What is an entity referral?
An entity referral means ACT Planning sends your DA to another relevant authority to get its input before making a decision.
This happens when the development involves something that another entity is responsible for or has specialist knowledge about.
For example, a proposal involving heritage, roads, utilities or other infrastructure may need input from the entity responsible for that matter. The referral does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the application; it is part of the assessment process where another entity’s advice is required.
Reference: Planning ACT 2023 (A2023-18) – Planning Act 2023 | HTML view
Short Answer
An entity referral is when a Development Application (DA) is sent to a relevant government agency or other prescribed entity for its advice or assessment because the proposal involves a matter within that entity’s responsibilities.
The referral allows the entity to review the relevant part of the proposal and provide comments, advice or a formal response to the Territory Planning Authority before the DA is decided.
Detailed Explanation
Under the Planning Act 2023, the Territory Planning Authority may be required to refer a development application to a prescribed entity in circumstances prescribed by regulation.
The Planning (General) Regulation 2023 identifies the relevant entities and circumstances in which referral is required. Once referred, the entity may provide advice or other responses relevant to its statutory responsibilities, which are then considered as part of the DA assessment and decision-making process.
Accordingly, an entity referral is not a separate DA lodged by the applicant. It is a step within the assessment of the existing DA whereby the Territory Planning Authority obtains input from another relevant entity.
Example: If a proposed development affects an area or infrastructure for which another government entity has statutory responsibilities, ACT Planning may refer the DA to that entity for specialist assessment before determining the application.
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