Council releases new consolidated set of planning rules
Northern Beaches Council has released a consolidated set of planning rules, with the draft local environmental plan (LEP) and draft development control plan (DCP) now on public exhibition until 30 August.
An LEP outlines the legal rules for development as set by State Government and the DCP supports the LEP with more detailed guidance.
Council said the four sets of planning rules that contained eight legacy plans and 2,480 pages, will be consolidated into one set of rules of 1,029 pages in ‘plain English.’
Mayor Sue Heins said the draft plans represented the final step in years of planning and consulting with the community.
“These important documents will harmonise existing planning rules across the area and deliver more consistency in guiding future development on the Northern Beaches,” said Mayor Heins.
“Both documents recognise the unique characteristics of our neighbourhoods and will protect our precious environment, while meeting our housing needs for the future.”
Some of the aims are to avoid inappropriate development in hazardous and rural areas, put housing in the right place to meet needs, reduce urban heat and support sustainability, and create liveable communities with more trees, facilities, and sustainable transport.
The changes consolidate existing building and development controls into one set of rules, rezoning a small number of properties to strengthen environmental protection, and standardised zoning will apply to deferred lands of Oxford Falls Valley and Belrose North. Deferred lands relate to undeveloped land due to biodiversity. Residents can find out if their property will be affected via an interactive map on council’s website.
Council said that little will change for most residents, with no major changes to land zoning, height or density, no loss of environmental protections (including in Pittwater) and protection of local character. Many site-specific controls including Warriewood Land Release Area and Frenchs Forest Precinct will be retained.
“A small number of properties are proposed to be rezoned or subject to new requirements, particularly where environmental values are high,” Mayor Heins said.
“In these cases, some forms of development may be restricted to better protect sensitive areas. In the deferred lands of Oxford Falls Valley and Belrose North, the draft LEP introduces standard zoning in line with state planning requirements.”
Mayor Heins encouraged residents, businesses and community groups to review the draft plans and to use the interactive map on council’s website to see how the changes affect them.
“Community input is vital. I encourage residents to have their say at this important milestone and let us know if we got it right,” Mayor Heins said.
Council will host pop-ups and webinars about the changes, details of which can be found on council’s website.
Following public exhibition, council will review all submissions to determine whether changes are required. The LEP will then be finalised and submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for formal approval. The DCP will be adopted by council once finalised. It is anticipated that both plans will commence in mid-2027.
To learn more or make a submission, visit council’s website or call the LEP/DCP customer hotline on 8495 5034 by 30 August.
