Development Complaints

Construction and development can sometimes cause concerns or inconvenience for those who live in close proximity to a building site. While it can be disruptive, it is important to recognise that most developments are constructed in a relatively short time frame.

The most common concerns about development can often be avoided through early and regular communication and cooperation. Where possible, talking to the property owner about the development may help to alleviate any potentially unnecessary concerns, and can often lead to more harmonious and positive neighbour relationships.

Please be aware that lodging a complaint about a construction site is treated as a serious circumstance. Each complaint is investigated, and feedback provided to the complainant.  Your complaint should not be part of, or be fuelled by, an ongoing domestic dispute between yourself and your neighbour. Buildcert, as the Principal Certifier, should not be used as a mediator for existing domestic disturbances.

In the majority of cases, Buildcert will not accept an anonymous complaint. While every effort will be made to keep your details private, our investigation process may unavoidably disclose the details of the complaint and the complainant.

All complaints must be lodged electronically through this website.

Complying Development

Complying Development is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. If the application meets specific criteria, it can be determined by Council or an accredited certifier.

The development standards for Complying Development are set by State Environmental Planning Policies, your Council’s Local Environmental Plans and Development Control Plans. These plans were all adopted after a public consultation process.

The development standards address the same things that Council would consider if assessing a development application, such as privacy, setbacks, building height, etc.

As the Principal Certifier, we have no authority to consider any objections to development that complies with the development standards, nor do we have any authority to provide any details or copies of the proposed plans. You may ask the applicant to view the plans, but they are under no obligation to adhere to your request. Once the Complying Development is issued, the plans will be available for inspection at your local Council office, free of charge during office hours.

Development Consent (Council)

Council undertakes a detailed assessment of an application in accordance with Section 79C of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

This involves considering all relevant environmental planning instruments, Development Control plans, Council policies, the likely impacts of the development, the suitability of the site for the proposed development, and any submissions received.

Some of the matters considered include:-

  • Building setbacks
  • Streetscape
  • Height and bulk of a structure
  • Visual and acoustic privacy
  • Views
  • Landscaping and open space
  • Traffic and parking implications

During the assessment period, Council may notify any neighbours that could be affected by the development, in accordance with notification requirements specified in their Development Control Plans. If you were not notified, and you believe you should have been, please contact your local Council.

If a structure is approved under Development Consent through your local Council, it is Council’s responsibility to notify any neighbours that could be affected by the development, in accordance with notification requirements specified in their Development Control Plans. If you were not notified, and you believe you should have been, please contact your local Council.

Our role, as the Principal Certifier, is to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with Council’s Development Consent. BuildCert have no control over the appearance or design aspects of the structure, nor whether you were notified of the potential development.

If a development is approved under Complying Development, please refer to the above complaint type – ‘Objection to the Development’.

If you were provided with a copy of the plans during any notification process, or you have viewed plans at Council’s office, and the construction works differ, please provide details to Buildcert via our online form by clicking the button below.

Development Complaint Form

Construction works that generate noise in residential areas may vary in each Council area. Typically, works that generate noise cannot commence prior to 7.00 am on Monday through to Saturday. Work cannot be carried out on Sundays and public holidays.

The hours are specified in the Development Approval for the structure. Your local Council does have the power to vary these times, so these times should be considered a guideline.

If you wish to advise that construction works that generate noise are being carried out outside of prescribed hours, please provide details to Buildcert via our online form by clicking the button below.

Development Complaint Form

Adequate erosion and sediment control is required for all development sites. If you believe that soil or water is being diverted unlawfully on to either your land or public land, please provide details to Buildcert via our online form by clicking the button below.

Development Complaint Form

Adequate provision for construction waste or rubbish is required for all development sites. If such measures are not in place, and waste is not being contained within the site, please provide details to Buildcert via our online form by clicking the button below.

Development Complaint Form

A non-compliant swimming pool barrier or unfenced swimming pool is a serious breach of the Swimming Pools Act 1992. Should you wish to advise of a potential safety risk, please provide details to Buildcert via our online form by clicking the button below.

Development Complaint Form
This type of complaint may be accepted anonymously, and may also be accepted verbally should you wish to phone our office. Please refer to our Office Locations for your nearest Buildcert https://buildcert.com.au/contact-us/office-locations/office phone number.

The Principal Certifier is not responsible for any matter relating to dividing fences or damage to neighbouring property or structures. Such complaints are considered Civil Matters, and should be addressed to the Chamber Magistrate at your local Courthouse.

For any other type of complaint, please provide details to Buildcert via our online form by clicking the button below.

Development Complaint Form

Have any questions? Call the Buildcert team now on