Council is integrating the development assessment (DA) systems of the former Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield Councils to achieve consistency across the local government area. Undertaking this task also provides an opportunity to improve the process.

About the policy

Council is proposing to provide more consultation with applicants at the pre-lodgement stage to improve efficiency throughout the process. The includes providing:

• an advisory service
• information seminars
• detailed guidelines and checklists
• formal feedback on applications
• design advice, and
• an opportunity to make amendments before lodgement

By providing these services, Council aims to help applicants prepare clear applications with all the necessary supporting documentation.

Only complete applications will be accepted and once lodged, customers will be advised that amendments are strongly discouraged and in some cases, may not be possible.

If the application is found to be deficient once the assessment process has begun, further information will only be accepted if it is minor and can be quickly submitted. If there are major deficiencies, the applicant will be invited to withdraw the application.

Find out more

• View the draft Development Advisory and Assessment Policy
• See the Development Assessment process
• Read the Explanatory Note

Have your say

You are invited to provide feedback on the draft Development Advisory and Assessment Policy using the form below. The last day to provide feedback is 1 May 2017.

What happens next?

Feedback received will be reviewed and used to develop a final Draft Assessment and Advisory Policy. This will be considered at a forthcoming Council meeting for endorsement. Everyone who makes a submission and provides contact details will be notified of the date of the meeting.