Lodging a DA and understanding the process

Pre-lodgement

The pre-lodgement stage is the front end of the development assessment process. If you get the front end right you are likely to have a simple DA process. Giving council an assessment-ready application, with all required information will not ‘guarantee’ approval – however, it will promote an efficient process, saving you both time and money. Read the Department of Planning and Environment's pre-lodgment guide for more information about preparing your DA.

Before you prepare and lodge an application, we encourage you to discuss it with one of Council's planners to obtain general advice. This is a free service, available via phone between 2pm and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Formal Pre-DA meeting

Detailed written advice can be obtained through a formal Pre-DA meeting. These meetings are reserved for significant proposals, including significant agricultural operations, multi-dwelling developments, subdivisions of more than 10 lots, commercial developments, industrial developments, and all temporary events requiring development consent; or proposals with complex planning considerations.

A formal meeting is intended to give consideration to the feasibility of your proposal and provide information in relation to the assessment process. The principal objective is to identify and resolve constraints related to your project before submitting your application. The meeting is for discussion and clarification only and isn't intended to pre-empt a final decision in relation to a DA.

Although Pre-DA meetings are not mandatory, consultation early in the process may prevent delays in processing of your application.

To book a Pre-DA meeting contact Council’s Planning team.

Lodgement of a DA

Step 1: Obtain all required documents

Supporting documentation is required when lodging an application. This may include:

• The owner’s consent(PDF, 200KB) (if you are not the owner)
• A Statement of Environmental Effects(PDF, 269KB) (SEE)
• A cost estimate report(PDF, 192KB)
• Site survey or site plan
• Site analysis
• A BASIX Certificate – A BASIX certificate is an energy efficiency report for a new home or alterations and additions greater than $50,000 that demonstrates its sustainability
• Other plans such as landscape or drainage plans
• Specific technical reports required by State agencies

Step 2: Lodge your application electronically

You must prepare and submit your development application on the NSW Planning Portal.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has created a guide to submitting a Development Application online to walk you through registration and lodgement on the Planning Portal.

If your application is incomplete, you'll receive details on what is required via the Planning Portal.

Step 3: Pay fees quote

There are fees associated with the lodgement of a development application. Council will upload a fee quote into the planning portal, you’re required to contact Council’s Customer Service team to make payment.

Application fees are detailed in Council's Fees and Charges.

Your application will not be considered as lodged until the application fees have been paid in full.

Assessment

In most instances, Council will be the consent authority for the DA. In certain circumstances, we may only undertake the assessment process and a regional panel, or another government agency, will act as the consent authority.

1. Once submitted, your application will be allocated to an assessment officer.
2. The assessment officer will contact you to introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have (within 14 days of lodgement).
3. Your application may be placed on public exhibition.
4. If so, the assessment officer will carefully consider all matters raised during the exhibition period.

You may be requested to provide additional information during the assessment process.

Applications are assessed in accordance with Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and on public exhibition in accordance with our Community Engagement Strategy and Participation Plan.

Track a DA

You can track the status of any application we're assessing, whether you are the applicant or not.

Applications can be tracked on the Application Tracker by entering the DA number, address, lot number, or date lodged.

Applications can also be tracked via the NSW Department of Planning and Environment Application Tracking Service by browsing the map or by selecting ‘Liverpool Plains Shire Council’ from the drop-down menu.

Determination

Following the complete and proper consideration of your application, a determination will be made.

If permission is granted for your project, you'll obtain a development consent. Your development consent will outline any conditions that must be addressed prior, during, and upon completion of construction or prior to use commencing. You may also have to obtain several other certificates or approvals.

If the assessment officer is not in a position to support your proposal, development consent will not be granted. If this occurs, the assessment officer will then contact or meet with you to discuss issues and explain Council's position.

Apply for any Post-Consent Certificates

Following approval of your DA, you may be required to apply for a post-consent certificate in the NSW Planning Portal before you commence work, and at the completion. Some examples of post-consent certificates are Construction Certificates, Occupation Certificates, and Subdivision Certificates. Your Notice of Determination will outline any post-consent certificates you will need to obtain. 

You will be notified through your previously lodged Principal Certifier Appointment when your development is ready for an application for an Occupation Certificate or Subdivision Certificate, whichever is applicable to your development.

For a list of Post-Consent Certificates, and instructions on how to apply, visit The NSW Planning Portal website.

NSW Planning Portal Service Fees

Please note that there are nominal fees payable for certain planning applications, certificates and payments that are to be paid by the applicant as part of the digital application process on the NSW Planning Portal. These fees are different to the lodgment and assessment fees charged by council. They have been introduced by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to support the ongoing maintenance and delivery of the NSW Planning Portal.

A full list of certificates and applications to which a fee applies can be found on the NSW Planning Portal. Fees are payable per application; individual invoices will be sent upon lodgment or acceptance of your application or certificate.

Modifying a Development Consent (Section 4.55 Applications)

You may apply to modify your development consent (known as a Section 4.55 Application), provided that the modified development remains substantially the same as the one that was initially approved. There are three types of modifications:

If you're not able to satisfy Council that the modified proposal is substantially the same as the one that was initially approved, you will need to lodge a new development application.

NSW Planning Portal Service Fees

Please note that there are nominal fees payable for certain planning applications, certificates and payments that are to be paid by the applicant as part of the digital application process on the NSW Planning Portal. These fees are different to the lodgment and assessment fees charged by council. They have been introduced by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to support the ongoing maintenance and delivery of the NSW Planning Portal.

A full list of certificates and applications to which a fee applies can be found on the NSW Planning Portal. Fees are payable per application; individual invoices will be sent upon lodgment or acceptance of your application or certificate.