Consolidated planning is urgently needed, says Wales

A consolidated planning scheme is urgently need for the Central Coast if development across the region is not to be "seriously slowed down", according to Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

"Through no fault of the current Council administration, the new consolidated planning instrument is not likely to be placed on public exhibition until after the September local government elections," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"This could delay the introduction of the new merged planning controls and seriously slow down development across the new local government area.

"Delays to the consolidated plan could also have a knock-on effect for the desperately needed comprehensive review of all Council's planning and development control guidelines at a time when the development and building industry needs more certainty.

"Without that certainty and quick action, the prospect of accommodating the anticipated growth across the Central Coast could be placed in jeopardy," he said.

"To Council's credit, they have moved quickly to review all the key planning controls but holding over key decisions until after September could string out the process for years.

"The fact is that the current NSW planning legislation is archaic, dating back to 1979, and this underscores the problems that local government has in navigating changes that reflect the growth needs of communities", Mr Wales said.

"The lack of action by the NSW Government on the Planning White Paper is a major problem with the proposed updating of the planning laws stuck in limbo for the last four years.

"We understand that the new Minister for Planning, Mr Anthony Roberts, has been trying to kick start the process after such a long delay but the lack of action could seriously impede growth across the state.

"The business community needs the Central Coast Consolidated Plan, the comprehensive review of planning controls and the NSW planning legislation to be sorted out so the business and development industry can regain confidence in the planning system," he concluded.

SOURCE:

Media release, 27 May 2017

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce