What is a Project Description Statement?
A project description statement (PDS) is a report prepared by the developer together with architects/consultants, which describes in quite some detail, the project proposal including any operations that are to take place and the site of the development. A PDS is required for development applications for major projects.
What does a Project Description Statement include?
A PDS should take the form of a mini report taking into consideration the following issues (where relevant):
a) personal details;
b) the opportunities and problems being addressed by the development and general economic, social and environmental objectives;
c) a description of the general strategy employed and alternative methods considered, in reaching the economic, social and environmental objectives of the development;
d) an indication of the proposed timing of the project;
e) economic viability;
f) the location of the proposed development;
g) a brief indication of the alternative uses and locations considered;
h) a description of the physical characteristics including size, scale, design and phasing of the development;
i) a description of present land uses and environmental characteristics of the site;
j) a description of surrounding land uses, their nature, extent and their environmental characteristics;
k) a description of the services, water, foul water sewers, surface water drainage, including storm water drainage, and energy sources available on site;
l) estimates of the number of persons to be employed with estimates for each phase of the development;
m) the nature and quantities of raw materials to be used and waste generated during construction and operation; the proposed method of storage or handling of materials and wastes, and machinery needed during both construction and operational phases;
n) access arrangements, parking requirements and parking arrangements on and off the site, during both construction and operation;
o) proposals for mitigating the negative effects of the development.