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ARTICLE · 06 SEPTEMBER 2017

Local Planning Panels to take over decision making powers from NSW Councillors

Carroll & O'Dea
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The changes aim to take the politics out of planning law by removing councillors from involvement in planning decisions.

AustraliaReal Estate and Construction
Alex Collie
Alex Collie
Paul Carroll
Paul Carroll
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NSW Parliament has passed laws introducing new "local planning panels" whilst also removing the decision making authority for Part 4 development from councillors. The 4-member panels will be comprised of an independent expert to chair the panel, two other experts and a local representative. Prohibited from joining these panels are any councillors, property developers or real estate agents. The panels will be able to decide on Development Applications (DAs) and it must be referred by councils for advice on particular developments.

On 10 August 2017 the Environmental Planning and Assessment and Electoral Legislation Amendment (Planning Panels and Enforcement) Bill 2017 was passed by NSW Parliament and assented to on 14 August 2017. The changes introduce local planning panels and will convert existing panels such as independent hearing and assessment panels in to this new regime. All local councils in the Greater Sydney Region and Wollongong will be required to

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