CHANGES TO PUBLIC SUBMISSION PROCESS FOR STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

We wanted to update you on some recent changes to NSW planning laws that may affect how and when you can voice your opinion on major development projects in your area.

These changes apply specifically to State Significant Developments (SSDs) — big projects like large apartment complexes, schools, or hospitals — and could impact your ability to lodge objections or feedback.

What's Changing?

Shorter Exhibition Periods

The minimum period of time for the public to comment on a standard SSD proposal is 28 days. However, under the reforms, some SSDs - including certain residential developments might now be on exhibition for as little as 14 days.

This means you will have less time to review the SSD proposal and send in your feedback.

Late Submissions

Under the previous rules, if you sent your objection after the deadline, it might still be accepted and registered as a formal objection.

Under the reforms, any submission made after the exhibition period will no longer be accepted as a formal submission.

This means you must act quickly. If you want your feedback to be formally considered, you should submit your objection within the exhibition period.

Submissions made outside the exhibition period may still be considered - but only at the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure’s discretion.

Importantly, there have been no changes to the types of issues that can or cannot be considered in public submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do these changes affect the public submission process for other types of development applications (non-SSD or modification applications)?

No — as of the time of writing, the changes apply only to State Significant Development (SSD) applications. There have been no amendments to the submission process for standard development applications or modification applications.

Q:  I want to object to an SSD application, but I don’t have enough time to prepare a detailed submission. What should I do?

The most important thing is to get something in before the exhibition period closes. A short submission will suffice - identify in your submission that you object to the proposal, along with your main concerns (i.e. traffic impacts, amenity impacts etc.). If possible, add a sentence or two explaining each point. Finish the submission by mentioning that you will send a more detailed submission at a later date. This way, your objection is formally recorded, and you still have a chance to provide more detail for authorities to consider at a later date (at their discretion).

Q: What happens if my objection is not formally registered?

If your objection is not submitted within the exhibition period, it will not count toward the minimum number of objections required for the State Significant Development (SSD) application to be referred to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC). A minimum of 50 objections is needed for an SSD to be considered by the IPC.

Q:  I need help preparing a submission. What should I do?

If you're short on time, unsure what to write, or want to make sure your concerns are expressed clearly and effectively — SydNIMBY is here to help. We specialise in preparing professional, well-structured objection letters on your behalf for all types of development applications, including complex State Significant Developments (SSD). Contact SydNIMBY today.