Council voices its concern over proposed planning changes

Council is taking action to strongly oppose the latest changes to the planning system being proposed by the NSW government. The changes, termed the diverse and well-located housing reforms, will radically transform the built environment by altering the forms of development permitted within certain zones and introducing new planning controls in a one-size-fits-all approach.  If enacted, the proposals would represent a transformative change to the built form planning controls in Mosman and will result in substantially larger built forms, dwelling yield and future population than previously anticipated. The reforms are explained in a document titled Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low and mid-rise housing, which is currently on exhibition for public comment until 23 February.   

Earlier this week Council unanimously resolved to endorse a submission to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure raising serious concerns with the proposals outlined by the Government in its consultation document. It was also resolved that the Mayor and General Manager seek an urgent meeting with the Planning Minister and/or the Premier to highlight Council’s concerns regarding the proposals and to seek additional time for input from local government. Further, it was agreed that a ‘town hall’ style meeting be held in coming weeks to further inform the community about the planning changes and to gauge community response.

It was noted that an extraordinary meeting of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) will be held on 15 February to discuss the proposed planning changes and to support collective regional action to address issues including inadequate consultation, excessive haste in introducing the reforms, lack of clarity regarding the reforms, the move away from carefully constructed and exhibited planning controls and the expected impact on residential streets and neighbourhood including heritage conservation areas. Council agreed that the Mayor also meet with Presidents of other Regional Organisations of Councils to develop a common understanding of the planning changes and to find common ground and approaches to challenge the manner and timing of these changes.   

Residents with concerns about the proposed changes are encouraged to learn more about the proposals and to make their own submission via the information and feedback page.