Accelerated Development
Accelerated Development

Accelerated Development

Accelerated Development

Use our Accelerated Development Applications pathway for a quicker, more efficient assessment process.
Last updated on: 05 May 2026
In this article
In this article
Accelerated Development Applications (ADA) offer a faster, more efficient approval pathway for well-prepared, low-risk developments - helping you get your project underway sooner.

Choose an application option

There are two ways to access the ADA pathway. Select the option that best suits your project.

Option 1 - Authorised Consultant

How this works
  • Using an Authorised Consultant allows qualified professionals to assess certain development applications under City of Newcastle approved guidelines.
  • City of Newcastle remains the decision maker.
  • The consultant's assessment is used to speed up processing.
  • You do not need to submit an Accelerated Lodgement form if using this option.

Option 2 - Accelerated Lodgement Ready (ALR)

How this works
  • The ALR pathway offers a free preliminary review of your development proposal before lodgement via the NSW Planning Portal.
  • If your application meets the criteria, it becomes eligible for accelerated assessment.
  • This application form enables you to lodge your ALR review.

Eligibility and application requirements

  • To ensure your application is eligible, review our Eligibility Checker first.
  • The documentation you need to prepare will vary depending on your property type and proposed works.
  • Expand the sections below to access the relevant templates, guides, and checklists to help you prepare your application.

What you need to provide

Submit all documentation you intend to lodge as part of your development application, using the resources, guides, and checklists provided above to ensure completeness.
At a minimum, the following documentation must be provided for an ALR Review to be accepted:
  • Completed ALR Checklist
  • Completed ALR SEE Template
  • Development Plans (Site Plan, Floor Plan, Elevations and Sections, Demolition, Stormwater Management) that meet the general requirements listed on the Documents Required for Lodgement guide.
An ALR review will be rejected if the above minimum standard documentation is not provided.

Application fees

  • Accelerated Lodgement Ready reviews are provided free of charge.
  • Assessment fees will be required when you submit your Development Application.

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

  • As part of the application process, you'll be prompted to register or sign in to your account.
  • Your account makes it easy to submit applications and requests, track their progress, view outcomes, and make payments all in one place.
  • You can find more information and step-by-step guidance on creating a registered user account, as well as access to support services, on our My Services article.

Next steps

  1. Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it.
  2. Following our review, you will receive a review letter that will confirm if your proposed development:
  3. Is eligible and ready for lodgement as an ADA,
  4. Is eligible as an ADA subject to amendments, or
  5. Is not eligible as an ADA.
  6. Further information on how to proceed will be included in your ALR review letter.

Time frames

An ALR review is typically reviewed within 5 business days.
Once the Development Application is submitted, they are approved within: