Can I Lodge a DA Myself or Should I Use a Planner?

Lodging a development application (DA) in NSW can seem straightforward.

But the process is often more complex than it appears.

Many property owners ask whether they need to hire a planning consultant or if they can manage it themselves.

Here are the key points to help you decide the best approach for your project.

Understanding the NSW Planning System Takes Time

NSW planning laws are detailed and vary significantly between councils.

Even a small mistake on your application can delay council approval by weeks or months.

For example, a homeowner in Parramatta recently tried lodging their own DA for a second storey addition.

They misinterpreted the setback requirements in the DCP and received a refusal after waiting six weeks.

Using an experienced town planning consultant could have avoided the issue and streamlined the approval.

Submitting the Correct Documentation is Crucial

A complete development application must include architectural plans, a statement of environmental effects, shadow diagrams and other supporting material.

These documents must meet council formatting and technical standards.

If any part is missing or unclear, your DA approval could be delayed.

Town Planning Sydney's drafting team prepares plans that meet council requirements the first time.

This reduces the risk of deferrals and keeps your project on track.

Planning Consultants Know How to Navigate Red Tape

A qualified planning consultant understands how to address council concerns and negotiate favourable outcomes.

In one recent case, Town Planning Sydney helped a duplex developer in Campbelltown amend their proposal mid-assessment.

We provided revised plans and updated planning advice that satisfied council planners and led to a fast-track approval.

Most homeowners would not know how or when to do this without professional help.

You’ll Avoid Costly Delays

DA delays can mean holding costs, missed building windows and strained budgets.

Trying to lodge your own DA without NSW planning experience might save on consultant fees upfront.

But it could cost more in the long run.

Engaging Town Planning Sydney means receiving strategic planning advice and accurate documentation from the start.

Councils Expect Professional Submissions

While anyone can technically lodge a DA, councils give more weight to well-prepared, compliant applications.

Poorly prepared DAs can be returned as incomplete or sent back for amendments multiple times.

When Town Planning Sydney submits an application, we ensure it aligns with the local LEP, DCP and SEPP controls.

We also liaise with council planning officers during the process to address any emerging issues.

You Still Have Final Say

Working with a planner does not take away your control.

It gives you expert support to make informed decisions.

Clients often come to Town Planning Sydney with a concept sketch or basic idea.

We help turn that into a compliant, council-ready design more likely to receive DA approval quickly.

Complex Sites and Unique Proposals Need Expert Input

Sloping blocks, flood-prone land and heritage overlays make the DA process much more technical.

Town Planning Sydney recently assisted a homeowner in Ryde where the site was bushfire-affected and near a heritage-listed item.

Our planning consultant worked with a bushfire assessor and heritage advisor to prepare the DA and achieve council approval without resubmission.

This type of result is very difficult to achieve without specialised planning knowledge.

Save Time, Stress and Guesswork

Lodging a DA yourself involves learning council controls, drafting plans or hiring a designer, preparing reports and following up with council.

Hiring a town planning company like Town Planning Sydney means you get all that taken care of in-house.

From concept to approval, our team provides the experience and planning advice needed to avoid common pitfalls and get your project moving.