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After two years, five versions and more than 200 alterations, new detailed rules for development in Sutherland Shire have been finalised.
Sydney South Planning Panel approved the draft Development Control Plan (DCP), which will go to Planning Minister Anthony Roberts for his signature before becoming law.
The DCP, which provides the fine detail for the 2015 Local Environmental Plan (LEP), includes an important measure to protect the privacy of residents living next door to new town house developments.
However, exceptions may still be allowed based on “merit” considerations, and the provision will be reviewed after two years.
Late last year, Sutherland Shire Council made a last-minute change to the draft DCP to bring townhouse developments under the 60/40 rule, which already applied to detached dwellings and dual occupancies.
This 60/40 rule restricts the second story of buildings to the front 60 per cent of a property.
The original draft DCP allowed the top storey of townhouse developments to extend almost the full length of a block.
A review of the draft DCP, commissioned by Sydney South Planning Panel, said applying the 60/40 rule to townhouses “may be perceived as a restriction on the prevailing LEP and hence fall outside the scope of a DCP”.
“However, we are of the view that the clause provides sufficient flexibility to enable an alternative solution to be achieved based on a merit assessment,” the review by a planning consultancy said.
“Consequently, it is considered that the proposed alteration represents a suitable policy response.
“Notwithstanding, given the potential implications on housing supply, it is suggested that the provision be monitored and reviewed within 24 months of implementation.”
Sydney South Planning Panel endorsed the recommendation of reviewing the rule within two years.
The panel, in its approval, also included an additional restriction on the length of waterfront structures.
Jetties, ramps and pontoon will be limited to 20 metres or the minimum length needed to reach a tidal mark, whichever is the lesser.
