A Planning Proposal is a report that explains the intended effect and justification of a proposed amendment to a Local Environmental Plan (LEP). An LEP is a written planning instrument with supporting maps, which allows Council to manage development outcomes. To make or amend a LEP, it is necessary to prepare a planning proposal.

The Bayside Local Environmental Plan 2021 (Bayside LEP2021) is the primary planning instrument that governs land use planning decisions within the Bayside LGA. 

Other NSW State planning legislation including Acts, Regulations and Planning Policies, require consideration when preparing a Planning Proposal. These can be found on the NSW Legislation website and include, but are not limited to:

• NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act 1979)
• NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A Regs 2000)
• NSW Local Government Act 1993
• State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)
• Section 9.1 Ministerial Directions

When preparing a Planning Proposal, to determine whether the planning outcomes proposed are likely to be achieve the vision and controls for the area, consideration should also be given to Council’s Plans and Strategies including:

• Bayside Local Strategic Planning Statement
• Bayside Community Strategic Plan
• Bayside Development Control Plan 2022
• Council’s Section 7.11 Contributions Plans 
• Council’s Technical Specifications
• Any other relevant Masterplans, Strategies and Studies

On occasion, Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) are entered into in relation to an amendment to an LEP. Where a proponent seeks a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) to support a Planning Proposal, Council’s Voluntary Planning Agreements Policy is to be adhered to. The VPA Policy outlines Council’s expectations for the use of VPAs, and the procedures relating to their preparation, negotiation, exhibition and application.

For more information regarding the preparation of Planning Proposals, please refer to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment's Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline August 2023.

How does it work?

Before submitting a Planning Proposal for Council’s consideration, a Scoping Proposal should be completed to enable Council to conduct a preliminary assessment of the proposal. After reviewing the Scoping Proposal, Council will provide written feedback and schedule a meeting to discuss the key issues that relate to the proposal’s strategic and site-specific merit.

Scoping Proposals can be submitted to the Planning Our Futures inbox: planningourfuture@bayside.nsw.gov.au 

Following the Scoping Proposal stage, a Planning Proposal and supporting documentation can be submitted via the NSW Planning Portal.

Fees relating to the lodgement of a Scoping Proposal or a Planning Proposal are listed in the Bayside Fees & Charges.