Approvals & Compliance Blog | giantA Pty Ltd

7 Articles

LEP/DCP ×

Dilapidation Reports NSW DA 2026: When Councils Require Pre-Construction Surveys and How They Protect Adjoining Owners

In NSW, a dilapidation report is commonly required as a condition of development consent before site work starts—not always as a lodgement document. NSW Planning’s standard residential conditions requ...

Approval Process Council Approval Development Application LEP/DCP NSW Planning Town Planner da-application new-south-wales

17 Sept 2026

Arborist Reports NSW DA 2026: AS 4970:2025, AIA, NRZ Encroachment and When Councils Require Tree Retention Evidence

Most Greater Sydney councils will ask for an Arboricultural Impact Assessment where a DA affects the Notional Root Zone of protected onsite, neighbour or street trees. Design to AS 4970:2025 and lodge a site-specific AIA with TPP/TPS.

Approval Process Council Approval Development Application LEP/DCP NSW Planning Town Planner da-application new-south-wales

16 Sept 2026

Statement of Environmental Effects NSW DA 2026: What Councils Expect and How to Avoid RFIs

Answer first: A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is a mandatory document for most NSW local Development Applications. It must explain the proposal, identify environmental impacts, show how tho...

Approval Process Council Approval Development Application LEP/DCP NSW Planning Town Planner da-application new-south-wales

15 Sept 2026

Clause 4.6 Variations NSW 2026: When Councils Allow Departure from Development Standards

Answer first: Clause 4.6 of the Standard Instrument Local Environmental Plan allows a consent authority to grant development consent even where a proposal contravenes a development standard (for examp...

Approval Process Council Approval Development Application LEP/DCP NSW Planning Town Planner da-application new-south-wales

11 Sept 2026

Shadow Diagrams NSW DA 2026: Solar Access, Overshadowing Rules and When Councils Ask for Them

In NSW, shadow diagrams show existing and proposed overshadowing so councils can test solar access to neighbours and to your own dwelling. Requirements sit mainly in local DCPs (often 9am/12pm/3pm on ...

Development Application LEP/DCP NSW Planning apartment-design da-application new-south-wales nsw-building-compliance site-assessment

10 Sept 2026

Renovating in a Heritage Conservation Area in NSW 2026: Complete DA Approval, Heritage Impact Statement & Cost Guide

What Is a Heritage Conservation Area in NSW? A Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) is a precinct recognised by a local council for its collective heritage significance — the streetscape, building styles,...

Approval Process DA approval Home Renovation LEP/DCP NSW Planning NSW building regulations Residential Projects

25 Aug 2026

The Complete Guide to NSW Development Approval (DA) Process 2026

A comprehensive, step-by-step guide for homeowners, developers, and builders navigating the NSW planning system. Executive Summary The NSW Development Approval (DA) process is a critical pathway for a...

Approval Process BASIX CDC DA approval LEP/DCP NSW Planning Town Planner development application

1 Aug 2026