Can ACT Planning request additional information after the DA is lodged?
Yes. Lodging a complete DA does not necessarily mean ACT Planning will have every piece of information it needs to make its decision.
During assessment, further information may be requested to clarify matters such as:
- whether the proposal meets the relevant Territory Plan outcomes;
- issues raised through public representations;
- information required by a referral entity;
- environmental impacts;
- interaction with adjoining development; or
- whether the proposal is suitable for the site.
For example, ACT Planning might request additional drawings or information to better demonstrate how a proposed development relates to an adjoining property.
When a formal further information request is made, the DA decision timeframe pauses and recommences when the requested information is provided.
Reference: ACT Planning – After you apply – Further information requests and DA amendments – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/after-you-apply
Short Answer
Yes. The Territory Planning Authority can request additional information after a DA is lodged if it needs further information to assess and decide the application. A further information request can be made at any time during the assessment process and more than once if required.
Detailed Explanation
The relevant statutory provision is Planning Act 2023, s 167 – Development applications—authority may request more information. ACT Planning's current After you apply ? Further information requests and DA amendments guidance explains how this operates during assessment.
The Authority can request information at any time during assessment and as many times as required, where that information is needed to assist with assessing and deciding the DA.
There is an important distinction between providing requested information and changing the DA. When responding to a further information request, the applicant should provide only the information requested. If the response changes the proposal or includes additional information beyond the scope of the request, a DA amendment may be required under s 168 of the Planning Act 2023.
Once the information is submitted, the Authority undertakes a sufficiency check. The new information may also trigger further entity referral or further public notification, depending on its nature and whether the application has changed.
Example: If the assessment identifies insufficient information about the impact of a proposed dual occupancy on adjoining development, the Authority may request additional plans or supporting information. Providing the requested material is a further information response; redesigning the proposal in response may instead require a DA amendment.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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