Why Your DA Could Be Refused Without Proper Site Plans

Submitting a development application in NSW can feel like navigating a maze.

Even small errors in your plans can cause major delays.

And one of the most common reasons for rejection?

Poor or incomplete site plans.

At Town Planning Sydney, we’ve reviewed hundreds of DAs where the site plan alone could make or break the outcome.

Here’s why getting it right matters, and how working with an experienced planning consultant can save you time and money.

1. Councils Assess Site Plans First

Before your statement of environmental effects or architectural drawings are even opened, most councils look straight at the site plan.

It gives the assessing officer a quick overview of your proposed works, layout and relationship to neighbouring properties.

If that plan is unclear, missing key information or out of scale, it raises a red flag.

This often leads to Requests for Information or, worse, refusal.

We once worked with a homeowner in Western Sydney whose previous DA had been refused simply because their site plan didn’t show setbacks correctly.

We revised the plan and resubmitted, they received council approval in two weeks.

2. NSW Planning Rules Are Site-Specific

NSW planning legislation, including the SEPP and LEP rules, often rely on your site’s context to determine compliance.

That means showing contours, existing trees, stormwater direction and neighbouring structures is not optional.

A site plan must do more than show your new granny flat or extension.

It must prove it fits the controls.

For example, if you’re proposing a dual occupancy in a flood-prone area, your site plan needs to clearly identify the flood level, proposed floor level and drainage plans.

Missing that information could see your DA approval delayed by months.

3. Incomplete Site Plans Create Delays

We’ve seen many development applications fall into limbo because the applicant relied on a generic site plan from a draftsman unfamiliar with council expectations.

This leads to back-and-forth communication with council, Requests for Information and resubmissions, all avoidable with proper planning advice upfront.

A proper site plan should include lot boundaries, easements, north point, scale bar, shadows and driveway gradients, among other key details.

Town Planning Sydney ensures every DA-ready site plan meets these requirements before submission.

4. Your Planner and Drafter Should Work Together

Too often, applicants hire separate drafting and planning consultants who aren’t aligned on the DA’s strategy.

This causes inconsistencies in documents that delay the approval process.

By using an integrated team like Town Planning Sydney, where our town planning and drafting experts work side by side, we make sure your development application is aligned from day one.

This collaboration helps avoid contradictory information, like a site plan that shows something different from the SEE or architectural plans.

5. Site Plans Must Address Council-Specific Concerns

Each council in NSW has unique triggers, overlays and preferred formats.

For instance, Wollongong Council may want specific bushfire risk zones marked.

Canterbury-Bankstown might flag driveway widths or landscape ratios.

You need a planning consultant who understands what your specific council looks for, and how to pre-empt those concerns in your site plan.

Our team provides planning advice tailored to your local council, helping reduce the risk of refusal and fast-tracking your DA approval.

6. A Clear Site Plan Shows You’re Prepared

Councils favour applicants who demonstrate a clear understanding of NSW planning rules.

A compliant, detailed site plan tells the assessing officer: this person has done their homework.

It builds trust, reduces scrutiny and sets your development application up for success.

That’s why we always recommend engaging a qualified planning consultant early in the process, ideally before your first sketch is even drawn.

If you’re wondering why your DA was refused or how to avoid it happening again, the site plan is the first place to look.

With proper planning advice and DA-ready drafting, you improve your chance of fast council approval, without the stress.