When submitting a DA lodgement in New South Wales, a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is one of the most critical documents to include.
Required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, the SEE explains the purpose of your proposed development, its potential environmental impacts, and measures to mitigate them.
As a trusted town planner in NSW, StraightLine Planning can help you prepare a professional SEE to ensure your development application stands out and meets council requirements.
What is a Statement of Environmental Effects?
A SEE is a comprehensive document that outlines:
The objectives of your proposed development.
Potential environmental impacts.
Mitigation strategies to address those impacts.
The SEE is required for most development applications to demonstrate that the project aligns with environmental and planning standards, as specified in Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
Key Components of a SEE
A high-quality SEE includes the following elements:
1. Environmental Impacts
An in-depth analysis of how the proposed development may affect the environment, including factors such as noise, traffic, vegetation, and water quality.
2. Identification Methods
A detailed explanation of how potential environmental impacts were identified, such as through site surveys or environmental assessments.
3. Mitigation Measures
Proposed strategies to reduce or eliminate negative environmental effects, such as installing rainwater tanks, landscaping, or noise barriers.
4. Guideline Compliance
A demonstration of compliance with matters required by guidelines issued by the Planning Secretary.
For more complex projects, such as apartment buildings, the SEE must address additional requirements, including:
Design quality principles and how they are implemented.
Contextual drawings showing the proposed development alongside existing structures.
Compliance with building heights, setbacks, and envelope controls.
Landscaping details, including species and materials.
Photomontages and sample boards illustrating facade materials and colours.
Cost and Time Considerations
Cost
The cost of preparing a SEE varies depending on the complexity of the project, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. While this might seem significant, investing in a professional SEE can save you time and money by reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
Time
Creating a comprehensive SEE can take anywhere from 6 to over 1,000 hours, depending on the project’s scope and environmental considerations.
Why Engage Professional Expertise?
While it is possible to draft your own SEE, working with a trusted town planner in NSW, such as StraightLine Planning, ensures a high-quality document that fully supports your development application. Our expertise includes:
Identifying all necessary components for compliance.
Crafting a clear and compelling SEE that addresses potential objections.
Saving you time and reducing stress by managing the preparation process.
Achieve Council Approval with Confidence
A well-prepared SEE is vital for securing council approval for business or a commercial change of use approval.
At StraightLine Planning, we specialise in crafting professional SEEs that highlight the strengths of your proposal while addressing environmental concerns.
Contact us today to ensure your development application is comprehensive, compliant, and poised for approval.
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