FAQ
What is a Local Environmental Plan (LEP)?
A Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is the main tool used to guide planning decisions and control the development of land in a local government area (LGA).
It sets out zoning, height and other land use controls that new development is required to comply with. An LEP is prepared by Council but must be approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
Who is the Greater Sydney Commission?
The Greater Sydney Commission is the statutory body responsible for planning for the future growth of the Sydney Region.
They produced the Sydney Region Plan and the North District Plan, with which Council’s plans must align.
What is the North District Plan?
The North District Plan is the Greater Sydney Commission’s plan for the North District.
The North District covers City of Ryde, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Willoughby and the Northern Beaches.
It is a 20-year plan to manage growth and covers economic, social and environmental matters of the North District. It is the plan we must give effect to, which means our strategic planning must align with this plan.
The plan includes actions and priorities around four themes of liveability, productivity, infrastructure and environment. Some of these actions include targets for housing, employment and the environment.
Why does Council have to “give effect” to the North District Plan?
The State Government and the Greater Sydney Commission directed all Councils, through amendments the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act (1979), to make sure their plans align with their District Plan and the Sydney Region Plan.
“Giving effect” means to make sure that all strategic plans are consistent with the intent of the North District Plan in order to achieve sustainable outcomes at the local level.
What is a Community Strategic Plan?
The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is the highest-level plan that councils undertaken by a NSW local council, in accordance with Integrated Planning and Reporting provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. It is a strategic plan that all councils must develop on behalf of their communities and is reviewed following each council election. Council prepared the North Sydney Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028 in partnership with the community.
The CSP identifies the main priorities and aspirations of the community, provides a clear set of strategies to achieve this vision of the future. All other plans prepared by the council must reflect and support the implementation of the CSP.
At the end of each council term a report, known as the End of Term Report is prepared by the outgoing council to the community, summarising the progress made towards the achievement of outcomes identified in the CSP.
What is a Local Strategic Planning Statement?
The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) sets our land use vision, and planning principles, priorities, and actions for the next 20 years.
Planning Priorities and Actions of the LSPS provide a direct line of sight with Regional and District Plans and will inform the desired future direction for housing, employment, transport, recreation, environment and infrastructure for the North Sydney LGA. The LSPS will also guide the content of Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).
The LSPS has to be consistent with the Greater Sydney Commission’s North District Plan and Councils Community Strategic Plan (CSP). It must be approved by the Greater Sydney Commission and must be considered in the preparation of LEPs, DCPs & LEP and DCP amendments.
What’s the difference between a LSPS and a CSP?
The LSPS is more focused on land use planning; the CSP is focused on the direction of all of Council’s functions.
The LSPS must be consistent with the CSP and aligns with the North District Plan.