Planning system in NSW up for change
Investors would be wise to take a close look at the new white paper for New South Wales’ planning system, with just four days left to make submissions.
The new planning system will provide an overhaul of the state’s system that hasn’t been seen in more than three decades, according to planning and infrastructure minister, Brad Hazzard.
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He explained that it is a crucial piece of legislation, promising faster results for property owners so that they know what they can do with their land.
Much of this should clear up issues for investors, particularly those intending to develop, build or subdivide and have found their timelines pushed out due to difficulties with council.
“There’s 152 councils across New South Wales. Some of them do an amazingly good job, others are a little slow, and that frustrating, whether it’s a family trying to get an extension on their house or build a new home, or whether it’s a larger provider of homes trying to establish a new area for homes,” Mr Hazzard said.
“What we are aiming to do is try and get all of the consultation upfront … then move to a far more codified system. That is, if an area is zoned for residential two-storey homes, then it should be possible instead of waiting months for approvals, to get an approval within about 20 to 25 days.”
A rigorous process will still exist for something that isn’t within the current zoning laws.
Infrastructure and a more unified vision will also be looked at under the new legislation. Noted as a ‘huge challenge’ under the previous system, particularly for metropolitan areas, money will now be directed into major roads including Schofields Road, Richmond Road and Camden Valley Way.
Mr Hazzard explained that the previous approach from each council had often been to undertake planning without much consideration of the plans of councils next door or in the surrounding areas. This is set to also change under a subregion planning approach.
Investors can have their say on the white paper until Thursday.
