Do I need an Acoustic Report for my DA?

1. What is an Acoustic Report and why does it matter?

An Acoustic Report is a technical document prepared by a qualified acoustic consultant to assess how noise will impact or be generated by a proposed development.

In NSW planning, this report can be a critical part of your development application.

If your project involves potential noise sources such as mechanical equipment, live music, industrial use or proximity to busy roads or train lines, an Acoustic Report may be mandatory for DA approval.

For example, if you're proposing a childcare centre near a major intersection, the council will want to know how traffic noise could affect children indoors and how your design will mitigate this impact.

2. When is an Acoustic Report required for council approval?

Town planning requirements vary depending on the local council, but certain triggers almost always require noise impact assessment.

If you're lodging a DA for a mixed-use development with residential and commercial tenancies, the council will typically ask for an Acoustic Report to assess how noise from commercial activities will affect residents.

Similarly, proposed night-time operations, gyms, restaurants, bars or developments near rail corridors often trigger the need for noise studies.

As a planning consultant in NSW, we regularly advise clients when an Acoustic Report is essential to avoid costly delays in DA approval.

3. Who prepares an Acoustic Report and what’s included?

Only a qualified acoustic consultant should prepare the report.

It includes measurements of existing background noise, predicted noise levels from the development, and design recommendations to ensure compliance with NSW planning controls such as the EPA’s Noise Policy for Industry.

Typical strategies include acoustic fencing, double glazing, repositioning of air conditioning units or modifying hours of operation.

As a town planning firm offering in-house design services, we integrate acoustic recommendations directly into architectural plans to streamline the development application process.

4. What happens if I don’t provide an Acoustic Report?

Without an Acoustic Report where one is required, your DA may be delayed, refused or returned with a request for additional information.

This can add weeks or even months to your timeline.

In one recent project, a small factory conversion in a residential area was delayed by three months because the original application lacked noise mitigation details.

Once we were engaged to manage the planning advice and DA process, we coordinated an Acoustic Report, updated the drawings and liaised with council to secure approval.

5. How do I know if my project needs one?

The best way to find out is to speak with a planning consultant early in the process.

Each local council in NSW has different thresholds and triggers, and requirements can even vary between development types.

At Town Planning Sydney, we assess the site, scope of works and relevant NSW planning controls to determine whether acoustic reporting is needed.

Our role is to provide upfront planning advice and manage all technical documentation, including acoustic, traffic and stormwater reports.

6. How can Town Planning Sydney help?

Navigating DA approval in NSW can be complex, especially with technical reports like Acoustic Statements.

We work closely with acoustic consultants and local councils to ensure your development application meets all requirements.

By offering in-house drafting, planning and design expertise, we reduce friction and improve the chances of council approval on the first submission.

Whether you're developing a boarding house near a train station or designing a café in a mixed use zone, we provide the planning support you need to get it approved without delays.