If your project cannot be considered as Exempt or Complying development, you'll need to obtain development consent by submitting a development application (DA).
A DA consists of standard application forms, supporting technical reports, and plans.
Your first step should be to review the Upper Hunter Shire Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP).
The LEP classifies development into categories, depending on the land use zone your property is located within:
To determine which zone your property is located within, use the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer.
If your project is considered to be exempt development, other approvals may be required. If you think your project may be considered prohibited or you are unsure about the categories, we encourage you to contact us to discuss.
The nature of your project will determine what type of DA you need to apply for. The application fees and relevant supporting documentation may also vary by project and for each DA category.
Local development refers to development that requires a DA to be submitted to Council for consideration and determination.
Most developments are categorised as local development.
Integrated development is development that not only requires Council approval, but also requires the approval of another government agency under the the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
If a DA is lodged as integrated development, we coordinate the process of seeking approvals from other government agencies.
Approval from the relevant government agencies must be obtained before we can grant development consent. If the relevant government agency recommends refusal, we cannot approve the DA.
Nominated Integrated Development is development that requires an approval under the Heritage Act 1977, the Water Management Act 2000 or the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW).
Designated Development generally refers to high-impact developments (likely to generate pollution), and or proposals that are located in or near an environmentally sensitive area. If a development application is categorised as designated development, the DA:
Regional development are projects that will be assessed and publicly exhibited by Council. The consent authority will however be the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
Regional development includes:
Some types of development are considered to have State significance due to the size, economic value or potential impacts they may have.
Applications must be submitted to, will be assessed and determined by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as the consent authority.
Visit the NSW Planning Portal for more information
Upper Hunter Shire Council is a local government authority and provides an extensive array of services including health and building; town planning; aged care; sporting and recreational facilities; roads; libraries; waste collection; airport facilities; saleyards; public venues; water; children, youth and families and tourist information.
Upper Hunter Shire is located in the Hunter Region of NSW, approximately 250km north of Sydney. The Shire is predominantly rural and encompasses 8,100km2.
We have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and are committed to keeping you safe.
PO Box 208
Scone NSW 2337
Phone: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
135 Liverpool Street, Scone
34-40 Vennacher Street, Merriwa
47 Mayne Street, Murrurundi
After hours emergencies for roads, bridges, animal control,
water, sewer & landfill
Phone: 02 6540 1199
Ngayan marrungku paran wiyan Wanarruwa, mirumalikan para ani parraykupa, ngatan ngayan marrung wiyan Ngarrakay paranpa yurakaykal ngatan pangaykal.
We acknowledge the Wonnarua people, traditional keepers of this land, and we pay respects to their Elders, past and present.
Translation by Aunty Sharon Edgar-Jones.