FAQs
To enable Rural function centres and Artisan food and drink industries within appropriate zones, and
To provide adequate guidelines to minimise amenity impacts from Rural function centres and Artisan food and drink industries.
What is a Planning Proposal?
A planning proposal is a document that explains the intent and justification for a proposed change to a local environmental plan (LEP).
An LEP provides a framework that guides planning decisions through land use zoning and development controls. Land use zoning determines how land can be used (for example, for housing, business, industry, or recreation) and development controls set guidelines such as the maximum building height allowed.
Changes to LEPs keep local planning controls up to date. The process of making and amending LEPs aims to make sure these changes are in keeping with broader strategies and deliver good planning outcomes.
Essentially, the preparation of a planning proposal is the first step in making a change to an LEP. Further information on the process for amending an LEP can be found on the NSW Government’s website.
What changes will be made because of the planning proposal?
The objective of this planning proposal is to enable rural function centres and artisan food and drink industries as permitted with development consent in Zone RU2 Rural Landscape. The amendment also proposes a mapping layer that identifies land in Zone RU2 Rural Landscape on which rural function centres and artisan food and drink industries are permitted with consent (land that excludes areas identified as important farmland). The inclusion of the mapping layer protects these lands from fragmentation and ensures their agricultural productive capacity is preserved.
What land does this planning proposal relate to?
The proposed amendment applies to land within Zone RU2 Rural Landscape under Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2013, except for land mapped as Important Farmland which is shown on the proposed mapping layer of the Local Government Area.
What is a Development Control Plan?
Development Control Plans (DCPs) provide detailed planning and design guidelines that support the planning controls contained within a Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
Development proposals are required to meet the objectives and requirements of relevant DCP controls.
The current Coffs Harbour Development Control Plan 2015 is available here.
What changes will be made because of the DCP amendment?
The draft DCP amendment includes the introduction of two chapters within Part D4 – Rural and Large Lot Residential Development.
Updates to relevant Definitions within Part A6 have also been made.
Why is the amendment being made?
The amendment is the result of several actions set out in Chapter 5 of the Coffs Harbour Local Growth Management Strategy 2020 (LGMS). These actions include:
The amendments to Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2013 will introduce the land uses of Rural function centres and Artisan food and drink industry and as uses permitted with development consent in Zone RU2 Rural Landscape.
This amendment also includes proposed changes to Coffs Harbour DCP 2015.
The DCP controls will detail requirements that need to be addressed for any future development of Rural function centres and Artisan food and drink industry in Zone RU2 Rural Landscape.
These amendments establish a land use framework that responds to the changing needs of the rural economy and supports sustainable economic growth at the same time, whilst ensuring the approach aligns with the LGMS.
I live in a rural zone – will this lead to noise or other disruptions in my area?
The proposed planning controls have been carefully developed in consultation with experts from various disciplines to ensure that Rural function centres and Artisan food and drink industries are designed and operated in ways that protect and respect the surrounding environment. Each application will be assessed to ensure that it meets the legislative requirements of Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2013 and aligns with the objectives and requirements of Coffs Harbour DCP 2015. The proposed requirements are designed to address key issues such as noise, access, traffic, visual impact, buffer distances, waste management, and how often a venue is used.
Where does the important farmland mapping layer come from?
The Coffs Harbour Local Growth Management Strategy 2020 includes a direction to protect and enhance productive agricultural lands. The most important farmland has been identified and mapped on the North Coast to support long term agricultural production. The mapping layer titled ‘Land from which Rural function centres and Artisan food and drink industries are proposed to be permitted’ reflects land this in not high-quality agricultural land identified as important farmland under the North Coast Regional Plan 2041.