Northern Beaches Council is acting to protect the unique character of the Northern Beaches in response to the NSW Government’s state-wide housing policy, which permits more medium and high-density residential development in large parts of the Council area.
Council is proposing amendments to its Development Control Plans (DCPs) to better control the impact of these developments and would like the community’s opinion.
The NSW Government’s recent ‘Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms’ under State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 override established planning rules in council’s Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), allowing much larger developments in some areas.
The nine identified town centres are Balgowlah, Brookvale, Dee Why, Forestville, Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, Manly, Manly Vale and Mona Vale
While Council cannot change the new planning rules, it can set additional requirements through its Development Control Plans (DCPs), to ensure new development in these areas is subject to the same rules as other similar development in the Council area, such as boundary setback and tree planting.
The proposed amendments to the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater DCPs (former local government areas) will introduce new controls, which will apply alongside the existing DCP controls.
These amendments are a short-term measure intended to address current concerns. Upon completion (anticipated in the next 12 months), the comprehensive Northern Beaches DCP will provide the long-term framework for assessing future developments.
The proposed amendments apply only to areas, developments, and building types directly affected by the reforms. They will not impact development outside these areas or other development types, such as dwelling houses, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities.
You can make a submission here until 22 June.