This article is from the Spring edition of the 2002 Gecko Newsletter

Introducing…  Draft LEP 2002!

Blue Mountains City Council will soon be releasing the new Draft Local Environmental Plan 2002.  This is a legal document that controls how land can be used and developed in the Blue Mountains.  It has been developed to replace the existing Local Environmental Plan No. 4 and Draft LEP 2002 will continue to operate in tandem with LEP 1991, which applies to urban/bushland fringe.

Draft LEP 2002 specifically applies new zoning and development controls to the urban and village areas.  It has been designed to form the basis for a new city-wide planning scheme in the longer term.  The draft plan represents a move towards “place-based” planning, where many of the development controls are specifically tailored to small areas within each village and town.  In this way, Draft LEP 2002 promotes the distinct identity of each town and village within the Blue Mountains, and aims to retain the specific elements that are important to each location.

This approach sets Draft LEP 2002 apart from the traditional zoning plans of the past.  While the Draft LEP applies zones to each parcel of land, it also applies layers of more detailed controls depending on the characteristics of the land.  These relate to protecting identified environmental attributes, heritage values, special precincts and housing areas.  In short, the Draft LEP embraces the concepts of ecologically sustainable development, both through its aim and principal objectives, as well as its provisions.

The Draft LEP evolved from Council’s decision to prepare a new City-wide planning scheme in the early 1980s.  Since that time a vast body of research has been undertaken to examine the opportunities and constraints to development in the Blue Mountains.  Detailed investigations into the natural ecosystems, built character and heritage attributes of the Mountains have resulted in a range of measures developed to protect these from the impacts of further development.  One of the primary outcomes of Draft LEP 2002 is to define and limit the ‘urban footprint’, which will in turn limit future population growth in the Blue Mountains.  This is coupled with an approach that provides for wider housing choice closer to village centres and encourages opportunities for the growth and development of business in the Blue Mountains.  The Draft LEP represents the culmination of a wide scope of work over many years.

Draft LEP 2002 is proposed to be placed on exhibition on the 16 October, for a period of two months.  You will be able to look at the Draft LEP at a number of locations, including on the internet.  Council will be asking for your opinion on the Draft LEP, and you will be encouraged to contribute through your submissions in helping to shape its final form.

The Draft LEP was developed after a series of community workshops.