Do I need a landscape plan for my DA?

Yes, most development applications in New South Wales require a landscape plan to be lodged with your architectural drawings.

This plan helps council assess how your proposal fits with local environmental and urban design objectives.

At Town Planning Sydney, we prepare landscape plans that align with both your design goals and NSW planning rules.

Here’s what you need to know about this important part of the DA approval process.

1. Landscape plans are often mandatory for new builds and major extensions

Most councils require a landscape plan for new homes, dual occupancies, multi-dwelling developments and large alterations.

Some may also ask for it in flood-prone or environmentally sensitive areas. We review each council’s checklist to confirm whether your project needs one.

2. A good landscape plan covers more than just plants

Your landscape plan must show paved areas, turf, garden beds, tree planting, deep soil zones, fences and bin storage.

It should also include proposed materials and dimensions for each area.

We prepare plans that clearly label each element so council can assess visual impact and stormwater flow.

3. Local councils use it to check for compliance with open space and tree rules

Councils set minimum landscape area requirements under their Development Control Plans.

They also protect certain trees and require replacement planting if removals are proposed.

In Northern Beaches, we supported a two-dwelling DA with a tailored planting scheme that preserved privacy and met canopy cover targets.

4. You may need an arborist report alongside your plan

If your project affects mature trees, an arborist report may be required to support the development application.

We coordinate this with certified professionals and integrate the findings into the final plan.

5. BASIX and stormwater controls must be reflected in the design

If your project needs a BASIX Certificate, the landscape plan must include features like rainwater tanks and native planting zones.

We ensure the site layout matches your sustainability targets and council stormwater expectations.

6. Poorly drawn or generic plans lead to delays

Councils regularly reject landscape plans that are vague, inconsistent with the site plan or missing required details.

We prevent this by coordinating all drawings in-house, so every document supports your DA approval from the first submission.

In Randwick, our detailed planting layout reduced the council’s assessment time by two weeks.

7. A strong landscape plan helps secure community and council support

Many objections to a development application come from concerns about visual impact and tree loss.

A thoughtful landscape plan helps address these early, improving your chance of smooth council approval.

We include privacy buffers, screening plants and design rationale to support your application.

With Town Planning Sydney, you get full planning advice and a coordinated plan package that meets council expectations and supports successful outcomes.