FAQs
What is a planning proposal?
A planning proposal is a document and supporting information that explains the intended effect and justification of a proposed Local Environmental Plan or amendment to a Local Environmental Plan.
A landowner, developer or an individual seeking to amend the zoning or development standards that apply to land they own, or have an interest in, may initiate a planning proposal. Council support of the planning proposal is required before it is able to be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment for Gateway Determination. If the Department issues a Gateway Determination, a proposal proceeds to community consultation and any submissions are considered before making amendments to the planning controls.
What land does the planning proposal relate to?
The planning proposal relates to all commercial zoned land (B1 Neighbourhood Centre; B2 Local Centre; B3 Commercial Core; B4 Mixed Use; B7 Business Park) across the Local Government Area.
The planning proposal aligns with the Local Approvals Policy recently adopted by Council which improved existing controls for mobile vendors and outdoor dining businesses operating on public land.
What is the objective of the planning proposal
The objective of the planning proposal is to amend Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2014 (LMLEP 2014) in order to amend Schedule 2 – Exempt Development for; A-framed signage located on footpaths with exempt provisions.
What would the planning proposal permit?
The planning proposal would permit the placement of A-frame signs on footpaths in commercial zones without the need for development consent, subject to compliance with associated criteria identified on page 18 of the planning proposal.
How to make a submission
- Provide written feedback via the online submission form on this website.
- Email [email protected] with the subject heading "Planning Proposal, Placement of A-frame Signage on footpath F2016/01432" by 3 April 2023.
- Write to Integrated Planning, Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310
How can I make a submission?
What should I put in a submission?
Your submission can be as concise or as long as you wish:
Ideally, you will express your level of support for the proposal and provide detailed and specific feedback. The feedback will be reviewed by staff and later presented to Council to make an informed decision.
Should multiple submissions be received from a single resident regarding this project, the feedback will be reviewed by staff and counted as one submission when reporting back to Council.
Any submission received by Council will be publicly available on Council’s website. Submissions may also be accessed under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. Council may reproduce submissions in Council reports or in Court proceedings.
If you have made a reportable political donation or gift in the last two years your submission must be accompanied by a "Disclosure Statement of Political Donations and Gifts where Council is Approval Authority - Submitters" Form. For more information on reportable political donations or gifts, or to download a copy of this form go to lakemac.com.au and search for "Political Donations Submitters". Please note failure to complete a statement, if a Political Donation/Gift has been made, is an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
I've made a submission - what happens next?
Feedback may result in further changes being made to the planning proposal prior to a report being prepared for Council.
You will be notified again, prior to Council considering the matter, which will include a link to the Council report containing a summary of submissions and how feedback was considered. It is expected the proposal will be reported back to Council seeking adoption in mid-2023.