The NSW Government has amended the Environmental Planning
& Assessment Regulations 2000 (Regulations),
making it expressly clear that amendments to modification
applications to development consents can be made at any time before
a final decision is made.
The amendment came into effect on 14 July 2021.
This amendment arises following the recent NSW Court of Appeal
decision of ACQ Dartbrook Management Pty Ltd v Minister for
Planning and Public Spaces [2021] NSWCA 112
(Dartbrook).
Background
In Dartbrook, Preston CJ, Chief Judge of the Land and
Environment Court, found that there is no power, express or
implied, for an applicant to amend a modification application
lodged but not yet determined.