The Northern Beaches community is invited to have their say on proposed changes to existing development control plans (DCPs) to protect the local character, amenity, heritage and streetscapes on the Northern Beaches and safeguard the valued tree canopy.  

The proposed changes are a response to the NSW Government’s change to planning laws, known as the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms, which have recently allowed greater building heights and density surrounding 171 town centres and train stations and the introduction of dual occupancy development in all R2 zoned land in the LGA.

Currently, separate DCPs for the former Manly, Warringah and Pittwater areas provide detailed guidance for development including building setbacks, trees and landscaping areas, heritage protection and car parking requirements. However, they do not include controls that adequately address development types now permitted under the new reforms.

The proposed DCP amendments aim to promote best practice and create greater consistency, so that the same rules apply to these developments as to other similar developments in the Council area.

Northern Beaches Council is one of the first councils to consider DCP amendments in response to the State Government reforms.

Mayor Sue Heins said Council’s power had been reduced in relation to applications submitted under the new State Government rules. 

“The new one-size-fits-all approach to planning has implications for our area, increasing heights and density up to 6-storeys in and around 9 town centres, without corresponding development controls that protect the Northern Beaches character we value,” Mayr Heins said.  

“While Council has been stripped of the power to refuse applications that comply with the new rules, we can amend our Development Control Plans to ensure any new townhouse, apartment or terrace style development is at least subject to the same controls as others like them outside the new town centre zones. 

“Controls like how much space is allocated to landscaping and trees, the streetscape appearance, parking requirements, electric vehicle charging, ventilation and natural sunlight and consideration of privacy, separation and views. 

“We are also moving to protect our local heritage, especially in the Manly Conservation Area, strengthening protection and consideration of the unique historic character of the area in the development controls. 

“All the changes being proposed to the DCPs can have a real impact on the lifestyle of those living in the town centres and to the look and feel of our much-loved neighborhoods. I encourage the community to have their say.”

The proposed changes to the DCPs will be on exhibition from Friday 23 May to Sunday 22 June. More information and to provide feedback: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. 

Media contact: For media enquiries or images please phone 0481 907 545 or email media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au