FAQs

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.

The subject land is located at 1 Range Road, Dirty Creek and is currently within Zone RU2 Rural Landscape and Zone C2 Environmental Conservation under Coffs Harbour LEP 2013.

The land has been used for intensive plant agriculture (horticulture) since1986. Between September 2013 and September 2014, the plant research and breeding facility was constructed on the site, resulting in the removal of approximately 0.88 hectares of native vegetation.

The land on which the facility is situated is predominantly zoned C2 Environmental Conservation, with a portion falling within Zone RU2 Rural Landscape. While horticulture is permitted without consent in Zone RU2, it is prohibited within Zone C2.

To address the environmental impacts associated with the initial vegetation clearing, a Vegetation Management Plan has been prepared. This plan outlines a rehabilitation strategy to compensate for the loss of native vegetation. If the planning proposal is supported, a Development Application and a Building Information Certificate application will be lodged by the proponent to formally enable the use of the site for a Plant Research and Breeding Facility.

The intended outcome of this planning proposal is to amend Part 7 (Additional Local Provisions) of Coffs Harbour LEP 2013 to include a new local provision which permits a high technology industry, being a plant research and breeding facility, with development consent at 1 Range Road, Dirty Creek.

Part 7 (Additional Local Provisions) of LEP 2013 consists of miscellaneous local clauses that address local planning issues relevant to the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area.

The proposed additional local provision seeks to ensure that development on the subject site for the purposes of a high technology industry, being a plant research and breeding facility is appropriately regulated. Within this clause, development consent arrangements are outlined. The relevant considerations of such applications are also provided.

Specifically, the additional local provision will:

Outline the type of land use that the clause applies to, i.e. development for the purposes of a high technology industry, being a plant research and breeding facility.

• Outline the location that the land use will be allowed to occur.
• Outline relevant considerations that the consent authority must consider before granting consent to development to which the clause applies, including any impact of the proposed development on the potential agricultural use of the subject land, and surrounding lands.
• Ensure that the proposed development incorporates appropriate measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate any potential impacts on the subject land, and surrounding lands.

No. A planning proposal is a document that proposes changes to planning controls (i.e. a change to a land use zone or control) in a local environmental plan. A development application is an application for approval to carry out development that is permitted under zoning or other controls in the LEP.

Further information on the development assessment process is provided on the City’s Website.