Laneways Framework

Thank you to everyone who made a submission. Public Exhibition period was held from 12 February to 24 March 2024.

A Laneways Framework for Coffs Harbour

We have developed a Laneways Framework to support areas for potential change and future activity in them. The draft Framework is comprised of a draft Policy and draft Development Control Plan Amendment.

Streets and laneways can be reimagined as people-focused public spaces that add richness to the civic, social and economic life of the City, and support our community’s vision for Coffs Harbour, as ‘Connected, Sustainable, Thriving’.

Our streets make up around 80% of our City’s open space and are currently car-focused. With a growing population we need to look for innovative ways to create new public spaces and to improve access to existing spaces.

What is the aim of the policy?

This policy establishes a framework to improve the use and management of laneways within the Coffs Harbour LGA, with an overall aim to:

• bring vibrancy to the City’s commercial areas;
• facilitate infill housing; - enable safer spaces for people to walk and cycle while providing a shared function with motor vehicles;
• support the use of the City’s laneways for events and activation;
• provide service access in commercial areas and facilitate the provision of continuous active frontages on parallel streets;
• and improve the overall connectivity of key infill areas.

What is the purpose of the DCP?

Council has resolved to publicly exhibit a draft amendment to Coffs Harbour Development Control Plan (DCP) 2015 and draft Laneways Policy. The draft amendment to DCP 2015 is intended to provide detailed development controls that aim to support and achieve the objectives of the Laneways Policy, and contribute to the public realm and responds to development.

Next steps

The exhibition period has now closed we will review and consider community feedback before finalising the draft Framework.

Anyone who makes a submission will be notified of the Council meeting.