Before you make a submission
Before making a submission about a Development Application (DA) you should inspect the plans and read any accompanying information so you are clear on the details. The applicant will most likely be your neighbour or their consultant, so you may be able to clarify details or resolve any concerns by discussing it with them directly. The following information will provide you with the necessary details around viewing and submitting a DA.
View applications on exhibition
You can search and track all current development applications, construction certificates and other associated documents online via the eplanning portal
Public exhibition items can be reviewed and submissions made through Your Voice Our Coast.
Guide to help
The following points are intended to help you make a submission to Council:
- Make sure that your submission is lodged by the closing date for public exhibition of the development application (DA). The closing date will be on either the notification letter you received; is available online; or by phoning Council’s Customer Serviceteam on 02 4306 7900.
- If you are objecting to the DA, you must provide the reasons why you object. These reasons will be carefully considered by Council in its assessment of the DA.
- Group petitions can also be submitted and should follow the same format shown in the standard submission form and must provide reasons for the objection(s).
- Do not make any offensive or defamatory comments in a submission.
- Section 10.4 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), requires you to disclose reportable political donations and gifts if you are making a relevant public submission to Council. Failure to disclose relevant information is an offence under the EP&A Act. Council is required to make any disclosure made under this section publicly available on its website. Further information about the requirement to disclose any political donations and gifts is outlined in section 10.4 of the EP&A Act. If disclosure of a political donation or gift is necessary, Political disclosures form can be completed and lodged with your submission. Alternatively, you may make your disclosure on your submission.
- Council will send you an acknowledgement of your submission, and notify you of the outcome of the DA. Council may also notify you of an amended DA, or of any public Council meetings which you may wish to attend, at which the DA will be considered
- Central Coast Council is required to comply with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which requires submissions on Development Applications to be published on Council’s website. In order to maintain privacy, all submissions lodged using Council’s DA Submission Form will have personal contact details and signature redacted. Submissions received not using Council’s DA submission form will be published in full.
- Members of the public are entitled to access and take copies of your submission under the GIPA Act. A copy of your submission may also be reproduced in Council reports or in Court proceedings.
- It is voluntary for you to provide your name, address and any other contact information when making a submission to Council. It is important to note however that Council does not consider anonymous submissions.
How to make a submission
Complete your submission online via eServices.
Your submission, whether online or in writing, must be received by Council by the closing date for public exhibition of the DA. Any late submissions may not be considered.
Once you have made a submission
Council will send you an acknowledgement of your submission, and notify you of the outcome of the DA. Staff do not reply to questions posed in written submissions but they do cover issues as part of the DA assessment.
If DA plans are amended, you will only be notified if council's assessing officer considers the changes have a greater effect on your property than the original. To monitor progress of the DA, you can refer to council's website or contact the assessing officer.
Availability of submissions
Submissions will be made available to the applicant and the public, and includes publication on council’s website. Personal information provided within the online form will remain unpublished. Submissions received not using Council’s DA submission form will be published in full.
Consideration of your submission
Your comments will be considered in conjunction with council's legal responsibilities, the interests of the community and the reasonable expectations and rights of the applicant. In making a decision, council has to balance these competing interests.