July 13, 2009
The draft Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan (TRLEP) that will set the framework for planning and development in the Tamworth region for the next 10 years goes on public exhibition from Tuesday July 14.
TRC is seeking community feedback on the draft and submissions and comments are welcomed up until August 25. The LEP is a blueprint for long term land use planning and development and builds on the recommendations of the Tamworth Regional Development Strategy completed two years ago. This LEP brings together planning controls from the five former councils for the first time since amalgamation in 2004.
TRC environment, planning and economic development director Alison McGaffin says that importantly once it is gazetted, the LEP will help simplify development processes.
Every property in the TRC area will be affected by the new zones and planning provisions contained in the draft LEP, which aims to provide a planning framework for sound economic and social development. The land use zones in the LEP determine where structures can be built or businesses and industry operate and where different types of activities can be carried out.
TRC believes the draft LEP will provide an environment for future growth and vibrant development activity.
There are around 100 hectares of new residential land to be rezoned in the Calala area as well as a new 120 hectare business park zone adjacent to Tamworth Regional Airport. It will also implement a preferred TRC approach to provide a range of minimum lot sizes for various rural lands depending on current land use patterns, the potential for rural land use conflict, natural environmental constraints and access to services.
An associated Regional Development Control Plan has also been drafted and will go on on display at the same time.
The two drafts have been five years in the making and have involved extensive consultations with planners, government agencies, industry and private stakeholders. A round of information sessions in mid-July and a mailout of details to heritage property owners, agencies, those who provided expressions of interest to the Strategy, developers, agents, solicitors and community and environmental groups, is also providing for public input into what the draft contains and the results it will produce in the future.
“We encourage the regional community to participate in the process. The decisions now will have important implications downs the track,” Ms McGaffin said.
A series of fact sheets will also be available from next week. They cover nearly 20 separate topics such as what the LEP is all about, changes to zoning, localities, community consultation, online comments, how to read the LEP mapping, lot sizes, heritage listings, rezoning, urban land releases, exempt and complying building development, housing codes and Development Control Plan guidelines.
You can inspect the drafts from July 14 at any council office, the Kootingal Library, and on the website at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/council and there’s even an online feedback website where you can post comments too at www.bangthetable.com/tamworthregionallep. You can email comments to trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au, phone TRC or submit them in writing by August 25. Ms McGaffin says council officers will also be available to assist with enquiries - but because of the complexity and the detail involved in many questions, this will take a couple of days to investigate fully before they respond.