DA Approval in the Inner West: What You Need to Know

Getting a development application (DA) approved in the Inner West of Sydney can feel overwhelming.

Every council has its own planning rules, heritage overlays and zoning complexities.

If you're planning a renovation, extension or a new build, understanding the local town planning process is critical.

At Town Planning Sydney, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, developers and business owners navigate the NSW planning system successfully.

Here’s what you need to know if you want your DA approved in the Inner West, without unnecessary delays.

1. Know Your Council's Rules Inside Out

Inner West Council has strict controls around heritage, setbacks and streetscape character.

Even minor works like carports or decks can trigger the need for a full development application.

Many properties are located in heritage conservation areas, which means standard plans may be rejected.

Our planning consultants stay across all updates in Inner West LEP and DCP controls, so we can give you planning advice that avoids red flags before you lodge.

2. Don’t Assume You Can Skip a DA

Not all residential projects in NSW can go through the Complying Development Certificate (CDC) pathway.

For example, if your property is heritage-listed or located in a flood-prone area, a CDC may not apply.

In these cases, a full DA approval is required, and council will assess the design against its local planning controls.

We assess your site conditions early and advise on the right approval pathway, saving you time and money.

3. Invest in Proper Drafting from the Start

One of the most common reasons for DA delays is incomplete or non-compliant plans.

Our in-house drafting team prepares plans that address council expectations upfront.

This includes floor plans, elevations, shadow diagrams and streetscape context, tailored to Inner West Council’s guidelines.

The more accurate and compliant your submission is, the fewer questions you’ll get from council.

4. Expect Heritage to Influence Your Design

Inner West suburbs like Leichhardt, Newtown and Balmain are packed with heritage controls.

Even if your property isn’t heritage-listed, being near a conservation zone can impact your DA approval.

Council planners will assess whether your new design respects the surrounding character.

Our team works closely with clients and heritage advisors to ensure proposed developments reflect local expectations while meeting modern needs.

5. Include a Statement of Environmental Effects

Every development application must be supported by a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE).

This document explains how your project meets relevant planning controls and won’t adversely impact neighbours.

A strong SEE can make or break your DA.Our planning consultants prepare these reports in-house, clearly addressing NSW planning legislation and Inner West Council policies.

6. Use Pre-DA Advice to Your Advantage

Inner West Council offers a pre-DA advice service where you can get feedback on your plans before lodging.

This is a great way to identify any major issues early.

We often attend these meetings on behalf of our clients, allowing us to refine the design and avoid future objections.

In our experience, projects that follow pre-DA advice are more likely to receive council approval.

7. Work With Experts Who Understand the System

DA approval isn’t just about good design.

It’s about presenting the right information in the right way to the right people.

At Town Planning Sydney, we combine expert drafting, strategic planning advice and council experience to give your DA the best possible chance.

Whether you’re adding a granny flat, renovating a terrace or developing a multi-unit site, we’ve done it before.

And we’ll help you get it done right the first time.