How Does the HDA/SSD Approval Process Work?

The approval processes for the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) and State Significant Development (SSD) in New South Wales (NSW) are designed to streamline planning and approval for major residential projects. Here’s how each process operates:

Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) Approval Process

The HDA is a new state body established to accelerate the delivery of major residential developments, bypassing traditional local council approvals for large projects:

• Eligibility: To qualify, projects must have an estimated capital investment of $60 million or more in Greater Sydney (typically 100+ homes), or $30 million or more in regional NSW (about 40+ homes).

• Expression of Interest (EOI): The process begins with applicants lodging an online Expression of Interest addressing HDA criteria.

• Evaluation: The HDA reviews EOIs monthly against key criteria (such as project scale, housing yield, and site suitability). Proposals that meet the criteria are recommended to the Minister for Planning for potential declaration as SSD or for both SSD and concurrent rezoning.

• Ministerial Determination: The Minister decides whether the project qualifies as State Significant Development (SSD).

• Issuance of SEARs: For approved projects, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure issues Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) within 7 days.

• Formal Lodgement: The applicant has 9 months to submit a detailed SSD application (and rezoning if relevant).

• SSD Assessment: The project is then formally assessed through the SSD process, with public exhibition of documents.

• Approval: The Minister (or delegate) concludes the assessment and can approve the SSD and any concurrent rezoning within 275 days from EOI. This process can reduce approval timeframes by more than a year in some cases.

State Significant Development (SSD) Approval Process

SSD is a dedicated pathway for projects considered of strategic or substantial importance to the state, including major housing, infrastructure, or mixed-use precincts:

• Project Eligibility: Projects usually need a minimum capital investment of $75 million in Greater Sydney or $30 million in regional areas, or must otherwise be designated as state significant due to their nature or impact.

• Application Submission: Applicants prepare and lodge a development application with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and other required documentation, primarily via the NSW Planning Portal.

• SEARs (Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements): Upon application, SEARs are issued specifying what environmental and community considerations must be addressed in the EIS.

• Public Exhibition: The DA and EIS are publicly exhibited for a minimum of 30 days. Local communities and stakeholders can make submissions during this period.

• Assessment and Decision: The DA is assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. More significant or controversial projects may go to the Independent Planning Commission. The Minister for Planning or a delegate makes the final determination, considering environmental, social, economic factors, public submissions, and planning policies.

• Conditions of Approval: If approved, the Minister or delegate may attach conditions aimed at minimizing environmental or social impacts.

In summary, the HDA offers an accelerated route—combining and streamlining significant rezoning and SSD approvals—for major residential projects, while the SSD pathway is the established process for other major projects of state significance, with statutory requirements for public engagement and rigorous environmental assessment.