October 2024 Update (Latest)

Workshopping issues and ideas

Council continued it’s review of the existing Kempsey Development Control Plan 2013 (DCP) through a series of briefings, discussions and workshops with specialist teams, industry members and the community over the past months.

Many local, environmental and development issues were highlighted both from internal development, planning and building specialists within Council and from community and local development practitioners.

Community feedback

Kempsey’s settlements are diverse, each with their own characteristics. The community values these and finding a balance between preserving the unique character of individual places we love, and accepting the aspirations of people to enhance and develop homes and businesses remains an ongoing challenge.

The quality of the natural environment concerns the community, who cherish the beauty and biodiversity of areas throughout the Macleay Valley. Where and how these qualities might be preserved needs constant consideration.

Across the Shire there are many related issues and limitations which must be considered. Flooding and bushfire risks are real and the frequency and severity of these natural hazards must be carefully weighed in the assessment of development, to ensure the wellbeing and safety of people and property.

Internal observations

There continues to be a steady and significant number of Development Applications (DAs) of all types being submitted to Council. This is good news as we help individuals, families and businesses to recognise their development aspirations and the planning requirements. However, it is noticeable that the information and completeness of some DA applications is not always sufficient for Council to be able to assess them.

To assist in lifting the standard of development application submissions we believe that a revised DCP document will help local trades, professionals, homeowners and property developers to know where to go for information. To understand what can be developed and where, and to be clear on the information that is required to support any application!

We know every site and development situation is different, but we are working on revising and updating our document to help users as they prepare future applications. We believe this will also assist Council in assessing applications in an efficient and timely manner. This will all to our community’s mutual benefit.

Revising the DCP

Following a survey of community and industry views earlier this year we have been developing a structure and guidance for revising the development control document. Seeking to address the current development and building needs and the planning and design issues raised. The basic intent of the revised DCP is to achieve:

1. A concise Development Control Plan (DCP) document
2. Step by step navigation; from shire-wide requirements down to particular locations and then for specific development type requirements
3. Clarity around the DCP’s application in specific localities with cherished local characteristics with suitable requirements.
4. Reference to related sources of important information (e.g NSW State, Agencies and Kempsey Shire Council) that are necessary to inform and guide DCP users.

Council has been working to develop a new structure and approach to the DCP which seeks to address these matters and produce a document that is more accessible and user-friendly. This will help to refine the document as a useful and practical guideline for the different types of development across our Shire.

Communicating the way forward

The next step is to refine the drafting of the DCP and provide a further opportunity for the community to raise matters that the DCP may address, prior to the document being placed on public exhibition towards the end of the year or the beginning of next year.

Be part of the DCP Review

Council will be working in developing and refining the proposed revised Development Control Plan (DCP). If you are interested, there are still opportunities to make comment and to remain informed as we progress this exercise.

August 2024 Update

Council commenced a review of the existing Kempsey Development Control Plan 2013 (DCP) at the beginning of 2024. A survey seeking the community’s views on the current DCP was announced and undertaken from February to April this year. Council thanks all those who took the time to both view the material and respond. We value all the feedback received and aim to deliver the best possible outcome.

All responses have been reviewed and we acknowledge there were wide ranging views for the plan. Some of the comments raised were:

1. The length and complexity of the current DCP
2. Greater clarity needed around the DCP’s application
3. Incomplete sections which need to be populated
4. Out-of-date provisions which require updating
5. The need for more illustrations to demonstrate desired outcomes

All responses have been considered and form part of the review process. Council has been working to develop a new structure and approach to the DCP which seeks to address these matters and to refine the document as a useful and practical guideline for development across our Shire

Further information is available in the attached Discussion Paper.

Where to from here?

The next step is to refine the drafting of the proposed revised DCP and provide a further opportunity for the community to raise matters that the DCP may address, prior to the document being placed on public exhibition towards the end of the year.

Continue to being part of the DCP Review

Council will be working on development planning, building and infrastructure coordination with our technical teams within the organisation in the third week of September 2024. If you are interested in attending a separate session where you can meet with Council to discuss the DCP review, please indicate this by using the below expression of interest response form.

Please note: Council will only contact those who register an interest below, with details of meeting place(s) and time(s).

Time available is Thursday 19 September, at 4:00pm

Any further project updates and progress will be shown here.

Overview

The Kempsey Development Control Plan (DCP) is a document that provides guidance and requirements for development that should be taken into account when preparing a Development Application (DA). If you’re developing land or property, whether that’s building a new house, expanding your business premises, subdividing land, installing a retaining wall or adding another level to your dwelling, the plan sets out provisions that you need to consider and address in your DA. The DCP helps us all plan and understand the impacts of our development, large and small. Maximizing the benefits, while reducing any negative impacts.

NSW State legislation, development codes and standards change over time, reflecting new environmental and construction standards so it's important for us to update our own development controls to make sure that our local guidance is current, clear, consistent and easier to understand for everyone.

Right now, we have started a review of the existing DCP. We are identifying relevant current codes and requirements with the aim to propose smart revisions and necessary changes. This project will progress throughout this year and will run to mid 2025.

Our first step is to identify development issues that are important for consideration. As the DCP particularly involves local people, community groups and businesses who are involved in land, property, development and construction we want to understand your experiences in these areas.

Be part of the DCP Review

To help us shape this review please fill out the short survey below. It is open until 30 April 2024. (Now closed)

What happens next?

Survey comments will be collated and will assist Council to craft the next stage of engagement which may include face to face meetings to explore any issues before drafting commences.

If you wish to understand the Development Control Plan revision process more, you can reach out to the contacts on this page.