Which specialist reports may be required to support a Development Application?

The specialist reports needed to support a Development Application depend on the type of development, its size, where it is located, and the possible impacts it may have. Not every Development Application will need all reports; only those relevant to the proposed development are required.

Specialist reports that may be required include:

• Access and Mobility Report — required for developments that include adaptable or accessible housing. It confirms that the design meets accessibility requirements.
• Transport Impact Assessment (TIA) — assesses how a development may affect traffic, parking, access, pedestrians, cyclists, and the surrounding transport network.
• Tree Survey — required when a development may affect protected, registered, or regulated trees. It identifies tree species, size, condition, and potential impacts from the development.
• Contamination Assessment — required where land may be contaminated. It assesses whether the site is suitable for the proposed use and identifies any risks that need to be managed.
• Heritage Statement or Cultural Heritage Assessment — required where a development may affect heritage places, objects, or Aboriginal cultural heritage.
• Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan — required for some developments in bushfire-prone areas to identify bushfire risks and proposed safety measures.
• Noise Report — assesses potential noise impacts and recommends ways to reduce or manage noise impacts.
• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — required for developments that may have significant environmental impacts.
• Environmental Significance Opinion documentation — required where an assessment of environmental significance is needed.
• Social, Cultural and Economic Impact Assessment — required for certain proposals, such as some Crown lease changes.
• Valuation Report — required for certain Crown lease variations where section 328 of the Planning Act 2023 applies. It assesses the value implications of the proposed lease variation.
• Waterway Works Plan — required where development involves waterway works requiring approval under the Water Resources Act 2007.

The full requirements and when each report is needed are outlined in the Planning (Minimum Development Application Documentation) Guideline 2026 (No 1), Notifiable Instrument NI2026–13.

Reference: Planning (Minimum Development Application Documentation) Guideline 2026 (No 1), (NI2026–13) – Planning (Minimum Development Application Documentation) Guideline 2026 (No 1) | PDF