Make a submission on a planning application

If you have an interest in an advertised planning application, you can make a submission.

A submission can object or support all or part of an application.

It allows you to:

• give feedback
• raise any concerns
• share knowledge
• suggest improvements.

How to find out about a planning application

Planning applications are advertised in different ways.

Read more about advertised planning applications and who's involved in planning.

Before you write a submission

You should become familiar with the application documents including:

• statement of effect
• plans
• supporting documents.

Tips for writing a submission

When writing a submission, you should understand:

• the application type
• who the decision maker is
• what will guide the decision.

You can contact a Northern Territory (NT) Government planner to better understand what's proposed and how you might be affected.

The information below provides more information on each application types. It also includes examples of matters that you can address in your submission.

You should also:

• be brief, simple and clear
• organise your thoughts logically
• clarify whether you support or object to the proposal, or are simply providing comments
• be specific and factual rather than speculate
• include a summary of the main points if your submission is longer than a few pages
• offer suggestions on how the applicant could reduce impacts and improve outcomes.

Don't include:

• personal information of a third party, unless you get their written consent
• defamatory allegations, unsubstantiated claims and other derogatory statements
• any information that you do not want publicly released.

How to submit

The preferred method is to submit online through the DAO website.

If you want to submit using a different method, you should contact the relevant planning officer.

You must lodge your submission by the date shown on the planning notice on the DAO website.

What to include

For a submission to be valid under the Planning Act 1999, it must:

• include your name and contact details (address or email) or the contact details of the body or group making the submission
• be signed by you or the representative making the submission - see below for more information
• be received before the closing date for submissions - unless you have received an extension.

A valid signature includes:

• a hand-signed document that is scanned or photographed
• a name typed at the bottom of an email or uploaded document or
• an electronic signature placed at the bottom of the email or uploaded document.

If a submission doesn't comply with these requirements, it won't be considered.

There is no specific format to use for a written submission.

Body or group submissions

If you prefer not to submit your own comments, you can join a group interested in making a submission on similar issues.

If you form a group, the names of participants may be included in the submission.

A submission must:

• nominate a person as the representative of the body or group
• state the name and contact details of the representative
• be signed by the person making the submission or, in the case of a body or group, the representative.

This person must ensure they are authorised to represent the group or body making the submission.

Request an extension

In certain circumstances, the submission period for development applications can be extended.

To request an extension, contact the relevant planning officer.

For more information, read section 49(8A) of the Planning Act 1999.

Privacy

All submissions received will be made publicly available. Read more about the privacy of planning submissions.

After you submit

Your submission will be sent to the applicant to:

• give them a right of reply to the issues you've raised
• enable them to consider changes to their application to address your concerns.

If you need to change or amend your submission, you can do this in writing during the exhibition period.

If you want to withdraw the submission, you can do so at any time before a decision about the application is made.

A report will be prepared on the proposal once the exhibition period ends. The report will include any submissions received and will be available to the public online.

Next steps

After you make a submission, you will be:

• invited to attend a hearing (if one is held) by the NT Planning Commission for an exceptional development permit or planning scheme amendment
• invited to speak at a meeting held by a Development Consent Authority
• kept informed about the outcome of the planning application including receiving a written notice of a decision.

If you have made a valid submission, you may also have a right of review for concurrent and development applications subject to the Planning Act 1999 and Planning Regulations 2000.

Contact

For questions or help with your submission, contact Lands Planning or Development Assessment Services.