Notifications and Submissions

When a development application (DA) is lodged with Council, we may need to notify people who might be affected by the development.

Generally, written notification of an application will be sent to adjoining property owners and occupants. Some notifications may extend to include those within the immediate area. This is so they have a chance to raise any concerns or make a comment before a decision is made.

Notifications don’t apply to work done as exempt development or complying development.

Community Participation Plan

The Community Participation Plan (CPP) outlines how Council will inform and engage with the community about planning and development matters. The CPP also provides information on how you, as the community, can participate in planning matters.

Our CPP explains who we notify about DAs, for how long, and how we will respond to any submissions received.

The length of time a DA is notified, if required, is shown in Schedule 2 of this policy.

How you will be notified of a proposal

Council will write to you if you or your property is likely to be affected by a DA. You will have the opportunity to raise any concerns, provide support, make a comment or provide useful information before a planning decision is made.

How you can participate

Anyone with an interest in a planning matter is welcome to make a submission. If you’re objecting or supporting, you need to give a clear reason why, e.g. how the proposed development may impact on you, or your property. We also encourage people to share positive suggestions or recommendations to improve the outcome.

Submissions must be in writing and be received by close of business on the last day of the notification period.

Submissions are public documents, and other people can view them on request, so make sure you read our Protection of Privacy statement before you comment on a DA.

All submissions will be considered when the DA is assessed.

Submissions for Designated Development

Section 56(6)(i) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 states:

unless the Independent Planning Commission has held a public hearing, a person who objected to the development by making a submission and who is dissatisfied with the determination of the consent authority to grant development consent, may appeal to the Court, and
if the Independent Planning Commission holds a public hearing, the Commission’s determination of the application is final and not subject to appeal.

How to make a submission

If you receive a notification letter, it will explain how you can make a submission about a proposed development.

If you do not receive a notification letter, you can still make a submission using one of these options:

Go to our Online Services Portal and select Development Applications on Exhibition. Click on an application to view details, then use the Lodge a submission button.
Write to Council. Make sure you include the application number (eg DA-2024/XXX) in the subject line and / or message content.

How will we respond

When we receive your submission, we will write to you within 7 days confirming that it has been received. If there are numerous names on the submission, or it is a petition, we will send the reply to the head signatory. This letter will not respond to any issues raised in the submission.