AAP
Councils could be forced to approve development applications for new homes in just 10 days under proposed reforms to New South Wales planning laws.
A government white paper out Tuesday recommends forcing councils to give rulings on DAs within 10 days or risk losing decision making powers, News Ltd reports.
The report says councils will have to green-light the fast-tracked approvals if the new homes are under two storeys and don't impact neighbours.
The approval process for some apartments, townhouse developments and new shops and land subdivisions will also be sped up under the plan.
Councils reportedly take an average 71 days to adjudicate on DAs at the moment.
The O'Farrell government hopes the recommended changes will save the state up to $1.7 billion over the next decade.