A newly revised Community Participation Plan seeking to expand notification for tall buildings and improve resident input on Willoughby developments opens for public feedback until December 11.
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According to Willoughby City Council, one of the key changes is an extended notification area of 200m for high interest development applications, including State Significant Development and development over 35m in height.
The extended notification would cover major developments like 25-storey towers proposed in the Chatswood central business district, new childcare centres, and remediation projects on contaminated land.
Mayor Tanya Taylor encouraged locals to view the draft and provide feedback. The Community Participation Plan aligns with state legislation and council policy for transparent, responsive, and timely consultation. It covers exhibition timeframes whilst making engagement easier.
The plan forms part of a broader review of Council’s Community Engagement Framework beginning in 2022 to enhance planning procedures. It sets out participation requirements so residents can better understand councils’ processes.
“This document sets out how we will notify and engage with our community on these decisions, including development applications or planning proposals to amend land-use zoning or height or floor-space development controls,” said Mayor Taylor.
“Community participation is an integral part of the planning system and this is your chance to tell us what you think about our existing and proposed future processes.”
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The revised plan aligns with NSW state laws and the Council’s community engagement policies for accessible and meaningful consultation. It clearly defines participation guidelines and minimum exhibition periods so locals can easily understand how to provide input. The goal is to enable transparent, timely and responsive public feedback within legislative requirements.
Interested community members can learn more about the revised Community Participation Plan and have their say online via www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au before the December 11 deadline.
Published 23-November-2023