Getting a Development Application (DA) approved in NSW can feel like navigating a maze. As a town planner, I’ve seen countless people—business owners, developers, and homeowners alike—struggle with delays that could’ve been avoided with the right approach.

Here are 10 tried-and-tested secrets to help you get your DA approved faster. These insights come from years of experience and plenty of lessons learned along the way.
1. Understand Your Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
The Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is like a rulebook for land use in your council area. It sets out what’s allowed and what isn’t, based on zoning and land use controls. Failing to align your proposal with the LEP is one of the quickest ways to get stuck in the approval process.
How to Use It
Start by reviewing your council’s LEP. Let’s say you’re opening a cafe in a commercial zone—it might seem straightforward, but if your project involves live music or outdoor seating, the LEP could impose restrictions. A quick review early on saves time later.
I once worked with a client who assumed their property was zoned for retail, only to find out it had mixed-use restrictions. Catching that early saved them months of back-and-forth with council.

2. Engage a Qualified Town Planner Early
Here’s the truth: the DA process is complex, and councils can be sticklers for detail. A town planner can interpret legislation, anticipate challenges and prepare your application to meet council requirements.
Engage your planner early—before you start designing or building—so they can flag potential issues and guide the process.
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
The SEE is your chance to show the council you’ve thought about how your project impacts the environment and community. A half-baked SEE leads to endless requests for more information.
What to Include
Your SEE should cover traffic, noise, waste management and environmental impacts. If your project adds value to the community, such as creating jobs or beautifying the area, emphasise that.
A local cafe owner who included details about employing local staff and sourcing ingredients locally earned praised for the business for contributing to the local economy from the council in its assessment.

4. Provide High-Quality Architectural Drawings
It’s tempting to cut corners on drawings, but council assessors rely heavily on them. Poor-quality or unclear plans slow down the process.
What Makes a Good Drawing
Architectural drawings should include:
Site plans
Floor layouts
Elevations
Accessibility features
Hiring a qualified architect at StraightLine Planning ensures your drawings meet council standards.
Hand-drawn sketches that accompany a DA will not impress the council.
5. Meet with the Council Before Lodging
A pre-lodgement meeting with your local council can be a game-changer. Think of it as a chance to get a sneak peek at what they’re looking for.
What to Ask
Are there specific concerns about my project?
Does the proposal comply with zoning and building codes?
Are there any additional documents I should include?
During one pre-lodgement meeting I attended with a client, a council planner advised adding a traffic impact assessment to a client’s DA. That small tweak helped us avoid weeks of delay later.
6. Address Accessibility Compliance
Accessibility is non-negotiable, especially for commercial projects. Your DA needs to comply with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and building codes.
How to Get It Right
Ensure features like ramps, accessible bathrooms, and clear pathways are included in your plans. Councils often reject DAs over accessibility oversights, so this isn’t an area to skimp on.

7. Anticipate Traffic and Parking Issues
Traffic and parking concerns are top priorities for councils, especially for commercial projects. If your DA doesn’t address them, expect delays.
What to Include
Traffic flow analysis
Parking availability
Solutions for peak times
Pro Tip: Even if your project is small, like a boutique retail shop, adding parking considerations to your DA shows you’ve thought ahead.
8. Manage Heritage or Environmental Constraints
If your site has heritage significance or environmental restrictions, these need to be addressed upfront. Councils are cautious about approving projects that impact protected areas.
How to Navigate This
Engage a heritage consultant or environmental planner to create supporting documents, like a Heritage Impact Statement or Environmental Impact Assessment.
Note: including a heritage impact statement demonstrates respect for a building’s character, which can win over the council.
9. Respond Promptly to Council Requests
Delays often happen because applicants don’t respond quickly to council requests for additional information. Time is of the essence here.
How to Stay on Top
Designate a point of contact—either yourself or your town planner—who can respond to council inquiries within 1–2 days. Being proactive can shave weeks off the process.
10. Submit a Waste Management Plan
Waste management might not be glamorous, but it’s critical for council approval. They want to know how your project will handle waste sustainably.
What to Include
Waste storage solutions
Removal plans
Recycling initiatives
Final Thoughts
Getting a DA approved in NSW doesn’t have to be a drawn-out nightmare. By understanding the process, addressing key concerns early, and leveraging professional help, you can fast-track your approval and bring your vision to life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at StraightLine Planning—sometimes, having an expert on your side makes all the difference.
Ready to get started? Let us help you navigate the process with confidence. Contact us today for professional guidance tailored to your project.
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