NSW to consider stripping councils of DA powers

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May 31, 2017

NSW to consider stripping councils of DA powers

The NSW government is set to consider allowing development applications over a certain size to be automatically deferred to independent planning panels.

Image: The Sydney Morning Herald.

Gladys Berejiklian has said that improving housing affordability is one of the government's main objectives.
John Cunningham, president of the REINSW.

The NSW government is set to consider a proposal for development applications over a certain size to be automatically deferred to independent planning panels.

The matter will be considered by cabinet on Thursday, according to reports in The Sydney Morning Herald.

The move is being considered as a probity measure, addressing concerns about property developers making decisions on DAs in which they have a fiduciary interest, concern that came to the fore after Auburn councillor Salim Mehajer's lavish wedding. In June last year, the NSW government banned councillors from considering matters in which they have a financial interest.

Independent planning panels are already in place as an optional measure in NSW, and are being used by large councils such as Parramatta and Liverpool.

It's likely the panels will consist of development and planning experts, such as architects, town planners, and urban designers.

John Cunningham, president of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS he would "fully support" the establishment of planning panels in NSW to consider DAs over a certain size.

Cunningham said in many cases councils do not have the skill or expertise to adequately assess large projects.

"In my view, it's the way planning should operate," he said.

Cunningham said councils deliberating on large projects can get weighed down by "NIMBYism" (Not In My Back Yard) and can take extended periods of time to make a decision, adding costs to developments, which are then passed on to the consumer.

Cunningham said, with the matter going before cabinet on Thursday and other housing measures also to be considered then, he will be interested to see "what they've got up their sleeve".

Cunningham says he would encourage the state government to consider policies that increase the supply of medium density housing, introduce stamp duty concessions for first-home buyers, and bring in policies that will encourage older homeowners to downsize.

Victoria can be a guide, said Cunningham, applauding the state for its "creative" policies aimed at addressing housing affordability.