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Your guide to the DA process and milestones for smooth approvals
Understanding the Development Application DA assessment process and its milestones can feel overwhelming.
With intricate processes, council requirements, and multiple milestones, it’s easy to lose track of where your project stands.
At Approved, we simplify this journey, ensuring every step is handled with expertise so you can focus on your project.
The key milestones in the DA process
Navigating a DA can seem daunting without a clear roadmap. This development application guide outlines the key milestones to help you better understand the steps involved and how we can support you:
- DA submission
The first step is submitting your DA to the relevant council. This includes all required documentation, ensuring your application is complete and ready for review. Missing information at this stage can lead to delays, so it’s crucial to get it right. - Formal lodgement
Once your DA is formally lodged, council staff will check for completeness and compliance with the Secretary’s Requirements. This is where pre-lodgement advisory services, like those offered by our team, make all the difference. - Neighbour notification
Shortly after lodgement, councils notify neighbouring properties about your development. This stage allows for public feedback, which the council considers during their assessment. - Site inspection
A site inspection is conducted to understand the context and potential impacts of your development. - Review of public feedback
Any feedback received during the neighbour notification period is reviewed by the assessing officer, ensuring community concerns are addressed where applicable. - Formal assessment
The council’s assessing officer conducts a thorough review of your application, evaluating its compliance with zoning laws, environmental protections, and local planning instruments. - Internal referrals
If necessary, your application may be reviewed by additional council teams, such as engineering or environmental services, for technical input. - Requests for additional information
If the council needs further details, they will request them at this stage. Our team ensures quick responses to keep your application moving forward. - Determination report
The assessing officer prepares a detailed report recommending approval or rejection. This undergoes internal peer review to ensure accuracy and fairness. - Final determination
Your DA is determined by the council, a planning panel, or a delegated authority. We still stay involved, advocating for your project to secure the best outcome.
How can we help simplify the DA process
We provide end-to-end support throughout the DA journey:
- Expert guidance: Our team ensures your application is complete and compliant from the start, minimising delays.
- Tailored solutions: Every project is unique. We adapt our approach to address specific challenges and requirements.
- Council liaison: We handle all communication with councils, saving you time and ensuring clarity every step of the way.
Results in action
One of our recent clients faced tight deadlines for a pool installation in the Newcastle LGA. Using the ADA pathway, we secured approval in just one day—a process that typically takes 10–15 days. This highlights the efficiency and expertise we bring to every project.
Ready to simplify your DA journey?
From pre-lodgement to final determination, we are able to support projects of all sizes across NSW, QLD, and VIC.
Let’s work together to streamline your development process and get your project moving forward.
Contact us today for expert assistance on your next development application.
