A 'representation' is a submission, comment or objection made within the notification period. If you comment on a planning application, such as a development application (DA) or environmental impact statement you must:
- send it in writing to the Territory Planning Authority (the Authority)
- send it during the public notification timeframe and
- attach supporting documents and photos, if relevant.
Any representations received during the public notification period must be considered by EPSDD during the assessment process.
Preparing your comments
There's no right or wrong way to tell the EPSDD what you think of an application. Making a well-thought-out representation is an effective way to participate in the assessment process. As a guide, you should:
- consider the type of application you a commenting on and the aim of that process. For example, an environmental impact statement is an information gathering exercise to understand the environmental impacts of a development, whereas the DA is where an approval decision on the development is actually made.
- focuses on the proposed development and any planning implications it may have. For example:
- how it interacts with surrounding developments
- any implications to privacy, solar access or traffic.
- refers to the relevant statutory planning considerations, where possible
- outlines how the proposed development may impact you or others. For DAs, make sure you reference assessment outcomes in the Territory Plan, where possible and
- provides any information to support issues raised, including photos, plans, or extracts.
It's encouraged that a representation should not:
- state they're in favour or against the proposed development, without including why.
- state it will impact land value. This is not considered in the ACT planning system.
- state the proposed development will impact views and outlooks. No individual lessee has sole right to a view.
- be personal or defamatory towards the proponent, applicant, an entity, Government agency, organisation or individual.
- raise matters that aren't relevant to the proposed development or planning in general.
You must make a comment on the DA before the notification period closes. This is a specific period that DAs are open for public comment. Unless granted an exemption, you can see comments in the public register.
How to comment on a DA
Once you have all the information you can complete the Representation for current development application form.
You can also submit your comment via:
- Email: ACEPDcustomerservices@act.gov.au
- Post: Land, Planning and Building Services Shopfront, GPO Box 158, Canberra City 2601.
- Hand deliver: Access Canberra Land, Planning and Building Services Shopfront at 8 Darling Street, Mitchell ACT 2911
EPSDD will send you a receipt of your comment. If you don't receive anything, contact Customer Services at ACEPDCustomerServices@act.gov.au.
How comments are treated
Once the public notification period is closed, EPSDD will consider all comments and continue the decision-making process.
A DA decision won't be based on how many representations received.
Regardless of the number of representations, it's their content that matters. For example, if every representation states they don't like the proposal with no reason, there is not enough information to consider in making a decision.
Once a decision is made, anyone who has made a comment during the consultation stage will be sent a copy of the Notice of Decision and may have appeal rights.
It's important to note that DA representations form part of the public register. This means they will be published on the EPSDD website for public viewing.
A representor can request that their representation is not published. This can only be granted where:
- the publication would disclose a trade secret, or
- the publication would, or could reasonably:
- endanger someone’s life or physical safety or
- lead to damage or theft of property.
Appeal a decision
As a member of the ACT community and representor, if you think the DA decision doesn't meet planning requirements, you may be able to appeal the decision . To make an appeal, refer to the administrative instructions in the DA decision.
