Friday 10 July 2026

Central Coast Council officially launched its new Accelerated Development Application (ADA) pathway on 1 July 2026, marking a significant step towards improving development assessment timeframes across the region. 

Over the past year, Council has been working to reduce the number of outstanding applications under assessment, and the introduction of the ADA pathway is expected to further streamline the approval process for suitable developments. 

Prior to the launch, Parker Scanlon’s Town Planning Team attended Council’s ADA workshop, gaining valuable insight into how the new assessment pathway would operate. The system has been modelled on the successful City of Newcastle framework, with modifications tailored to Central Coast Council’s specific requirements and resources. 

The ADA pathway is designed for development applications that are compliant or largely compliant with planning controls. Minor variations can be considered, including variations of up to 5% to development standards contained within the Local Environmental Plan (LEP). Proposals are also expected to substantially comply with the relevant Development Control Plan (DCP), with only minor departures accepted. 

Applications seeking assessment through the ADA pathway are lodged directly with Council’s dedicated ADA team rather than through the NSW Planning Portal. Applicants are required to submit the necessary plans, reports, a Statement of Environmental Effects using Council’s templates, and a completed ADA checklist. Council then undertakes a preliminary review and issue advice within 10 business days, confirming whether the proposal is suitable for the accelerated pathway or whether it must proceed as a standard Development Application. 

For applications accepted under the ADA pathway, Council has committed to assessment timeframes of: 

• 15 business days where notification is not required; or 
• 25 business days where notification and/or referral to Ausgrid is required. 

The introduction of the ADA pathway is welcome news for developers, property owners, and investors across the Central Coast who have historically faced lengthy approval timeframes.  

Since the pathway became operational, Parker Scanlon’s Town Planning Team is excited to assist clients in navigating the new process and identifying opportunities to take advantage of the accelerated assessment timeframes. 

If you are considering a development on the Central Coast and would like to explore whether your proposal may qualify for the ADA pathway, contact our Town Planning Team today.