What Plans Do I Need for a Development Application in NSW?

When preparing a development application (DA) in NSW, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “What plans do I actually need?”.

This is a crucial part of the NSW planning process and getting it right can mean the difference between a smooth council approval or costly delays.

As a town planning company in NSW, we work closely with homeowners, business owners and developers to make the DA process easier.

Our clients rely on our experience in planning advice, architectural design and drafting to avoid surprises and ensure each submission meets council expectations.

So what exactly do you need to submit alongside your development application?

Here’s a clear breakdown based on our day-to-day experience as planning consultants working across NSW.

1. A Site Plan That Sets the Stage

Every DA starts with a site plan.

This plan shows your land, boundaries, neighbouring buildings and where your proposed development will sit.

It should include dimensions, setbacks, existing structures and access points.

If you're proposing changes to an existing property, like adding a second storey or building a new garage, the site plan is how council understands the context.

In some LGAs, site plans also need to show tree locations and topography, especially if your site is sloped or in a sensitive zone.

We help clients prepare accurate site plans that meet council standards from the start, using in-house drafting to fast-track the process.

2. Floor Plans That Clearly Show the Layout

Next, you’ll need floor plans showing each level of the proposed building.

These need to show internal layouts, room names, window and door placements, and wall thicknesses.

For example, if you’re building a granny flat in Western Sydney, council will want to see how the living areas are arranged, where the kitchen and bathroom sit and how the space complies with SEPP 2021 or local development controls.

As part of our DA approval process, we often revise floor plans to align with planning rules before submission, saving clients time and hassle.

3. Elevations That Show External Appearance

Council wants to know what your building will look like from the street and neighbouring properties.

Elevations show the front, sides and rear of the development, including roof height, materials and natural ground levels.

Elevations are especially important if you're in a heritage conservation area or a bushfire-prone zone.

We've helped many clients adjust rooflines and cladding selections after early feedback from council planners, avoiding formal refusals.

4. A Section Plan That Shows the Building in Profile

A section plan cuts through the building to show internal heights, ceiling levels and relationship to the ground.

If you're building on a slope or doing a basement garage, this drawing becomes essential for DA assessment.

We often include more than one section if it helps demonstrate compliance with height or privacy controls.

Good planning means showing council you're aware of their concerns before they raise them.

5. A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)

This is not a drawing, but it’s just as important.

A Statement of Environmental Effects explains how your proposal complies with NSW planning laws, local DCPs and zoning controls.It also outlines how any potential impacts will be managed.

As planning consultants, we write SEEs in plain language while backing them with strong planning justifications.

This is often where councils raise the most questions, so getting the language right matters.

6. Shadow Diagrams or BASIX if Required

Depending on the type of development, you may also need shadow diagrams, especially for dual occupancies, two-storey additions or projects in dense urban areas.

These show how your building impacts solar access for neighbours.

You may also need a BASIX certificate, especially for new dwellings or renovations over $50,000.

We advise on when these are needed and how to include them in your development application package.

Final Advice from a Town Planning Team That Knows NSW

Every council in NSW has slightly different requirements for DA approval, and what works in Parramatta may not apply in Waverley or Wollongong.

That’s why working with an experienced town planning company makes a real difference.

We combine practical planning advice with in-house drafting, helping clients get council approval without unnecessary delays.

Whether you're building a home, fitting out a shop or developing a multi-unit site, we'll help you submit a compliant and complete development application the first time.