The notification requirements for development applications are prescribed by the State Government through the Statewide Community Participation Plan 2026.  Under this Policy, certain categories of development are exempt from public notification where specified criteria are met.

As a result, Council's Community Engagement Strategy no longer applies to development assessment notification requirements where these matters are addressed by the Statewide Community Participation Plan 2026.

The most significant change is the introduction of a range of development types that are exempt from notification, provided the proposal does not seek a variation to the Floor Space Ratio (FSR) or Building Height development standards.

These exemptions include (but are not limited to):

• Dwelling houses (up to two storeys)
• Secondary dwellings
• Multi dwelling housing containing up to five dwellings
• Alterations and additions
• Subdivisions creating less than five allotments
• Most change of use applications
• Demolition
• Pools, sheds, pergolas etc for a dwelling
• Signage
• Tree removal on private land
• Modification applications relating to development that is exempt from notification

As the notification requirements are established  by State Government legislation, Council does not have discretion to impose notification requirements beyond those prescribed under the Statewide Community Participation Plan 2026.

Remaining application types will continue to be notified as required by the Statewide Community Participation Plan 2026 and Council's Community Engagement Strategy.
 

Make a Submission

If you wish to formally comment on, or object to, to a Development Application, you can make a submission to Council.  Submissions can be made by email, post or by completing the online Submission on Development Applications form.
 

Confidentiality

We do not keep submissions confidential and we release submissions when a request is made in accordance with privacy laws and relevant provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

 

What Happens Next?

Once you have submitted your comments, one of our Assessment Officers may contact you to discuss your concerns.

If required, an Assessment Officer may request to visit your property to assess how the proposed development may affect where you live.

Once submissions for a Development Application have closed, we will make a decision on whether to approve, refuse or amend the application.

 

Outcome

If a Development Application receives significant objections, a report will be presented to Council’s Director Environment and Planning for determination in accordance with Council’s Policy.  The application may also be referred to the Local Planning Panel.

When a final determination is made about a Development Application, everyone who made a submission will be informed of the outcome.
 

Useful Links

NSW Ombudsman