The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has consolidated 54 of the State’s environmental planning policies into 14 new policies to make the planning system simpler and easier to understand.
Announced by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, DPIE’s 14 new State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) align with the Minister’s new set of Planning Principles.
“The community is often bewildered by the planning system and how it delivers on the Government’s priorities,” Mr Stokes said.
“By taking a principle-led approach, we are setting clear expectations for what we want the planning system to achieve over the long term,” he said.
Mr Stokes said the SEPPs and Principles would underpin a new approach to planning that would clarify the process for the community and industry to create opportunities for more homes, jobs and public spaces.
The Minister said the new Principles covered nine focus areas: Housing; transport and infrastructure; primary production; biodiversity and conservation; resilience and hazards; design and place; industry and employment; resources and energy; and planning systems.
Mr Stokes said the new consolidated SEPPs would commence on 1 March, with the exception of the consolidated Housing SEPP, which was finalised and commenced on 26 November.
Further information on the consolidated SEPPs can be accessed at this PS News link and the Minister’s 27-page Planning Principles at this link.
