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Planning and AI in CBCity

As part of an initiative with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), CBCity have been exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help with the development application (DA) process

You can now access an online platform that helps identify site-specific development requirements, which was developed in partnership with Archistar. The tool is easy to use and shows relevant planning controls in summary format, tailored to individual sites and zones. 

It can alert you to potential issues prior to beginning the submission process of an application.

How does it work?

Archistar is an easy-to-use platform where you can get quick access to planning rules and use an interactive AI-powered chatbot. You can create an account on the Archistar platform and  use the platform for FREE.

To get started, simply search for the property you would like to review. Archistar uses AI to show information such as:

  • A summary of the planning rules, including zoning
  • Detailed planning rules specific to project types and links to the controls
  • An AI chatbot, showing whether a proposal could be assessed as an Exempt Development, Complying Development or Development Application (DA)

This tool is currently available as a pilot and is funded by the NSW DPHI under the AI Early Adopter Grant Program. It is designed to provide guidance on planning information for small to medium residential development and the associated assessment pathways. It should not be used as a substitute for professional planning advice.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. This is a FREE service accessible at any time through our website.

The tool uses information from NSW planning legislation, Planning Instruments such as State Environmental Planning Policies, the Local Environmental Plan and the Canterbury-Bankstown Development Control Plan to generate results. 

No. The tool generates indicative information only. It does not replace the advice of qualified planning professionals.

The Archistar platform also links to their Learning Academy, which has training videos to guide you through the platform.

Click here for Archistar Learning Academy

Disclaimer

  • By clicking ‘I ACCEPT’, you acknowledge, understand, warrant and agree that you have read and agree to abide by the conditions of use as follows.

CONDITIONS OF USE – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • This  tool is part of the NSW AI Early Adopter Grant Program and is being introduced on a pilot basis. 
  • In choosing to accept to use this tool, you will be redirected from the Canterbury‑Bankstown Council website to the Archistar platform which is operated by a third party and is subject to its own terms of use and privacy policy that you are required to comply with, in addition to Council’s conditions set out here.
  • Canterbury‑Bankstown Council does not operate, control, endorse or supervise the Archistar platform or the outputs it generates or the information contained on the platform generally.
  • The information provided by the Archistar platform is indicative only and does not constitute planning advice, legal advice or professional advice of any kind.
  • The platform uses artificial intelligence and automated processes, which may generate errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misleading outputs.
  • The Archistar platform must be treated as a reference tool only. Council cannot and does not make any claim or representation as to the accuracy, authenticity, currency, completeness, reliability or suitability of any information or material contained within, generated by or accessed through the platform.
  • Changes to planning legislation, instruments and/or controls may not be reflected in a timely manner on the platform. Users are solely responsible for verifying all applicable planning controls, requirements and assessment pathways.
  • This is a pilot program and the platform is expected to continue to develop, change and improve over time.
  • Any development assessment or determination is governed by applicable planning legislation and instruments and is made independently of any information generated by or accessed through the use of this tool. 
  • Any information generated by the tool (including any indication that a proposal may be exempt development, complying or suitable for development approval) does not guarantee that a development application, if lodged, will be approved by Council and must not be interpreted as encouragement or endorsement by Council to lodge an application. 
  • You must not rely on information generated by the tool when deciding whether to incur costs or expenses, including (without limitation) application fees, consultant fees, legal costs, design costs or expert report fees. Any decisions to lodge a development application or to incur related costs is made entirely at your own risk, regardless of any information or indication provided by the tool.

You acknowledge and accept that Canterbury‑Bankstown Council is not responsible for, and excludes all liability for, any loss, damage, cost (including legal costs) or expense (including consequential or economic loss) arising from your use of, or reliance on, information generated by or accessed through the Archistar platform. Users must exercise their own skill, care and judgment and independently verify all relevant information before acting on it. 

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