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Precinct Planning

Precinct Planning is the key to getting land to market as quickly and sustainably as possible.  It is a detailed process which analyses the development potential of each of the 34 Precincts in the Growth Centres.

• Precinct Planning is streamlined and strategic, improving efficiency, reducing complexity and saving time and money
• It enables rezoning to generally take place within two to three years, instead of seven to 10 years
• Protocols streamline assessments for some issues
• Infrastructure and services will be scheduled when required for urban development
• Local planning documents such as Development Control Plans and Section 94 contributions plans are prepared during Precinct Planning rather than several years down the track
• Precinct Planning is carried out as a partnership between the NSW Government and the relevant Local Council

Each Growth Centre Precinct can be planned more quickly than through a traditional rezoning process via State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006 (the Growth Centres SEPP), administered by the Department of Planning & Infrastructure. 

Precinct Planning involves detailed investigations into appropriate land use options, physical environment constraints (topography, vegetation, bushfire mapping, mapping of water courses etc) and infrastructure requirements.

The process looks at issues including riparian zones, conservation zones, optimal location of town centres, the mix and type of housing and key transport routes.  It does this at the Precinct-level, saving the need to revisit many issues at the Development Application stage.

This analysis will include extensive background studies, ranging from Aboriginal and European Heritage to land capability and contamination, noise, odour, transport, biodiversity, bushfire, economics and employment and community facilities and open space, among others.

These studies help to form an Indicative Layout Plan which is used to test the feasibility of development scenarios with State agencies.  

Each Precinct Planning package will include:

• A Precinct Planning report
• The draft Indicative Layout Plan
• A draft Amendment to the Growth Centres SEPP to facilitate rezoning of the Precinct
• A draft Development Control Plan (which sets standards or requirements for particular types of development)
• A draft Section 94 Plan (local infrastructure plans), and
• Supporting background studies.

After Precinct Planning packages are exhibited and submissions assessed, final Precinct Plans are approved by the Minister for Planning.  From this, an Amendment to the Growth Centres SEPP will establish new zoning controls for each Precinct.

As well, a Development Control Plan will be adopted following exhibition to provide the detailed planning controls for the area.  Once these are adopted, the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and any other local Development Control Plans will no longer apply.

In addition, the local Section 94 (local infrastructure) Plan will be adopted to complete the package of new planning controls applying to the land.

Development Applications (DAs) may then be lodged and, if approved, development can proceed.  The consent authority for most development within the Precincts will be the relevant Council.

Therefore, landowners or developers will only be able to complete a Development Application (DA) for subdivision after the approval of the Precinct Plans. 

Infrastructure will be coordinated in close partnership with Infrastructure agencies such as Sydney Water, the RTA, Transport Construction Authority and Integral Energy.

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