How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Lodging a DA in NSW

Lodging a development application in New South Wales may seem straightforward, but many projects are delayed or rejected due to avoidable mistakes.

At Town Planning Sydney, we’ve reviewed hundreds of DAs across NSW and know exactly what causes problems.

Here’s how to avoid the most common errors and get your DA approval on track.

1. Not checking the planning controls before designing

The most common mistake is jumping into design without reviewing your local council’s planning rules.

Every property has zoning, overlays and specific development controls that affect what can and cannot be built.

Our planning consultants start every project by checking your site’s LEP and DCP requirements.

This ensures your design fits NSW planning policies before you spend time and money on plans.

2. Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents

Council won’t assess your application until every required document is submitted and aligned.

Missing site plans, incorrect floor areas or outdated shadow diagrams will hold up your council approval.

We prepare complete DA-ready documentation, including site analysis, architectural plans, Statements of Environmental Effects and planning justifications.

In a recent Inner West project, our detailed submission helped the client avoid any formal requests for more information.

3. Underestimating the impact of neighbours and community objections

Neighbour concerns can trigger delays or re-design requests, especially in residential areas.

Overlooking privacy, overshadowing or view loss can cost weeks during assessment.

We advise clients early on how to manage these risks and address them directly in the design.

For a project in Lane Cove, we proposed screen planting and reduced balcony size to satisfy nearby owners. The DA progressed without formal objection.

4. Using plans that don’t reflect planning requirements

Not all architectural plans are created with DA approval in mind.

Some plans look great but ignore setbacks, site coverage or building height rules.

We combine expert drafting with town planning to ensure your design is both functional and compliant.

In Blacktown, our drafting team adjusted a secondary dwelling design to meet maximum site coverage. The development application was approved without redesign.

5. Ignoring site constraints like bushfire, flooding or easements

Planning controls are only part of the picture.

Bushfire risk, flood-prone land or infrastructure easements can override standard zoning. We identify these issues early and plan around them.

In a Campbelltown project, we revised a dwelling footprint to avoid a sewer easement that would have triggered a redesign late in the process.

6. Failing to respond to council requests on time

Once your DA is lodged, council may request further information or plan amendments.

Delays in responding can stall your application or result in automatic withdrawal. We manage all communication and respond promptly to keep your DA moving.

In Parramatta, our client received council approval within the target timeframe after we submitted revised shadow diagrams in two days.

The DA process doesn’t need to be stressful or unpredictable.

With the right team and the right preparation, you can avoid common pitfalls and secure DA approval faster.

Town Planning Sydney helps clients across NSW lodge stronger, more successful development applications.