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Statement of Environmental Effects - NSW
Set your project up for success.
A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is arguably the most important component of a Development Application.
Think of it as the story that explains your project to council - what you’re proposing, how it complies with planning rules and why it deserves approval.
Architectural drawings show the “what,” the SEE covers the “why” and “how.”
You’ll need an SEE whenever you lodge a DA, whether that’s for a new home, a shop fit-out, a subdivision or a change of use.
Councils require it under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, so skipping it isn’t an option.
The document sets out how the proposal meets the relevant Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP), and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).
It addresses impacts like traffic, parking, privacy, overshadowing and neighbourhood character.
A well-prepared SEE can make the difference between a smooth approval and a drawn-out refusal.
Viability of approval is usually strong if the SEE is clear, addresses all controls and tackles potential non-compliances head-on with reasoned justification.
StraightLine Planning can prepare your Statement of Environmental Effects with a 24 hour turnaround.
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Four examples where a Statement of Environmental Effects would be needed in NSW:
01
Residential DA
Lodging a DA for a new dwelling on a residential block
03
Commercial Change of Use
Changing the use of a shopfront into a cafe, salon or office
02
Dual Occupancy, Secondary Dwelling
Proposing a dual occupancy or granny flat that requires council consent
04
Subdivision
Subdividing land into two or more lots
Risks & Challenges
Statement of Environmental Effects challenges.
The main challenge with an SEE is ensuring it addresses every relevant planning control. Missing details like setbacks, height limits or parking can trigger council requests for further information, delaying the process.
Another risk is underestimating environmental impacts. If privacy, overshadowing, traffic or noise aren’t properly assessed, objections from neighbours or council officers can arise.
There’s also the complexity of incorporating multiple layers of legislation. Between LEPs, DCPs and SEPPs, it’s easy to overlook a key clause without professional guidance.
For heritage, bushfire or flood-affected sites, specialist reports will also be required to back up the SEE.
The risk of refusal is real if non-compliances aren’t justified. A strong SEE doesn’t just list facts, it argues your case. Without that, council can determine that the development fails to meet objectives, which means costly redesigns or appeals.
