State Significant Development | Urban Perspectives

Fast-Track Your SSD Project: Partner with Experienced Planning Consultants.

Navigating the State Significant Development (SSD) process in NSW demands expertise and a clear understanding of complex regulations. At Urban Perspectives, we provide developers with experienced guidance to ensure a smooth and efficient path to project approval.

We understand the critical steps involved, from initial application and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) preparation to public exhibition and the final decision by the Independent Planning Commission or the Minister for Planning. Our collaborative approach ensures we work closely with you, councils, and stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes, minimizing delays and maximizing your chances of success.

Demystifying SEARs and EIS Requirements:

We expertly handle the intricacies of the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) and the preparation of a comprehensive and technically sound Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Our deep understanding ensures your EIS addresses all necessary criteria, reflects community views, and is verified by a registered environmental assessment practitioner (REAP).

A Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP) is a certified expert in NSW who reviews Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for major projects like State Significant Development (SSD) and Infrastructure (SSI).

Their role is essential—every EIS must include a REAP declaration to meet legal requirements. REAPs ensure the EIS is complete, accurate, clearly written, and compliant with regulations, helping streamline approvals and maintain high environmental standards. At Urban Perspectives, Stuart Wilmot is our in-house REAP, bringing deep expertise and trusted oversight to every project we deliver.

Our Streamlined Process Includes:

Strategic Engagement: We proactively engage with councils and authorities to align your project with regulatory standards from the outset.
Comprehensive Scoping & Compliance: We manage the scoping report process to obtain SEARs and ensure meticulous compliance with all planning requirements.
Effective Stakeholder Consultation: Our tailored strategies ensure meaningful engagement with the community and key stakeholders, addressing concerns and fostering positive relationships.
Expert EIS Drafting & Review: We compile detailed EIS documents, incorporating all necessary assessments, feedback, and mitigation measures, followed by rigorous internal review to guarantee accuracy and completeness.
Seamless Project Team Liaison: We work closely with your project team to ensure design concerns are addressed and the project remains aligned with SEARs and your objectives.

Ready to fast-track your State Significant Development project?

Public Exhibition

Exhibition Period: SSD applications are publicly exhibited for a minimum of 28 days.
Community Participation: The community can submit feedback, which the applicant must address.
Public Hearings: The Minister may request public hearings to allow further community involvement.

Decision Making

Decisions are made by either the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) or the Minister for Planning, depending on project complexity, public interest, and other factors.
The IPC is the consent authority for State significant development applications where the following apply:

there are 50 or more unique public objections to the SSD application; and/or
the Applicant has made a reportable political donations disclosure; and/or
the local Council has objected to the SSD application and has not rescinded that objection following exhibition.

Appeal Rights

Judicial Review: Any person can seek a judicial review within three months of a decision.
Merit Appeals: Applicants can appeal if the consent authority fails to determine the application within 90 days.
If the Independent Planning Commission holds a public hearing before determining a DA, there are no merit appeal rights for that DA.

Post-Approval Compliance:

Post-Approval Requirements: Compliance with conditions of consent, additional approvals, and community involvement in tracking progress are crucial.
Compliance Monitoring: The Department monitors compliance through audits and inspections, ensuring adherence to conditions.
Urban Perspectives employs qualified environmental auditors who are experienced at undertaking compliance audits of State Significant Developments in accordance with the NSW Department of Planning’s Independent Audit Post Approval Requirements.

State Significant Developments