Preparing a Statement of Environmental Effects

Minimum Requirements

• A description of the proposed use of the site, or what your development is. For commercial and industrial development, include things like hours of operation, number of employees and servicing arrangements.
• How the development will comply with the relevant planning policies and regulations including land zone rules, floor space ratios, setbacks, height, open space, parking, fire safety etc.  If you’re running a business, you may also need to show how you meet any relevant industry rules, like food handling or medical waste.
• A detailed site description including topographical features and constraints like easements, flooding, bushfire risk, instability, contamination etc. You will also need to explain how any constraints will be overcome.
• Details of vegetation on the site including the location, height and species of plants, and whether any would be removed for the development.
• Details of any existing development on the site including the number and type of structures, and their heritage significance if applicable. You need to explain if any existing structures will be demolished and, if so, include a Demolition Work Plan.
• Whether the development will be staged and, if so, details of what will be done in each stage.
• The availability of services, including water, power, gas and communications. If services don’t already exist or will need to be relocated, confirm that you have consulted with service providers.
• Traffic management issues including intersection treatment, method of entering and leaving the site, loading facilities and parking.
• Proposed stormwater drainage details, including onsite detention and whether any easements will be required.
• The development’s impact on the streetscape, including bulk and scale, compatibility with the surrounding area, colours and materials of construction.
• Impact on adjoining neighbours, including privacy, overshadowing, noises and views. You should also describe what adjoining land is used for.
• Potential environmental impacts such as air, water and noise, as well as what will be done to address these.
• Soil and water management methods to be used during construction.
• Waste management methods to be used, both during construction and after work is done. This should include the type and amount of waste, method of disposal, and recycling opportunities. Demolition and construction waste will need to be disposed of at an authorised facility
• Justification for any part of the development that does not comply with relevant policies or legislation.