Can my Town Planner Collect all DA Documents for Me?

Yes, your town planner can collect and coordinate all DA documents required for a development application in NSW.

In fact, working with an experienced planning consultant is the most effective way to ensure your DA approval process is as smooth and stress free as possible.

Below, we explain how town planning professionals manage the entire documentation process, what’s typically required and why expert support can make or break your development timeline.

1. A DA is more than just a form

Lodging a development application with council involves far more than just filling out paperwork.

A full DA submission typically includes architectural drawings, site analysis, BASIX certificates, waste management plans, Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE), stormwater reports, shadow diagrams and more.

Each council in NSW may have slightly different requirements, and these often depend on the property’s zoning, overlays and site constraints.

A town planner will identify what documents are needed early in the process and ensure they align with NSW planning regulations.

2. Your town planner acts as the project coordinator

Think of your planning consultant as the central point of contact across your DA team.

They liaise with surveyors, engineers, architects and certifiers to ensure all required reports and plans are prepared on time and to the required standard.

Instead of chasing multiple professionals yourself, your town planner will manage timelines, request missing details and ensure all reports support your case for council approval.

This coordination is critical, especially for projects that require complex justification or additional planning advice due to heritage, flooding or bushfire overlays.

3. We understand council language

A well-prepared DA package speaks council’s language.

At Town Planning Sydney, we prepare all DA documentation to align with current NSW planning requirements and local council expectations.

We ensure the SEE clearly justifies your proposal using relevant LEP and DCP clauses.

We also ensure architectural plans meet minimum requirements for setbacks, floor space ratios and height controls.

By preparing everything to planning standards upfront, we reduce the risk of council requesting further information or rejecting your application due to missing or inconsistent documentation.

4. We streamline the drafting process

In-house drafting saves time and reduces communication gaps between design and planning.

When changes are required, we can quickly adjust plans without waiting on third-party consultants.

For example, if council requests amended elevations or an updated site plan, we can often provide this within days rather than weeks.

Our team ensures plans, reports and certificates are submitted together as a complete package, avoiding unnecessary delays in the assessment process.

5. We spot red flags early

Many homeowners and developers only discover planning issues after they’ve submitted their application.

A qualified town planner can provide upfront planning advice and flag likely hurdles early in the process.

This might include parking shortfalls, overshadowing of neighbours or non-compliant building heights.

Addressing these issues in the documentation stage means fewer objections and faster council approval.

By managing the entire DA document process, we help reduce the risk of costly rework or delays.

6. You stay in control while we handle the detail

Working with a town planner doesn’t mean losing control of your project.

We keep you updated throughout the process and seek your input where needed.

But we take the stress out of collecting, coordinating and submitting your development application.

That way, you can focus on the big picture while we handle the council paperwork.