Reduced primary production output?)
• Will any special works be required to make the site appropriate for the proposed use?

• What uses exist and are proposed on land close to the subject site?
• Is the proposed type of development compatible with nearby uses, in terms of noise, hours of operation, traffic movement and other factors?
• Especially for tourism and commercial development, will development on the site complement or compete with nearby development?