You can apply for a pre-design panel consultation before submitting your development application.

The Design Review Panel is an advisory body that provides expert advice on the architectural merit of developments to council, applicants, their consultants and advisers.  The Panel seeks to improve the design quality of developments, such as apartments, larger multi dwelling developments and commercial and industrial developments to assist in achieving high quality urban design in the Sutherland Shire.

The DRP comprises a rotating roster of four independent members, including three external architects (or urban designers) and one landscape architect.

The DRP does not have the power to determine applications, however outcomes from these closed sessions inform the assessment process.

DAs considered by the design panel include:

  • residential apartment buildings as defined by State Environmental Planning Policy No 65
  • villa and townhouse developments of six units or more
  • significant industrial, commercial, residential and public buildings, based on location, scale and visual prominence.

The role and responsibilities of the DRP are detailed in the Design Review Panel Terms of Reference.