City of Newcastle - Pre-Application Urban Design

Pre-Application Urban Design

Meet with our Urban Design Review Panel and receive feedback on proposed development.

Last updated on: 31 January 2026

In this article

Pre-Application Urban Design Review Panel Booking
Application information
What you need to provide
Application fees
Submit application
Next steps
Time frames
Helpful links

Pre-Application Urban Design Review Panel Booking

The Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) provides expert design advice to City of Newcastle (CN) and applicants on development proposals and strategic projects.

Some proposals must be reviewed by the panel if required by planning instruments (e.g. SEPPs or LEPs).
We strongly encourage early consultation with the UDRP before lodging a Development Application (DA). This can help identify issues early and streamline the approval process.
To request a booking and early feedback from the UDRP, submit this form.

Application information

Understanding the UDRP process

Pre Application Review (this form)

Meeting schedule

Attending a meeting

UDRP recommendations

Subsequent meetings

Submit a Development Application

Types of development referred to the UDRP

Some types of development must be referred to the UDRP. These include:

Residential flat buildings
Shop top housing
Mixed-use development with a residential accommodation component
Strata subdivision of serviced apartments
Development to which NLEP 2012, section 7.5 (design excellence), applies.

Other types of development that may be referred to the UDRP due to their nature, location or scale, and likely impact upon the surrounding locality.

These include:

Boarding houses
Co-living housing
Education establishments
Early education and care facilities
Group home
Hospitals
Multi dwelling and attached dwelling developments comprising ten or more dwellings,
Place of public worship
Seniors housing
Serviced apartments
Tourist and visitor accommodation
Modification applications, where the development consent to be modified was subject to UDRP advice and the modifications are not minor.
Any other development referred at the discretion of the Manager.

UDRP members

The UDRP members are as follows:

Chairperson: Phillip Pollard - AMENITY Urban and Natural Environments Pty Ltd
Member: Kerry Hunter - Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects
Member: Kristine Cianci - The Design Partnership
Member: Kelly O'Connell - Mind Your Design
Member: Colin Brady - Colin Brady Architecture and Planning
Member: Lachlan Seegers - Lachlan Seegers Architect
Member: David (Michael) Taylor - Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects
Member: Elisabeth Peet - Elisabeth Peet Urban Design

Important

Contact with any member to discuss a proposal, outside the parameters of the scheduled meetings may result in the member, declaring a conflict of interest and being excluded from any decisions on the proposal.

Annual reports

What you need to provide

This section will help you prepare a complete application; however additional information may be requested after our initial review.

Meeting attendees

Details of previous meetings with City of Newcastle

Plans and documentation

Site analysis that describes the site and neighbouring sites
Plans, concept plan or preliminary design drawings of the proposal
Typical elevations and perspectives
Car parking vehicle access arrangements
Locations and dimensions of open space and landscape areas
Written description of the proposal
Design quality statement addressing the design quality principles of State Environmental
Planning Policy No. 65, where applicable

Application fees

Application fees vary based on several factors. To get a quote, simply click the 'Apply Now' button below. You'll be guided through a few quick questions, and we'll provide a tailored fee estimate before you proceed.

Additional fees may apply following a full review of your 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 Registration Enquiry article.

Apply Now

Next steps

Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it, along with a receipt for your application fees.
We will contact you to confirm your place at the next UDRP meeting.
After your meeting, you will receive a copy of the meeting minutes related to your proposal within 7 -14 days after the meeting.
If your proposal is redesigned in response to panel feedback, a second meeting can be scheduled to review the updated design.

Time frames

To be considered for the upcoming UDRP meeting, applications must be submitted by the 1st of each month.
If received after this date, your proposal will be scheduled for the next available meeting that has space on the agenda.

Helpful links

Urban Design Panel Charter

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