How to object to a development application in Queensland
Concerned about a development near you in Queensland? Impact-assessable applications go through public notification, and during that window anyone can make a submission. Make a properly made submission and you also gain the right to appeal the decision. Here's how — fast, and far cheaper than a consultant.
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Check my grounds — freeYour submission rights in Queensland
In Queensland, an impact-assessable development application must undergo public notification under the Planning Act 2016. During the notification period, any person can make a submission to the assessment manager. A properly made submission must be considered, and — importantly — gives you submitter appeal rights to the Planning and Environment Court. Submissions are weighed against the planning scheme — the relevant zone and overlay codes, their assessment benchmarks, and the overall outcomes.
How to object — step by step
- 1Confirm the DA is impact-assessable and in public notification
Only impact-assessable applications are publicly notified. Check the council's PD Online / DA register for the application and its notification dates.
- 2Read the application and proposal plans
Get the application material — plans, planning report and any specialist reports — and understand the proposal and its effect on you.
- 3Make a properly made submission
Your submission must be in writing, state your name and address, be signed (or lodged through the accepted channel) and state the grounds. Lodge it with the assessment manager within the notification period. A properly made submission preserves your appeal rights.
- 4Frame your grounds against the scheme
Tie each concern to the planning scheme's zone/overlay codes, assessment benchmarks and overall outcomes. Be specific to your property.
- 5You gain submitter appeal rights
If you made a properly made submission, you can appeal the decision to the Planning and Environment Court — a stronger position than in most states.
What counts as a valid planning ground
- ✓ Overlooking / loss of privacy — windows, balconies or terraces that look into your living areas or private open space
- ✓ Overshadowing / loss of solar access — shadow cast over your north-facing windows or private open space, especially in winter
- ✓ Neighbourhood character — bulk, scale, height or design that's out of keeping with the established character of the street
- ✓ Building height and massing — a building taller or bulkier than the surrounding context
- ✓ Traffic and car parking — additional traffic, inadequate on-site parking, or on-street parking pressure
- ✓ Noise and amenity — noise, hours of operation, lighting, odour or other off-site amenity impacts
- ✓ Vegetation and tree removal — loss of significant trees or canopy
- ✓ Setbacks — insufficient distance to boundaries affecting privacy, light or character
What won't carry weight (and how to re-frame it)
- It will reduce my property valueProperty value isn't an assessment benchmark. Re-frame the underlying amenity or character impact.
- I object to the developerThe identity of the applicant isn't relevant to the assessment.
- Construction noise and dustShort-term construction impacts are generally managed by conditions, not a ground to refuse.
- Competition with my businessCommercial competition is not a planning ground.
When to lodge
Submissions must be made within the public notification period (a minimum statutory period applies; check the council's notification dates). A properly made submission lodged in time preserves your appeal rights.
If it's approved
A submitter who made a properly made submission can appeal the decision to the Planning and Environment Court — Queensland gives objectors stronger appeal rights than most states.
Turn your concerns into a formal submission
We translate your concerns into properly-framed planning grounds and address them to the assessment manager (usually the council) — instantly, and at a fraction of a consultant's fee.
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Objecting in Queensland — FAQ
What is a 'properly made submission'?
A submission that meets the Planning Act's requirements — in writing, with your name and address, signed/lodged correctly, and stating your grounds, made within the notification period. Getting it 'properly made' is what preserves your right to appeal.
Can I appeal if the DA is approved?
Yes — if you made a properly made submission, you have submitter appeal rights to the Planning and Environment Court. That makes a well-argued submission especially valuable in Queensland.
Only impact-assessable applications are notified?
Yes. Code-assessable applications generally don't have public notification, so there's usually no submission opportunity. Check the assessment category first.
What does it cost?
Lodging a submission is free. A properly framed objection submission is $99 from us (instant), a full report-grade submission is $399, with optional planner certification.
Objecting in other states
This guide is general information, not legal advice — planning processes vary by council and application. Confirm the dates and requirements for your specific application with the relevant authority.