Submissions, including objection letters, which are made in relation to DAs, are considered to be open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2009. Open access information is available for inspection by members of the public, including the applicant/owner, and may be published in Council reports or on Council’s website.
Under section 739 of the Local Government Act 1993, a person may request that their name and address be removed from documents available for public inspection, if disclosure would place that person or members of their family’s personal safety at risk. Requests must be made in writing to the General Manager of Council and you must provide supporting information. You may be requested to provide a signed statutory declaration in support of your request.
Council officers assess DAs against criteria set out in local planning controls and legislation. Therefore, your submission must clearly set out your concerns, in order to be properly considered against the proposal. Some issues you may wish to consider in your submission relating to a DA include comments on views, floorspace, height, urban design, heritage, traffic and car parking, noise, landscaping, drainage, privacy and overshadowing.
Most DAs are assessed and determined by staff under delegated authority, however some DAs may be called up to, and considered at a full Council meeting. The public is welcome to attend these meetings, which are held monthly in the Council Chambers at 86 Market Street, Mudgee. View the upcoming calendar of dates here.
Agendas and reports for Council meetings are also made available online, generally on the Friday preceding the scheduled meeting.