Council provides two services to assist you with your pre development application (pre-DA) requirements. Find out more

When considering what development may be permitted on your land you should consider the following matters:

What land restrictions apply to the property?

Determine if any restrictions need to be considered when developing your land. Typical restrictions include:

• The zoning (The zoning of land will determine what activities can be carried out on the land)
• Flooding effected
• Heritage conservation areas, Heritage items 
• Acid Sulfate soils
• Coastal erosion impacts (The only properties impacted are some coastal properties in Stockton)
• Easements
• Contamination
• Geo-technical restrictions
• Mine subsidence
• Bushfire zones

Most of these restrictions will be indicated in a 149 certificate, alternatively check the maps on Council’s web pages. Your development must be designed with any land constraints taken into consideration.

What type of development would be suitable?

Council’s LEP and DCP provide guidance to the form of acceptable development.

Urban housing controls

The  Newcastle Urban Strategy (7.8 mb) describes where urban housing (villas, apartments and the like) can be developed within walking distance of shopping, community services and public transport.

For density controls please refer to the LEP.

Other controls can be found in several Elements of the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 including:

• Section 3.03 Dual Occupancy and Semi-Detached Dwellings
• Section 4.01 Flood Management
• Section 7.03 Traffic, Parking and Access
• Section 7.06 Stormwater

There may be other elements that apply. Prospective applicants and other interested people should check with the officers at the Customer Enquiry Centre in Council's City Administration Centre, King Street, Newcastle.

What are the likely impacts on the streetscape and the neighbouring properties?

Does the development fit into the streetscape? Will the neighbouring properties be impacted by overshadowing, a loss of privacy?

It is advised to discuss the application with your neighbours prior to finalising your design. Early discussions with your neighbours will resolve the issues and give you the opportunity to explain your plans to your neighbours and to resolve any issues, reducing the likelihood of delays in the processing of the application.