Plan for Tomorrow Statement of Environmental Effects

Statement of Environmental Effects

A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) outlines how your proposed development will impact the environment, including both natural and built aspects, as well as any social or economic effects relevant to your site and local area.

It’s a required document when lodging a Development Application (DA) to Council. Your SEE allows Council to assess your proposal against planning controls and ensures it aligns with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Need an SEE for your upcoming development? Get a quote and let us take care of the details.

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A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is a critical document required for all Development Applications (DAs) in New South Wales. It outlines the likely environmental impacts of a proposed development and explains how those impacts will be managed in accordance with local planning controls and state regulations. Whether you’re planning a new residential build, commercial development, or mixed-use project, a well-prepared SEE is essential for gaining council approval.

The SEE provides a detailed assessment of how the development will affect the natural and built environment. It includes a full project description, an analysis of potential environmental impacts, and a summary of mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate adverse effects such as noise or visual disruption. It also justifies the suitability of the site by considering risks like flooding, bushfire, and slope, and demonstrates compliance with planning legislation and development controls. In many cases, the SEE will also address issues such as heritage, traffic, and social impacts.

All development proposals in NSW require an SEE, unless they are classified as Designated Development or State Significant Development, which follow separate approval pathways. For smaller projects with minimal impacts, some councils may allow the use of a generic or simplified SEE template.

A well-prepared SEE offers several important benefits. It supports faster DA approvals by reducing assessment delays, enables councils to make informed planning decisions, and ensures developers are held accountable for the environmental outcomes of their projects. By addressing all key planning considerations upfront, an SEE helps streamline the approval process and demonstrates a responsible approach to environmental management.

At Plan for Tomorrow, we specialise in creating high-quality, council-ready Statements of Environmental Effects for low to mid-rise residential housing, and small scale commercial and industrial developments developments across NSW.

Our expert team ensures your SEE is clear, compliant, and tailored to meet local council requirements – helping you move from concept to construction with confidence. If you’re preparing a development application, contact us today to get started

Delivering Dual Occupancy Approval under the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy

Situated in Beecroft, this project proposed a dual occupancy development on a wide residential allotment within walking distance of local services and transport. The lot’s size and configuration enabled two generously scaled dwellings with mirrored layouts, each featuring separate vehicular access, entry points, and private open spaces. The proposal was…
Read More Delivering Dual Occupancy Approval under the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy

Yes. All Development Applications (DAs) in NSW require a SEE, regardless of the project size. Only Designated Developments or State Significant Developments follow different approval pathways. If you’re unsure, we can help assess what’s needed for your site.

We’ll need basic details about your site and proposed development, including plans or drawings (if available), the project scope, and any known site constraints. If you don’t have everything yet, we can guide you through what’s needed.

Timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of your project and the quality of information provided. In most cases, we can complete a first draft of your Statement of Environmental Effects within 7 working days. Let us know if you’re working to a tight deadline.

Absolutely. We tailor every Statement of Environmental Effects to meet local council planning controls and guidelines. We stay up to date with council-specific requirements so your application has the best chance of smooth approval.

If the council requests clarifications or updates to your Statement of Environmental Effects, we’re here to help. We can revise or expand the report as needed to support your application through to approval.

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