Development Application

Summary

A Development Application (DA) is a formal application submitted to a planning authority seeking approval for proposed development or land-use change. In many cases, approval of a DA depends on whether environmental risks associated with the site have been adequately identified and addressed.

For sites with a history of potentially contaminating activities or existing structures, councils commonly require environmental assessments such as a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and hazardous materials survey to support the DA and demonstrate that the land is suitable for its intended use.

Definition

A Development Application is a statutory planning submission that seeks consent to carry out development, including construction, subdivision, change of use or demolition.

As part of the assessment process, planning authorities may require supporting environmental reports to address contamination, hazardous materials, soil and groundwater risks before determining whether development consent can be granted.

Why Development Applications Require Environmental Assessment

From a planning and risk perspective, councils must be satisfied that a site is suitable for its proposed use.

Where land has a history of industrial, commercial or other potentially contaminating activities, a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is commonly required to identify potential contamination risks. If contamination is identified or suspected, a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) may then be required to characterise the nature and extent of contamination and assess risk.

For sites containing existing buildings or structures, a hazardous materials survey is often required to identify asbestos and other hazardous materials that may affect demolition, refurbishment or construction works.

These assessments allow councils to impose appropriate conditions, require remediation where necessary and ensure that development does not pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment.

When PSI, DSI and Hazardous Materials Surveys Are Typically Required

Environmental investigations are commonly required to support a DA where:

• Development is proposed on land with a history of potentially contaminating uses

• A change to a more sensitive land use is planned

• Demolition or refurbishment of existing structures is proposed

• Contamination is identified during early site works or investigations

• Council or planning authority requests environmental assessment to support the DA

The scope of assessment is typically staged, starting with a PSI and progressing to a DSI where required.

Regulatory and Planning Context

In New South Wales, development applications are assessed under planning legislation and local environmental planning instruments. Councils rely on contaminated land assessments and hazardous materials surveys to determine whether land is suitable for its proposed use or can be made suitable through remediation.

Similar planning frameworks apply across Australia, with environmental assessment requirements tailored to local planning controls and site conditions.

Environmental reports submitted with a DA are typically reviewed by council officers and, in some cases, referred to state agencies for comment.

How We Can Help

Confluence Environmental supports development applications by providing environmental assessments that align with planning and approval requirements.

Our services commonly include:

• Preliminary Site Investigations to identify contamination risk

• Detailed Site Investigations where contamination is present or suspected

• Hazardous materials surveys to support demolition or refurbishment

• Advice on remediation and management requirements

• Clear, regulator-ready reporting to support DA assessment

We focus on delivering assessments that are proportionate, defensible and aligned with council expectations to support timely approvals.

Related Terms and Concepts

• Preliminary Site Investigation

• Detailed Site Investigation

• Hazardous Materials Survey

• Contaminated Land

• Environmental Site Assessment

• Remediation Action Plan

• Site Validation

• Construction Environmental Management Plan