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Sydney-based construction specialists delivering residential, commercial and industrial projects across NSW.
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Your complete construction partner - Design, Build, Deliver.
Choosing between a Development Application (DA) and a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is one of the first — and most important — decisions in any NSW building project. The right path can save you months in approval time and tens of thousands of dollars in council fees and consultant work.
A DA is the traditional council pathway. Your application is publicly notified, assessed against the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP), and decided by council staff or the local planning panel. DAs are required when a proposal goes beyond what is permissible as exempt or complying development — for example, larger developments, projects in heritage-affected areas, or builds that need design variations from the standard controls.
A CDC, on the other hand, is a fast-track approval pathway for projects that fully comply with predetermined planning standards. A CDC is assessed and issued by an accredited private certifier — not council — and for eligible projects can be granted in as little as 10 business days.
At Compass Developments, we manage the entire approval process on your behalf — whether your project needs a DA or qualifies for a CDC. We assess your site, zoning and brief to determine the most efficient pathway, prepare and lodge the documentation, and liaise with councils and certifiers so you stay on track from day one.
