Mapping out subdivision in preparation for a material change of use in Brisbane suburb

What is a Material Change of Use?

When someone seeks to change the purpose or “use” of a parcel of land, a premise or a location, to a “use” not described in the Local planning scheme, they will need to apply to Council for a material change of use. In Australia this was more commonly referred to as the rezoning of properties. We now see very little land rezoning occurring as land use is controlled more by the local planning scheme and its underlying intention. However, it is still common for material change of use applications on a smaller scale. For example, dual occupancy dwellings in urban residential areas that are not within Medium Density Zones. It also occurs for some multiple dwelling applications, town house developments, retirement villages or even the lease of air space for restaurant seating.

Material change of use is a term the State Government of Queensland (Australia) and Queensland local governments use in the assessment of property development applications.

It is defined in the Queensland Government's Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA) as:

- the start of a new use of the premises;
- the re-establishment on the premises of a use that has been abandoned, or
- a material change in the intensity or scale of the use of the premises.

Source: Queensland Government Development Applications

Helping you prepare & lodge your application with government

As licensed cadastral surveyors, our team is experienced in preparing the documents and conducting all necessary activities needed to get your application successfully approved. We can help you all the way from pre-application advice all the way through to lodging your application with the Queensland government. Please contact us on (07) 3823 1029 for more information.

Some of our previous work

  • Carbrook Road, Cornubia – Rural Residential Land to Park Residential Land
  • Mount Cotton Road, Cornubia –Rural/Non Urban to Urban Residential
  • King Street, Thornlands – Urban Residential and Open Space to reconfigure the land and uses
  • Bloomfield Street, Cleveland – Community Purpose to Urban residential Land

We can help with pre-application advice through to lodging your application with the Queensland government

Client testimonials

  • East Coast Surveys (Aust) have been the surveyors for MSO Holdings since July 2011. Duing this time they have provided Surveying and Town Planning seryices for two subdivision projects. Whenever we have had a need for quick response their professionalism and promptness cannot be questioned and is a credit to their firm.

    - Mark S Smith (MSO HOLDINGS PTY LTD)

  • The surveyor, Mark, was professional, humble , amiable and accommodating. He had 3 decades of experience and it showed. However I was amazed at his people skills and patience. This experience exceeded both my and the Project Managers expectations.

    - Wayne J. Chandler

  • We engaged ECS to do the survey work for our subdivision and have been impressed with their high level of service and proactive approach not only doing the survey work, but seeing the lot sealing process through to its completion. They were always willing to go above and beyond and we really appreciated their experience and guidance through this process.

    - Kendrick & Benita

  • My experience with East Coast Surveys was professional and helpful from the first phone call to receiving my plans. When i called them i did not know which Survey i needed i was just told by my Architect to call a Surveyor and get my Land Surveyed. Paul was so helpful and the price was affordable

    - Chris (True Local)

  • I would like to thank Paul for all the help he gave me with my enquiries about future work. I would recommend East Coast Surveys to anyone considering development and reconfiguring of a lot. I will definitely be using your services again in the future. Very happy customer

    - Sue

  • We engaged East Coast Surveys to assist us with our Town Planning and Surveying to sub-divide our land and house. This was an extremely challenging project and was handled professionally and accurately by East Coast Surveys making my dealings with the whole team delightful. Each one of the team went above and beyond to assist us as first timers.

    - Vicki A.

Get in touch

(07) 3823 1029

7B Natasha St, Capalaba, Qld 4157

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