Submissions and Comments

As a part of the Development Application (DA) process, most proposed developments are notified to the public for comment. The methods of notification include:

  • Posting notices at the site of the proposed development
  • Mailing nearby residents a summary of the proposed development
  • Advertising in the local paper
  • Providing a list of current DAs open for comment on this website

For details and guidelines on how we advertise and notify of DA's, view the Council’s DCP.

Applications are advertised for a limited time (between 2 to 3 weeks depending on the nature of the proposal). At any time, you can view current DAs open for comment.

Advice on making a submission

Before you provide your comments on a proposed development, it is advisable that you are sure of the following:

  • Be familiar with the details of the proposed development. The advertised notice does not contain enough information to make an assessment of the potential impacts. All materials submitted with a DA are open for public review at Council chambers.
  • Understand the development controls that apply to the proposed development. Generally proposed development being advertised complies with Council’s development controls, but often there are good reasons why it may not. Be sure you understand both the intent and the specifics of a development and it’s associated rules before commenting.
  • Then make your comment or objection

Be sure you include the following in your submission:

  • Quote the application number and the address of the site.
  • Provide your name, address, contact phone number and where possible your email address*.
  • Clearly state the impacts that the proposal will have upon the amenity of your property or residence, preferably in point form.
  • Where possible make positive suggestions as to how the development could be improved.
  • Be relevant (civil disputes between neighbours or private rights such as covenants cannot be considered).
  • Be with Council before 4:30pm on the closing date for submission (allow for postage delays).
  • If necessary, a disclosure statement of a reportable political donation or gift made to any Councillor or a gift made to any Council employee. You can download a Political donations and gifts disclosure statement form (PDF File: 46.8kb) which includes explanatory information. (NOTE: this requirement will apply to submissions made on or after 1/10/08)

Please not that all submissions must be in writing

How to send your submission
You can either Email or mail your submission.

Acknowledgement of your submission
Council acknowledge every submission in writing to the address on the submission. If you don't get an acknowledgement letter within 5 days, please contact the assessment officer.

The Assessment Officer assigned to the DA will assess the application and consider each submission. If the assessment officer considers it necessary, they may contact you to request access to your property to view your concerns (so please always provide your contact details).

Notice of determination
A Notice of Determination (approval or rejection) is given to the Applicant and to each person who made a comment or objection on the DA. The Notice of Determination sets out the terms of the consent, appeal rights and conditions. Or, in the case of a refusal, the reasons for refusal. As a general rule, objectors have no right of appeal on the merits of the determination.

*Privacy Notice
The supply of personal information is voluntary. However if personal information is not provided, we will not be able to contact you and keep you informed of the progress of the application. Submissions, summaries of submissions, and/or names and addresses of people making submissions will be included in publicly available reports to Council or Committee Meetings.

Please note that, in accordance with section 18(1)(b) of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW), you are advised that all submissions received by Council in relation to any matter will be placed on the appropriate Council file, may be available on this web site and may be disclosed to Councillors, Council Officers, consultants to Council or members of the public. Pursuant to section 12 of the Local Government Act 1993 the Council is obliged to disclose inspection of its documents, including any submission you may make.