The data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that approvals decreased across all states and territories.

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The Upper Lachlan Shire Council determined 16 development applications in August, three more than the same period in 2018, however overall the number of development applications has fallen between July to June 2017-18 to July to June 2018-19. There were more applications received in 2017-18.

Doug McIntyre, from Peak Architecture based in Crookwell said, "we need about 120 dwellings in the Shire per year to achieve a 1.5 per cent growth rate - a healthy growth rate."

Over the next year, Mr McIntyre has predicted that development approvals for dwellings will increase.

A subdivision at McIntosh Road estate with around 30 dwellings was held up, and there are also subdivisions at Collector (10 lots) and Gunning (around 40 lots).

"There is also potential in Laggan for another subdivision."

"What I'm experiencing is a lot more people coming to the area, with sealing the roads, and proximity to capital cities and the lifestyle."

He also said that more people are working from home and moving to regional areas.

The average time to approve an application in August was 30 days, figures in the council September business papers revealed. Meantime, the average time in July was 56 days.

In the Upper Lachlan Shire, dwelling approvals fell from 10 to eight from July to August, this year. Across the country, dwelling approvals decreased in August in the ACT (27.7 per cent), and New South Wales (5.4 per cent).

Daniel Rossi, director of construction statistics at the ABS said, "the fall continues to be driven by private dwellings excluding houses, which decreased by 9.2 per cent in August."

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