Skip to main content
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
  • Share:

Development assessment

Infrastructure and other developments like housing require approval from a council, a Regional Panel, a Sydney planning panel or the Minister for Planning. These types of developments range from house extensions to major port facilities, roads and industrial projects. Some other developments have such a minor impact, or can be carried out in compliance with accepted building or environmental standards, and do not need approval from a consent authority. Other activities that don’t need approval may still need approval from a government agency before they can be undertaken. 

 

Information related to development assessment can be found in the following areas:

Closeup of two people reviewing a document

Assessment reports independent review

Assessment reports independent review
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment commissioned Lisa Corbyn - former head of the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water - to conduct an independent review of the Department’s assessment reports for State Significant projects Read about the independent review
Assessment time for DAs determined in the quarter

Assessment time for DAs determined in the quarter

Assessment time for DAs determined in the quarter
The assessment time for DAs determined in the quarter is worked out individually for each matter that is decided by the Planning Panels. Find out more about assessment times
Small group looking at papers together

Community Consultative Committees

Community Consultative Committees
The Department encourages proponents to engage with the community and stakeholder groups at all stages of these projects. View the CCC guidelines
Photo of houses in a new estate

Development Assessment - Best Practice Guide for Councils

Development Assessment – Best Practice Guide for Councils
More efficient development applications to deliver housing approvals faster.
More about Development Assessment – Best Practice Guide for Councils
assess regulate_environmental_tile image_430x278

Environmental matters

Environmental matters
Environmental assessment policies and guidelines contain information about how important environmental matters are addressed during development assessment. See environmental assessment policies
assess regulate_areas_tile image_430x278

Geographic areas

Geographic areas
Some areas of the State have unique qualities that need special development assessment provisions to ensure the level of assessment addresses those characteristics properly.
Read about special planning and development assessment provisions for different areas
People viewing a presentation at a public meeting

Local Planning Panels

Local Planning Panels (formerly known as IHAPs)
An Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP), known as a Local Planning Panel is a panel of a chair, two independent expert members and a community member who assess development applications made to local councils. Find out about LPPs
assess regulate_industries_tile image_430x278

Industries

Industries

Each industry has particular characteristics that need specific policies and guidelines to help ensure the impacts and benefits are recognised and managed effectively.

FInd assessment guidelines for different industries
close up image of hands pointing at plans spread on a table

Planning Approval Pathways

Planning Approval Pathways
An environmental assessment of the impacts of the development is needed for all types of development. The level of assessment varies according to the size, scale and location of the development. Read about the nine different planning approval pathways in NSW
coal_and_petroleum_exploration_tile_430x278

Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment

Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment
The Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment (PRIA) is an initial assessment of social, environmental and economic matters relating to areas that could be released for coal or petroleum exploration.
Read more about the Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment (PRIA)
assess regulate_projects_tile image_430x278

Projects

Development Assessment - Projects

Information on current and determined projects in the SSD and SSI systems can be viewed in the Major Projects Register. You can also lodge an application or comment on an application that is on exhibition.

Find application forms for Part 4 development proposals
joint regional planning panels tile 430x278

Regional Planning Panels

Regional Planning Panels
Regional Planning Panels (RPPs) were established on 1 July 2009, to strengthen decision making on regionally significant development applications (DAs) and certain other planning matters.
Find out more about RPPs
sydney planning panels tile 430x278

Sydney Planning Panels

Sydney Planning Panels
Sydney Planning Panels (SPPs) were established on 21 November 2016, to determine 'regionally significant' development applications, generally development with a capital investment value (CIV) over $30 million, in the Greater Sydney Region, not including the City of Sydney. Read about SPPs
your guide to the da process tile 430x278

Your guide to the DA process

Your guide to the DA process

We’ve developed ‘Your guide to the Development Application process – Small housing development’, so the pathway to building your home can be faster and easier.

View the DA process guide