A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) must always be submitted with a Development Application.

What is a Statement of Environmental Effects?

A Statement of Environmental Effects should address:

• the environmental impacts of the development
• how the environmental impacts of the development have been identified
• the steps to be taken to protect the environment or to lessen the expected harm to the environment
• any other matters as related to Schedule 1, Part 1, Clause 2(1)(c) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

How does a Statement of Environmental Effects speed up the process?

Under section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, we are required to assess the impacts of your development. Whilst we are usually able to do this using our own internal staff and internal experts it makes our job easier and quicker if your Statement of Environmental Effects contains all the necessary information for us to make an informed judgement about your proposal.

Often neighbours object to development because they don't understand the true impacts of a proposal. Therefore, there is a potential to reduce the number of objections that may arise by the lodgement of a Statement of Environmental Effects that clearly sets out the impacts and the steps to be taken to protect neighbours' amenity, e.g. boundary setbacks increased to reduce shadowing and overlooking of private open space, heights lowered in some areas to open up views to the harbour.

Can I get further guidance?

Yes. Our Development Application (DA) Guide (PDF) - Step 3 will help you prepare your Statement of Environmental Effects.