Lodging an application

Improving DA Processing: What you need to know

Since July 2024, Tweed Shire Council has been implementing changes to the way development applications are lodged and assessed in response to updated guidelines from the NSW Minister for Planning: Environmental Planning and Assessment (Statement of Expectations) Order 2024. These reforms aim to accelerate assessment timeframes and improve outcomes for applicants and the community.

Council began transitioning to these new processes in in mid-2024 and has continued to refine them based on early feedback and results. With the initial changes now embedded, this update provides a clearer picture of what applicants can expect moving forward and what’s required to submit a valid application.

What's Changing and Why - To meet the state-wide expectations and streamline our processes:

Lodgement

• There will be no requests for additional documents at the pre-lodgement stage. Applications must be submitted via the NSW Planning Portal, and if the information is not sufficient, the application will be refused with details of what is required for use when re-submitting.
• Applicants will no longer be invited to withdraw the DA at the pre-lodgement stage; instead, the application will be rejected in the NSW Planning Portal.
• Once accepted, payment will be required within three (3) business days; after this time, the DA will be rejected if payment is not received.

Assessment

• Applications will be assessed based on the submitted documents. Where the application is significantly lacking or substantial issues are identified, it will be rejected with details of what is required for use when re-submitting.
• Further information requests will only be issued when required to address a minor issue. Council may (at its discretion) issue one single request for further information.
• Where a request for further information is issued, applicants will be given one opportunity to amend the application. Incomplete responses or unresolved issues will result in the application being determined on the information provided. Unresolved issues and poorly prepared applications will result in rejection with details of what is required for use when re-submitting.

We recognise this represents a shift in the way we’ve previously worked together. However, by ensuring applications are complete and of high quality from the outset, we anticipate significantly faster assessment times and improved outcomes for all.

For more information, please refer to Council’s our DA Lodgement Guide and Lodgement Checklists.