FAQs

Council is proposing changes to its planning rules to allow owners of land in the Argyll Estate Precinct to seek approval to develop their sites for medium density residential development. Land in the Argyll Estate Precinct is shown in the map below.

Residential flat buildings (up to 5 storeys), dual occupancies and attached dwellings (terrace housing) will be permitted to be built in the area with development consent. To obtain permission to build, land owners will need to submit a development application to Council.

The area proposed to be zoned medium density residential is restricted to the highest land with the least risk of flooding. Any new dwellings built in the area will have to have a minimum floor height of at least the level of the Probable Maximum Flood in order to protect dwellings and allow residents to shelter in place during flood events.

The proposed changes to Council’s planning rules will allow the NSW State Government to replace its existing social housing dwellings with new dwellings that better meets the needs of residents. The changes will also allow for additional private housing to be built in the area which will help address the current housing shortage in Coffs Harbour. Private land owners will also benefit from the opportunity to redevelop their properties if they choose.

Council also proposes to introduce detailed development controls for the area to ensure buildings and development are well designed, include adequate setbacks from site boundaries and adequately respond to flooding. These detailed development controls are proposed in a draft amendment to the Coffs Harbour Development Control Plan. Council is also proposing to deliver improvements to public infrastructure and facilities such as footpaths, street trees and park upgrades. These improvements are outlined in the draft Argyll Estate Precinct Contributions Plan.

You can have a say on the draft changes by making a written submission to Council. You can do this by clicking on the Submissions button on this page, or by sending a letter addressed to The General Manager, Coffs Harbour City Council, Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 or by sending an email to coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Feedback received will be considered by Council in deciding whether or not to adopt the changes, as well as the form and content of the changes.

If the LEP amendment is approved, the rezoning will come into effect in late 2022. If approved, the DCP amendment and Contributions Plan will also come into effect at this time. Once the LEP amendment comes into effect, property owners (including NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Aboriginal Housing Office) will be able to submit development applications to Council seeking approval for redevelopment of their properties.