Integrated Development
The integrated development pathway allows key issues under the EP&A Act and other Acts to be assessed as part of the development application process.
Integrated development is development that requires approval under both the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and another Act listed in section 4.46 of the EP&A Act before it can be carried out.
Where the integrated development pathway applies, consent authorities refer the development application to DCA to obtain the ‘general terms of approval’ (GTAs) for the corresponding approval under another Act. GTAs list the terms and conditions that if met, will allow the applicant to obtain the separate approval under another Act. This in-principle approval at the development application stage helps to reduce delays later on and gives applicants greater certainty that all required approvals can be obtained.
If the consent authority decides to grant development consent, it must do so consistently with any GTAs that have been issued by DCA. If DCA refuses to issue GTAs, the consent authority must refuse the development application.
DCA is not responsible for issuing the separate approvals listed in section 4.46 of the EP&A Act. Applicants must apply to the relevant NSW Government/State agency for these approvals.
Example
A development application for works to a State heritage item needs approval under both the EP&A Act and the Heritage Act 1977 for it to be carried out. If the integrated development pathway applies, council refers the development application to the DCA, who decides whether to issue GTAs for the development. If the council decides to grant development consent, it must be consistent with the GTAs issued by the DCA. The applicant then applies to the Heritage Council for the separate approval under the Heritage Act 1977, which must be granted consistent with the development consent.