Data released to Otago Daily Times showed the Invercargill City Council issued 1733 building consents last year, an increase of about 25% from 2016 and 13% up on 2019 figures.
A council spokesman said since it began to accept and process building consents electronically in March 2020, staff were able to provide a far more efficient service
"Invercargill city council’s building team has undergone a period of change over the last three years — we have made significant improvements to our processes and service levels and we are pleased to now report close to 100% compliance with statutory timeframes."
The industry acknowledged the council had done better, Southland Registered Masters Builders president Hamish Broomfield noting the improvement helped builders complete jobs in a timely manner.
"The Invercargill City Council is doing well. They really improved to get most things through within 21 days and most of the inspections, you can get get booked within a week."
He said remote inspections had made the difference by speeding the process up.
He highlighted the Southland District Council as a council that still struggled.
Two years ago, Mee and Henry Law director Liz Henry conducted a survey to assess whether there were genuine concerns about the operation of the council’s building consents and planning teams.
At the time, it highlighted dissatisfaction as 80% of respondents said it was unsatisfactory.
Mrs Henry had not conducted another survey but believed the council had enhanced its practices, meaning the industry had got more confidence to develop in the city of Invercargill.
"From the feedback I’ve got, it definitely had been an improvement and council seems to be more effective and better with its relationships.
She said if it had been a school report card, council improved from E to C-.
"It is a better climate for the industry. However there are still some areas to improve as some groups, some architects who were not still confident enough. But this will happen with the [passing of] time."
