Can a neighbour stop my development because they lose a view?

Loss of a view by itself is not a planning reason that gives a neighbour the right to prevent your development.

A neighbour can still comment or object to a notified DA, but their concerns need to relate to relevant planning matters. For example, they may raise issues about:

1. privacy or overlooking;
2. loss of solar access;
3. building height, bulk or scale;
4. impacts on adjoining residential amenity; or
5. how the development interacts with surrounding properties.

ACT Planning specifically advises people making representations not to rely on impacts to views and outlooks, stating that “No individual lessee has sole right to a view.”

Example: If a proposed second dwelling blocks a neighbour's distant mountain view, that loss of view alone would not be grounds to stop the development. However, if the same building also creates unreasonable overlooking or affects required solar access, those are separate planning matters that may be considered.

Reference: ACT Planning – After you apply ? Making a representation - https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/after-you-apply