The New South Wales Government is handing back partial planning controls to councils in specific growth areas, including limited inner-city locations and a range of suburbs on Sydney’s outskirts in a move designed to “clear the decks” of planning proposals stuck in the State Government’s own planning system.
Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) President, Linda Scott, said the sector had campaigned long and hard to have planning powers restored to communities.
“This has been one of LGNSW’s key advocacy priorities, and it is pleasing that the Planning Minister and the NSW Government have heeded these calls.
“Councils are looking forward to working collaboratively with the State Government, and with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to deliver the zoning decisions that can best deliver public good to our communities.”
Planning powers will only be restored in specific areas.
Under the plan, councils will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding to ensure precincts are delivered quickly and as agreed.
“Councils are highly conscious of delivering the best outcomes: well-planned development instead of over-development; construction that can be trusted by home-buyers making their largest ever investment, neighbourhoods that bring people together rather than alienating them from each other.
“As we have all discovered, this can sometimes take longer than developers would like.
“Sydneysiders have learnt only too well that rushed development – often promoted through the guise of ‘less red tape’ – carries very real risk; not just to innocent buyers, but to the credibility of the market itself.”
