Can I withdraw and relodge my DA if major changes are needed?

Yes. You can withdraw a Development Application at any time before ACT Planning decides it. If major design changes are needed, withdrawing and lodging a new DA may be necessary where the revised proposal is too different from the original application. Under the Planning Act 2023, an applicant may withdraw a DA at any time before it is decided.

Before withdrawing, you may be able to amend the existing DA instead. However, ACT Planning will only accept an amendment where the amended development is substantially the same as the original proposal and satisfies the other amendment requirements. If the changes are not substantially the same, ACT Planning states that a new DA is required for the amended proposal.

Reference: Planning Act 2023 – section 183, Withdrawal of development applications - https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/a/2023-18/current/html/2023-18.html