How to Lodge a Planning Proposal

A request to amend a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is known as a planning proposal.

A planning proposal explains the effect and justification for a proposed change.

Talk to us first

If you are considering a planning proposal the first step is to speak with a planner from our land use planning team.

Our planner will explain:

the stages involved in the planning proposal process
costs for each stage
expected timeframes.

Seek professional advice

Planning proposals require planning expertise. We recommend using an external town planning consultant to help you prepare your planning proposal. Other specialist consultants may also be needed to provide technical input to the proposal.

Planning Proposal Stages

Stage 1: Pre-lodgement

The table below steps you through the process of pre-lodgement of a planning proposal.

Step 1	Sign a costs and expenses agreement Pay the Stage 1 fees and charges
Step 2	Prepare and submit a scoping proposal to council using the template listed as 'Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline Attachment A". The Scoping Proposal is an overview of the planning proposal. It includes: site details intended outcomes.
Step 3	If required, we will refer the scoping proposal to the relevant authorities and government agencies for comment and guidance.
Step 4	Once we have reviewed the scoping proposal, we will: Organise a pre-lodgement meeting with you Provide you with written advice This advice will confirm if the proposal has strategic and site-specific merit to progress. It will identify: planning proposal requirements any supporting information required.

Stage 2: Pre Gateway

The steps to the pre-gateway process are outlined in the table below.

Step 1	Sign a Costs and Expenses Agreement. Pay the Stage 2 fee as outlined in Council’s Fees and Charges.
Step 2	Prepare a planning proposal and all supporting information. Provide documents to Council via email or secure drop box.
Step 3	We will discuss with you the options for review of the supporting information such as technical studies.
Step 4	Once we have reviewed you can lodge the planning proposal and supporting information to the NSW Planning Portal.
Step 5	If all information is included and Stage 2 fees have been paid, Council will: accept the lodgement of the planning proposal in the NSW Planning Portal initiate the assessment.
Step 6	We will prepare a Council report with recommendations as to whether the planning proposal should be supported. Councillors will consider the report and determine if the Planning Proposal will proceed to a Gateway Determination.
Step 7	If Councillors resolve to proceed, we will forward the planning proposal and supporting information to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for a Gateway Determination. The DPE will undertake a gateway assessment that will determine: if the planning proposal can proceed what the exhibition/consultation requirements are. any conditions that must be satisfied. timeframe for finalising the planning proposal.

Stage 3: Post Gateway

The steps to the post gateway process are outlined in the table below.

Step 1	Sign a Costs and Expenses Agreement Pay the Stage 3 fee as outlined in Fees and Charges
Step 2	We will work with the applicant to satisfy any gateway conditions.
Step 3	We will undertake the public exhibition / consultation of the planning proposal request comments from relevant authorities and government agencies.
Step 4	Following public exhibition / consultation, we will prepare a Council report that includes: details and responses to submissions agency comments recommendations for or against the planning proposal. Councillors will decide if the Planning Proposal will proceed to finalisation.
Step 5	If Councillors resolve to finalise the planning proposal, we will liaise with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to administer the changes.

Contact our planning officer

Phone: 02 6626 7097

How much will it cost?

See our Fees and Charges - Search 'Local Environmental Plan Amendments'

Track your Planning Proposal

View all planning proposals on the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's portal.