Statement of Environmental Effects

A statement of environmental effects is required for ALL development applications, no matter how small. It is the cornerstone of any development application and should not overlooked as an afterthought.

What is a statement of environmental effects?

A statement of environmental effects is required under the legislation for every single development application.

The report will describe the site and the proposed development in detail as well as providing a comprehensive review all of the planning instruments which apply to the site and the proposed development. Any property constraints and the potential impacts of your development on the natural and built environments is also included in the SEE. If the development results in any non-compliances with the development controls, these should be justified within this report too. The SEE will refer to other reports and documents submitted with the application and summarises of all relevant matters for Council to review.

What details are provided with the statement of environmental effects?

The Statement of Environmental Effects must address several key points:

• Relevant Acts and Legislation: The SEE must address any relevant Act and other legislation such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Rural Fires Act, Water Management Act etc.
• Environmental Planning Instruments: The SEE must demonstrate compliance with relevant environmental planning instruments; State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), and any Development Control Plans (DCPs).
• Environmental Impacts: The SEE should detail the likely environmental impacts of the development, this includes both the natural and built environments, as well as social aspects.
• Impact Identification: The document must identifiy environmental impacts resulting fromteh development.
• Mitigation Measures: The SEE should outline steps taken to protect the environment from any expected harm as a result of the development.

A well written Statement of Environmental Effects is used by Council to understand your proposal. The SEE will be similar in content to the assessment report prepared by Council’s Development Assessment Officer.

Tips for preparing a statement of environmental effects

Below are three tips for ensuring your Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is thorough and accurate:

1. Make sure your SEE covers all aspects relevant to your proposal. This includes site suitability, compliance with development standards, design guidelines, operation and management, access and traffic, privacy, air and noise, drainage, erosion control, heritage, energy efficiency, waste, and site management.
2. Engage with the team of consultants on the project, to ensure that your SEE adequately addresses potential environmental impacts.
3. Present your findings and plans in a clear, concise, and accessible manner. Avoid technical jargon where possible to ensure that the document is understandable to non-specialists.

The best chance of a speedy approval is to ensure all your plans and reports are up to the standard for lodgement and assessment by Council. The statement of environmental effects is often an after thought for most developments and the required level of detail is often missing. Town Planning Collective have experience working as town planners for Council and as such, know exactly what is and isn’t required for a SoEE.  

You must be confident that all planning matters have been addressed within the SEE. This ensures that Council has a clear picture of the development in the documentation provided to them.

Having your Statement of Environmental Effects prepared by a qualified town planner is in your best interest. As professionals in this field they are familiar with the legislation and planning instruments applicable to the site and development.

Town Planning Collective have extensive experience in preparing statement of environmental effects for all types of development with experience in all Council’s within NSW.  Our SEE’s enables your development to be assessed by council officers in a timely manner. This results in efficiencies for you, with no delays in the delivery of your development.

We offer a highly competitive rate for all our reports and assist our clients with all levels of statement of environmental effects. Contact us today to get us to assist with your reports by filling out the contact details below or emailing us at admin@theplanningcollective.com.au