FAQ
What is a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)?
In March 2018, amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act) introduced a new requirement for local councils to prepare and make an LSPS. The LSPS sets out the 20 year vision for land use in the local area, the shared community values that are to be maintained and enhanced, how growth and change will be managed into the future, and the special characteristics which contribute to local identity (planning.nsw.gov.au). Additionally, the LSPS responds to land use questions for the LGA; gives effect to Regional and District Plans; informs amendments to LEPs and DCPs; acts as a mechanism to introduce change in the LGA; and integrates land use planning across the EP&A Act and the Local Government Act (planning.nsw.gov.au). In the context of the Willoughby LGA, the LSPS also provides information on the following:
o The existing and future character of Willoughby.
o Where future housing, jobs and services will be located.
o Information on future infrastructure requirements such as community facilities and transport initiatives.
o Protection of the environment and heritage values, areas and items.
What is the purpose of an LSPS?
The LSPS is intended to demonstrate alignment with actions in the North District Plan with Council’s own priorities and actions consistent with Council’s Community Strategic Plan Our Future Willoughby 2028 and other strategic land use planning documents.
Greater Sydney councils are required to exhibit a draft LSPS by 1 October 2019 with a final version in place by 1 April 2020. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has prepared a LSPS Guideline for Councils to assist in the preparation of the Statements. This guideline provides information for councils, the community and other stakeholders on the contents of a local strategic planning statement, how it is made, and how it is implemented. https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2018/06/apo-nid180681-1209341.pdf
What information does the LSPS contain?
The legal requirements for an LSPS are outlined in section 3.9 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EPA) Act. The legislation requires that the LSPS should include the following sections and information:
(a) Context - the basis for strategic planning in the area, having regard to economic, social and environmental matters and including preparation of a 20-year vision.
(b) Planning priorities - the land-use planning priorities for the area that are consistent with any strategic plan applying to the area and (subject to any such strategic plan) any applicable community strategic plan under section 402 of the Local Government Act.
(c) Actions - the actions required for achieving those planning priorities
(d) Implementation - the basis on which the council is to monitor and report on the implementation of those actions.
When is the public exhibition?
The public exhibition period
will run for 6 weeks from Thursday 15 August to Friday 27 September 2019. A
number of community information and drop-in events are to be held during the
exhibition period. This will provide the
opportunity for questions to be answered by Council staff.
The sessions are to be held at Council or Dougherty Centre on:
o Thursday 22 August 1:30 – 3:30 pm
o Thursday 22 August 6 – 7:30 pm
o Thursday 5 September 1:30 – 3:30 pm
o Thursday 5 September 6 – 7:30 pm
o Thursday 19 September 1:30 – 3:30 pm
o Thursday 19 September 6 – 7:30 pm
The LSPS will be available online at www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au. A limited number of printed copies of the draft LSPS will be available at Council offices at Level 4, 31 Victor Street Chatswood.
How can I make a submission?
Submissions on the draft LSPS can be made online at www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au or by mail to the address below:
The Chief Executive Officer
Willoughby City Council
PO Box 57, Chatswood NSW 2067
What happens after the public exhibition is finished?
Following the conclusion of the exhibition period all submissions will be considered by Council and the outcome reported to Council. A final LSPS will be prepared, at which point assurance will be required from the Greater Sydney Commission that it supports the final LSPS.
The final LSPS will also reflect the outcomes of the finalised Local Centres and Housing Strategies. A final LSPS is expected to be considered by Council early in 2020 for finalisation by 1 April 2020.
The Implementation phase follows adoption of the LSPS and includes undertaking LEP/DCP amendments, actioning initiatives through Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan, considering outcomes of future reviews of regional/district/local plans and monitoring and reporting on actions according to agreed performance indicators. The LSPS will be subject to regular reviews, with the minimum requirement being a formal review at least every seven years.