How to object to a development application in NSW
Worried about a development application near you in NSW? While a DA is on public exhibition, anyone can make a submission objecting to it. This guide explains how submissions work in NSW, what makes a strong one, and how to lodge it — fast, and at a fraction of a consultant's fee.
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Check my grounds — freeYour submission rights in New South Wales
In NSW, a development application is placed on public exhibition by the consent authority under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. During exhibition, any person can make a submission. The consent authority must take submissions into account when it determines the DA. Submissions are weighed against the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), the Development Control Plan (DCP) and any relevant State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).
How to object — step by step
- 1Confirm the DA is on exhibition and get its number
Find the DA on the council's online DA tracker or the NSW Planning Portal. Note the DA number and the exhibition closing date.
- 2Read the DA and the plans
Download the Statement of Environmental Effects, the architectural plans and supporting reports. Understand the proposal and how it affects you.
- 3Identify your grounds against the LEP / DCP / SEPPs
Frame your concerns against the controls — LEP zone objectives, height and FSR, the DCP's amenity controls (privacy, solar access, setbacks), and any SEPP. Be specific to your property.
- 4Make your submission during the exhibition period
Lodge your submission with the consent authority (council) before exhibition closes, usually via the council site or the Planning Portal. State the DA number, your grounds, and the outcome you seek. Note whether your submission is an objection.
- 5Know your review rights
In NSW, third-party (objector) merit appeal rights are limited — generally only for designated development. But submissions are still weighed, and a number of unique objections can refer a DA to a local or regional planning panel for determination.
What counts as a valid planning ground
- ✓ Overlooking / loss of privacy — windows, balconies or terraces that look into your living areas or private open space
- ✓ Overshadowing / loss of solar access — shadow cast over your north-facing windows or private open space, especially in winter
- ✓ Neighbourhood character — bulk, scale, height or design that's out of keeping with the established character of the street
- ✓ Building height and massing — a building taller or bulkier than the surrounding context
- ✓ Traffic and car parking — additional traffic, inadequate on-site parking, or on-street parking pressure
- ✓ Noise and amenity — noise, hours of operation, lighting, odour or other off-site amenity impacts
- ✓ Vegetation and tree removal — loss of significant trees or canopy
- ✓ Setbacks — insufficient distance to boundaries affecting privacy, light or character
What won't carry weight (and how to re-frame it)
- It will reduce my property valueDevaluation isn't a planning ground. Re-frame the underlying impact (overlooking, character, overshadowing) instead.
- I object to the developerWho the applicant is isn't relevant — the DA is assessed on its planning merits.
- Construction-period disruptionShort-term construction impacts are generally managed by conditions, not grounds to refuse.
- Competition with my businessCommercial competition is not a planning consideration in NSW.
When to lodge
Submissions must be made during the public exhibition period — commonly 14 to 28 days depending on the development and the council. Lodge before it closes.
If it's approved
Third-party merit appeals to the Land and Environment Court are limited in NSW (generally designated development). Your submission is still weighed in the determination, and unique objections can trigger a planning panel.
Turn your concerns into a formal submission
We translate your concerns into properly-framed planning grounds and address them to the consent authority (usually the council) — instantly, and at a fraction of a consultant's fee.
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Objecting in New South Wales — FAQ
Is a submission the same as an objection?
A submission can support or object to a DA. To object, say so clearly and set out your grounds. The consent authority must take every submission into account.
Can I appeal if the DA is approved?
In NSW, objectors generally don't get a merit appeal except for designated development. That's why getting a strong submission in during exhibition matters so much — it's your main opportunity.
Do more submissions help?
A number of unique objections can refer a DA to a planning panel, but quality matters more than quantity — a submission grounded in the LEP and DCP carries real weight.
What does it cost?
Making a submission is free. A properly framed objection submission is $99 from us (instant), a full report-grade submission is $399, with an optional registered-planner certification.
Objecting in other states
This guide is general information, not legal advice — planning processes vary by council and application. Confirm the dates and requirements for your specific application with the relevant authority.