The NSW Government has released its green paper, A New Planning System for New South Wales, outlining a far-reaching overhaul of the State’s planning and development assessment systems.
Proposed reforms include:
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Creating 10-12 Planning Principles, endorsed by Cabinet, to shape policy objectives and goals – with all SEPPs and Section 117 Directions to be axed
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Front loading community consultation through greater faith being placed in the value of strategic plans
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Creation of Sub-Regional Delivery Plans as the primary tool for defining land use choices – with attached plans for infrastructure needed to support growth
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Radically trimming the requirement for state agency approvals and embedding rezonings at the sub-regional planmaking phase
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Embedding the role of the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) and Joint Regional Planning Panels (JRPPs)
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Recommending councils adopt Independent Hearing & Assessment Panels (IHAPs) for all projects currently determined by councillors
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Substantial expansion of the use of codes
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Some expansion of appeal rights for proponents on rezonings
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Potential re-inclusion of commercial and retail projects (above $75m) and residential projects (above 500 dwellings) in the State Significant Development regime
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An overhaul of infrastructure levies – though precise costs are not detailed
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Mandatory KPIs and performance reporting built into the new system.
The paper offers the promise of significant reform, but some options need refinement and a greater emphasis on implementation is still needed.
Click here for the green paper.
Cilck here for the Property Council’s media release.
The Property Council is preparing a submission in response to the paper.
