Free DA Objection Letter Template (NSW)
If you’ve received an alert from So It Is about a new development in your street, the next step is often writing a formal submission to your local council. Use the template below as a starting point to ensure your concerns are heard by the assessment officer.
The "Quick-Start" Template
Subject Line: OBJECTION: [DA Number] – [Address of Proposed Development]
To the General Manager,
[Name of Council],
I am writing to formally lodge an objection regarding the proposed development at [Address of Development], currently under assessment (DA Number: [Number]).
I am the owner/resident of [Your Address], which is located [e.g., directly adjacent / to the south] of the proposed site.
After reviewing the plans on the NSW Planning Portal, I wish to raise the following concerns regarding the impact on my property’s amenity:
- Privacy and Overlooking: The proposed second-storey balcony directly overlooks our primary outdoor living area. We request that privacy screening be installed to a height of 1.7m to mitigate this impact.
- Overshadowing: According to the shadow diagrams provided, the new building will significantly reduce solar access to our north-facing windows between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm during the winter solstice.
- Visual Bulk and Scale: The proposed height exceeds the maximum building height permitted under the [Council Name] Local Environmental Plan (LEP), and is out of character with the existing streetscape.
- Traffic and Parking: The shortfall in on-site parking spaces will exacerbate existing on-street parking pressures in [Street Name].
I request that these matters be carefully considered during the assessment process. I would also appreciate being notified of any amended plans or when the matter is scheduled for a Council meeting.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Tips for a Successful Submission
- Focus on the "Amenity": In NSW planning law, "amenity" refers to the features that make your home pleasant to live in (sunlight, privacy, quiet). Stick to these points.
- Avoid Emotive Language: Phrases like "this is a disgrace" or "this developer is greedy" are generally ignored. Stick to facts like "the height exceeds the 8.5m limit."
- Photographs are Powerful: If a new wall is going to block a specific view or a tree, attach a photo from your window to show the council officer exactly what you see.
- Check the LEP and DCP: Every NSW council has a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and a Development Control Plan (DCP). If you can point out where a DA doesn't meet a specific control (like a side boundary setback), your objection carries much more weight.
Disclosure of Political Donations
Important for NSW Residents: Under Section 10.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, you must disclose any political donations or gifts made to a local councillor or council employee within the last two years.
If you haven't made any, you don't need to do anything, but if you have, you must include a Disclosure Statement form with your objection.