Pre-Lodgement Service

Thinking about lodging a Development Application (DA)? Council’s Pre-Lodgement Advice Service gives you the opportunity to meet with planning staff in person or online to discuss your proposal before submitting an application.

This paid service is especially helpful for larger or more complex developments, proposals involving variations to planning controls, or sites with potential issues such as flooding, bushfire risk, ecological or heritage considerations.

Why Use This Service?

Pre-Lodgement advice can help you:

• Understand which planning controls apply to your site
• Identify potential issues early
• Get guidance on where your proposal may not comply
• Avoid unnecessary delays after you lodge your development application

You will receive written advice after the meeting, summarising the discussion and outlining key planning considerations.

This service provides advice only and does not guarantee approval. Council cannot consider the views of the community or other government agencies at this stage.

The quality of advice depends on the quality of the information you provide. Therefore, the more complete your plans and details, the better our feedback.

What To Include With Your Request

To request pre-lodgement advice, complete the Pre-Lodgement Advice Request Form and submit your request via email.

Please include:

• Concept plans (site plan, floor plan, elevations)
• A written summary of your proposal
• Proposed subdivision layout (if relevant)
• The more detailed your submission, the better the advice we can provide. If your plans or documents are unclear, we may delay scheduling your meeting until we receive adequate information.

How to Book

1. Complete the Pre-Lodgement Advice Request Form
2. Submit your request via:
   • Email: council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Council will contact you to arrange payment and confirm your meeting.

Other Approvals

Some developments may also require input from other authorities, including but not limited to:

• NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)
• Heritage NSW
• Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR)

Please contact these agencies directly, as Council cannot advise on their specific requirements.