Frequently Asked Questions about Notification of DAs and Submissions
Why have I been notified of the application?Council notifies owners and occupants of properties who, it believes, might be affected by a development proposal so they may make a submission which will be considered when the application is assessed. How long do I have to make a submission?Council considers applications as soon as possible as part of its service to local residents and applicants. As a result, submissions must be lodged within fourteen (14) days as indicated in the notification letter. Should your submission be lodged after the close of this period it is possible that Council may have determined the application prior to receipt of your submission. How should a submission be made?Submissions must be in writing and should relate directly to the work proposed and its possible impact on surrounding property or the locality. Council staff can assist you when viewing plans and specifications and can answer questions on specific technical issues. Staff are not in a position to comment on the merits of the proposal at notification stage nor is it appropriate that they assist you in formulating your objection, should you have one. Council has a standard submission form that you can submit in two ways:
What happens to my submission?Council will send you a letter acknowledging the receipt of your submission. Council does not provide a specific response to the matters raised in submissions as these are addressed in the report prepared on the application. If minor amendments, or amendments made to overcome concerns already raised, are made to the application before it is determined, you may not be re-notified, but your earlier submissions will be considered. Applicants and submitters should be aware that Councillors cannot indicate their voting position prior to a Council Meeting nor convey any suggestion of willingness to provide concessions or peripheral treatment to applicants or objectors To what extent will Council consider my submission?The matters which Council may consider are set down under legislation such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and relate to environmental impact. Issues such as moral objection, commercial competition or personal circumstances of an applicant or objector cannot be given weight in Council's assessment. Local Environmental Plans, Development Control Plans and the Building Code of Australia are matters that must also be considered. These provide controls to assess the proposal. They include issues such as overshadowing, privacy, heritage, urban design and view corridors. Your comments will be considered in conjunction with Council's legal responsibilities, the interests of the community at large and the reasonable expectation and rights of the applicant. Council will carry out a balanced assessment of these interests in the analysis of any application and may vary the application of its "controls" on merit. Will my representations remain confidential?No. In accordance with the Local Government Act Section 12, submissions may be viewed and copied by any person. They form part of the DA report presented to Council. The total number of submissions (only) will be viewable online.
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