Friday 23 October 2026

Newcastle City Council’s Concierge Development Assessment, simplifying the assessment process of large-scale projects.

The introduction of the Concierge Development Assessment (CDA) Pathway by Newcastle City Council represents a proactive approach to improving the assessment of significant and complex development proposals. The pathway has been established to provide major developments with dedicated planning support from the earliest stages of a project, helping applicants better navigate the development assessment process and resolve potential issues before lodgement.

The CDA Pathway is designed to deliver greater certainty, transparency, and efficiency throughout the development approval process. By providing a single point of contact within Council and facilitating early collaboration between applicants, Council officers, and referral agencies, the pathway aims to streamline assessments, reduce unnecessary delays, and improve communication throughout the span of a project.

As Newcastle continues to experience growth and investment, the introduction of the CDA Pathway reflects Council's commitment to facilitating quality development outcomes while maintaining a rigorous assessment framework. For developers, consultants, and planners, the initiative represents a positive step towards faster and more coordinated development approvals over five stages, supporting the delivery of projects that contribute to the economic and social development of the city.