How to object to a development in South Australia
Worried about a development near you in South Australia? Performance-assessed and impact-assessed applications go through public consultation, and during that window anyone can make a representation. Here's how to object effectively — instantly, and at a fraction of a consultant's fee.
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Check my grounds — freeYour representation rights in South Australia
In South Australia, a performance-assessed or impact-assessed application is publicly notified during a consultation period under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. During consultation, any person can make a representation to the relevant authority, and can ask to be heard. Representations are weighed against the Planning and Design Code — the applicable zone, subzone and overlay policies and their Performance Outcomes and Desired Outcomes.
How to object — step by step
- 1Confirm the application is on consultation
Check the PlanSA portal / the relevant authority for the application and its consultation dates. Only certain assessment pathways are notified.
- 2Read the proposal and plans
Get the application documents and understand the proposal and how it affects you.
- 3Frame your representation against the Code
Tie your concerns to the Planning and Design Code — the zone, subzone and overlay Performance Outcomes and Desired Outcomes. Be specific to your property.
- 4Lodge your representation during consultation
Make your representation to the relevant authority before consultation closes, and indicate whether you wish to be heard at the assessment panel.
- 5Ask to be heard
If you want to speak to your representation, say so — you may be able to present to the assessment panel before it decides.
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 valueDevaluation isn't a planning consideration under the Code. Re-frame the amenity or character impact.
- I object to the applicantThe identity of the applicant isn't relevant to the assessment.
- Construction-period disruptionShort-term construction impacts are generally managed separately.
- Competition with my businessCommercial competition is not a planning ground.
When to lodge
Representations must be made during the consultation period set for the application. Lodge before it closes, and flag if you want to be heard.
If it's approved
Appeal rights to the Environment, Resources and Development Court vary by assessment pathway. Making a strong representation, and being heard, is your primary opportunity to influence the decision.
Turn your concerns into a formal representation
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Objecting in South Australia — FAQ
What is a representation?
A representation is your written response to a development on consultation in SA — supporting or objecting. To object, state your grounds against the Planning and Design Code and say whether you want to be heard.
Can I speak to my objection?
Often yes — if you ask to be heard, you may present your representation to the assessment panel before it decides.
Which applications can I object to?
Performance-assessed and impact-assessed applications that go through public consultation. Deemed-to-satisfy / accepted applications generally aren't notified.
What does it cost?
Making a representation is free. A properly framed objection representation 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.