JOINT REGIONAL PLANNING PANEL

Introduction

On 1 July 2009, six Joint Regional Planning Panels (JRPP’s) commenced operation across New South Wales, with the responsibility of determining ‘regionally significant’ development applications.  Each JRPP consists of three State Government appointed experts and two local government representatives.

Liverpool Local Government Area is located within the Sydney West Region.  The JRPP’s will make decisions on the following categories of development (details of projects that are determined by JRPP’s can be found in the Major Developments State Environmental Planning Policy):

• Designated development
• Development with a capital investment value over $10 million
• The following development with a capital investment value over $5 million:
•  Certain public and private infrastructure
•  Crown development
•  Development where Council is the proponent or has a conflict of interest
•  Ecotourism
• Subdivision of land into more than 250 allotments
• Certain coastal developments previously assessed as Major Projects to be determined by the Minister under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

How Do Regional Panels Operate?

In the event a development application falls into the above category and is therefore ‘regionally significant’, the proponent will submit the application to Council for assessment.  Council will assess the application, and if required, carry out referrals to external authorities and advertise the development application.  Council will then assess the development application and forward the council officer’s assessment report and recommendation/s to the Sydney West Regional Planning Panel for determination.  This process is shown below:

   Step 1     Development Application (DA) lodged with Council proposing 'regionally significant' development

   Step 2     If required, proposal is placed on public exhibition

   Step 3     Council assess DA

   Step 4     Relevant JRPP holds a meeting to make a determination on the DA.  Proponents and persons who

make a submission may address the meeting

   Step 5     Relevant JRPP determines the DA

   Step 6     Council issues the notice of determination

   Step 7     Public notification of decision

if you would like any further information about this matter please contact suzie jattan, senior project officer  at the joint regional planning panel on 9383 2105.