IT'S not only issues surrounding Milton's development problems that annoys Bill Deverall but it's the process behind them also adds to his frustrations.
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Mr Deverall recently went public about his concern that the picturesque village of Milton is being over-development.
He recently contacted all the elected members of Shoalhaven City Council to express his concerns.
He also wanted to know where he stood when it comes to development applications - like the one he is currently facing that will mean four dwellings built on a block where only one home currently sits.
"I would also like to understand from an administrative and legal point of view what notice is required to be given to residents when a development like this is planned to take place," he wrote in a letter to all the councillors"
"As I have already mentioned, we were given no notice of the house being built next to us on the basis that it was a single-story house.
"However, I would like a reference to the policies that govern this decision making.
"Specifically, I would like a reference to the policies that govern my current situation, where the neighbouring block of land is subject to being subdivided into through separate blocks.
"Further to this, I would also like to know the grievance process is in place for people in my position."
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The Milton Ulladulla Times contacted the council and asked for some information on the DA process.
"A development application for a new dwelling in Milton would be forwarded to the Ulladulla Office for assessment.," a council spokesperson said.
"Generally these minor applications are referred to the area building surveyor and they will do the assessment.
"As they have delegated authority, it does not need to go to councillors for approval.
"There is a current council resolution that temporarily removes the delegation for refusal of applications and all such applications need to go to a Council's Environment and Development meeting."
The spokesperson explained how some developments are called into council.
"Some applications are called into council for determination and this is generally where there is a lot of public interest in the matter," the spokesperson said.
"For example, there may be overshadowing concerns, sight line and privacy issues etc.
"If this happens, the assessment officer will complete a report and it will be presented to a Development Committee Meeting of the Council.'
Sometimes the whole approval process can be confusing.
"As identified, the State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 also has provisions where dwellings can be approved. These can be approved by either a private certifier or council," the spokesperson said.
"The issue for having three or four dwellings on the one allotment comes down to the zoning of the land and compliance with the LEP and DCP.
"Ordinarily, multi-unit development is sent to a town planner for assessment.
" This would still happen in the Ulladulla Office and the call-in requirements mentioned above still apply."
Mr Deverall's added it was important that all sections of council know how the local residents feel about these issues.
