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Contact Us


KOGARAH OFFICE
Suite 309 – 310, Level 3
13A Montgomery Street
KOGARAH NSW 2217


SYDNEY CITY OFFICE
Ground Floor
54 Martin Place
SYDNEY NSW 2000


Email: solicitors@gmhlegal.com
Phone: (02) 9587 0458
Facsimile: (02) 9587 2936


PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE


Local Councils in Sydney pursue a sensitive and balanced approach to development that protects residential amenity and the environment, preserves heritage and provides clarity for developers.

How to lodge an application

Before you can make changes to a building or occupy premises in the local area, you may need to lodge a development application (DA).
The following section will provide you with the list of documents you will need to prepare. Please contact your Local Council directly to lodge a development application.

>Owner’s consent

When lodging your DA, you must submit a completed application form along with verified consent from all of the registered owners including details of the proposed development.

Required fees

In addition to the application fee, many applications also require payment of an advertising notification fee. Please contact your Local Council for more information.

Estimated cost of work

In the case of construction or building work, the development application fee is based on the estimated cost of development and the cost incurred if a contractor carries out the work.

The following are example of items to include in the development cost:

  • Preliminaries: scaffolding, hoarding, fencing, site sheds, delivery of materials, waste management.
  • Internal fit out: flooring, wall finishings, fittings, fixtures and bathrooms.
  • Demolition works: including cost of removal from the site and disposal.
  • Professional fees as part of the design: architect’s and consultant’s fees.
  • Site preparation: clearing vegetation, decontamination or remediation.
  • Excavation or dredging: including shoring, tanking, filling and waterproofing.
  • Internal services: plumbing, electrics, air conditioning, mechanical, fire protection, plant and lifts.
  • External services: gas, telecommunications, water, sewage, drains and electricity to mains.
  • Building construction and engineering: concrete, brickwork, plastering, steelwork/metal works, carpentry/joinery, windows, doors and roofing.
  • Other structures: landscaping, retaining walls, driveways, parking, boating facilities, loading area and pools.
  • Other related work.
  • Charges and fees

Depending on the estimated cost of work, a cost summary report prepared by a suitanly qualified person must be submitted with the application. For more information about financial estimate, please contact your Local Council directly

Scale drawings

Generally, a minimum number of scaled drawings must be prepared and lodged with your development application.

They should include:

  • A site plan showing the location of the proposed development within a building or within the locality, which should also identify the actual site, streets, adjoining properties and a north point.
  • Plans showing details of the proposed development in relation to adjoining premises and streets if applicable.
  • The floor plan of the whole floor if the proposed development is only for part of a floor of a building.
  • Elevations showing the view of the development from all visible sides in relation to adjoining premises.
  • Sections through appropriate areas of the site.
  • A clear distinction between alterations and additions – new work must be colored.

Please contact your Local Council directly to check the exact scale and format of the drawings.

Digital copies

At GMH we always encourage the submission of digital copies of applications, including plans and documentation.

Statement of Environmental Effects

Any expected impact of the development of the environment, adjoining premises or the public, should be detailed in a Statement of Environmental Effects.

If the development has minor or no environmental impact, the statement may be included on the DA form.

How development application are assessed?

Generally, to make a determination on a development application, Local Councils take into account such matter as:

  • Relevant planning controls and conditions
  • Likely impacts on the development
  • Suitability of the site
  • Any submissions
  • Public interests

How to apply for a review?

If you are dissatisfied with a determination your Local Council has made about your development application, you can appeal directly to the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Alternatively, a less costly avenue is to apply for the decision to be reviewed by an appeal panel appointed by your Local Council. Please note that you will need to apply within a certain number of days of receiving the rejected application notice, generally 14 days.

If you wish to submit a property development application, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced property Solicitors will guide you through every step of the application process.

Call the experienced team at GMH Legal to assist you in your matter. A free consultation with GMH Legal is an opportunity to gain deep insights into your legal situation and all of your options.

Why Choose GMH Legal?

  • Over 60 years of combined legal experience
  • Outstanding track record with a winning approach
  • First appointment is always free
  • Meet our team now.


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