The Development Determination Panel (DDP) is an internal Northern Beaches Council Panel meeting that has delegated authority to make decisions (known as determinations) on development applications and other related applications of local significance.

The DDP replaces three Development Unit panels (the DU-PLEP, DU-WLEP and the DAU-MLEP) from the former Pittwater, Warringah and Manly council areas.  The functions and delegations to determine applications of the new DDP integrate with the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel (NBLPP).

Meetings 

DDP meetings generally occur on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. In addition to the normal scheduled meetings, extraordinary meetings may occur as needed.

• View the DDP Meeting Guidelines

Agendas and Minutes

Outcomes of the meetings are made available by way of minutes, which will generally be published on Council’s website.

What applications are handled by the DDP?

Following a review of the Charter, the criteria for referral to the DPP have been amended on 30 June 2022, which take effect immediately.  The changes bring the referral of applications into similar alignment with Local Planning Panel criteria, and also focus on the more contentious local development.

The DDP is responsible for determining applications which meet any of the following criteria:

• Any application with five or more objections. Note: submissions receive outside the formal exhibition dates are not counted towards the total number of submissions for purposes of referral to the Panel due to changes to the EPA Act, (Schedule 1 section 15) as passed by Parliament 7 May 2025.
• Any application for Modification of Consent under section 4.55(2) (formerly S96(2)) in relation to a development application previously determined by the DDP or its previous equivalent panel that:
  • proposes amendments to a condition of development consent recommended in the council assessment report but which was amended by the panel, or 
  • proposes amendments to a condition of development consent that was not included in the council assessment report but which was added by the panel, or
  • exceeds or increases a non-compliance with a Local Environmental Plan development standard relating to Building height or Floor Space Ratio
• Any Review of Determination under Section 8.2 for a development previously determined by the DDP, its previous equivalent panel, or by a Manager
• Any other application at the discretion of the CEO, Director, Planning Place or the Executive Manager, Development Assessment 

• Following delegation given by the Local Planning Panel to the Development Determination Panel for all class 1 & 10 buildings, where the development contravenes a numerical standard by greater than 10% in the following circumstances:

  • Height of buildings under the Warringah LEP 2011, Manly LEP 20213 and Pittwater LEP 2014; or

  • Floor space ratio under the Warringah LEP 2011, Manly LEP 20213 and Pittwater LEP 2014; or 

  • Any built form control considered a development standard under the B2 and C8 Localities of Warringah LEP 2000. (This delegation will lapse on gazettal of the Northern Beaches consolidated LEP)

How do I make a submission to the DDP?

The DDP determines applications in a closed meeting. However, members of the public may make a written submission or alternatively register to address panel members on the assessment report, recommendations and/or conditions of consent.

Written submissions and registrations to address the Panel must be sent via email by 12 midday the day prior to the meeting. Alternatively, contact the Panel Coordinator on 1300 434 434.

Speakers will be limited to three minutes with time extended at the discretion of the Chair. Where there are a number of objectors with a common interest, the panel may, in its absolute discretion, hear a representative of those persons.

Whilst Council will undertake to cater for all representations, late submissions/registrations may not be able to be considered.

Panel members have access to all written submissions made during the course of the assessment and so representations should not revisit issues previously raised.

Charter

For more detailed information on the operational aspects of the DDP, please refer to the DDP Charter.