In 2014, the Laffing Waters precinct was zoned for residential development under Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan 2014 (LEP 2014). At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 15 February 2023, Council adopted a Planning Proposal which sought to reconfigure the existing zoning controls that apply to the land to implement the recommendations of the Laffing Waters Master Plan.

The adopted Planning Proposal (LEP Amendment No. 22) was gazetted by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces on 12 May 2023.

To accompany these changes, Council has now prepared an amendment to Bathurst Regional Development Control Plan 2014 (DCP 2014) and Bathurst Regional Council Guidelines for Engineering Works (Engineering Guidelines).

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN (DCP) AMENDMENT

The DCP amendment introduces detailed planning controls that will facilitate the subdivision of land and built form of future development within the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct, in accordance with the principles and recommendations of the Laffing Waters Master Plan. The DCP amendment will also introduce new controls for the re-levelling (earthworks) of land across the whole of the Bathurst Regional Local Government Area (LGA).

Land Subject to DCP Amendment

The detailed planning controls largely apply to the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct, which comprises of the following land:

However, some of the existing development controls which currently apply broadly to residential development throughout the entirety of the Bathurst Regional Local Government Area (LGA) are also proposed to be amended. These controls largely relate to sustainable building design and energy efficiency (Chapter 9) and earthworks and soil and water management (Chapter 16).

Detailed Planning Controls – What changes are being proposed?

The DCP amendment introduces new planning provisions that will largely control the subdivision, re-levelling and future development of land within the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct, in order to achieve the aims and recommendations of the Laffing Waters Master Plan. The detailed development controls relate to:

The development controls (primarily outlined in the new DCP Chapter 17) will be accompanied and guided by a new “DCP Map No. 4A – Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct”, which aligns with the reconfigured Land Use Zones and provides an indicative layout plan for subdivision and urban development within the precinct. The map sets out the road network, active transport network, public transport routes, drainage corridors and basins, open space network and establishes six key Land Use Areas:

ENGINEERING GUIDELINES AMENDMENT

Council’s current Engineering Guidelines were adopted in December 2004 and last amended in September 2011.

Many of the planning controls that are proposed by this draft DCP have generated the need for a major review and amendment of Council’s Engineering Guidelines, as they apply to the whole of the Bathurst Regional Local Government Area (LGA).

Council’s Engineering Guidelines provide minimum guidelines for the design and construction of engineering works within the LGA and facilitate the processing of applications related to the subdivision and development of land. 

In brief, the draft Engineering Guidelines establish minimum specifications in relation to:

The current adopted Engineering Guidelines (2011) will continue to apply to all subdivisions and developments approved prior to the adoption of the newly proposed draft Engineering Guidelines (2023) by Council. Once the new draft Engineering Guidelines (2023) have been adopted, they will apply to all new subsequent Development Applications (including, but not limited to, any submitted in relation to land located within the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct).

STAGES OF CONSULTATION / ENGAGEMENT

The table below outlines the stages of community consultation that have been undertaken or will be undertaken as part of the planning for the Laffing Waters Precinct.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The community can provide feedback on the draft DCP and draft Engineering Guidelines. Submissions can be made to Council in writing between Monday 26 June 2023 and Monday 24 July 2023. 

If you would like to talk to Council about the draft amendments, please contact Council’s Environmental, Planning and Building Services Department on 02 6333 6211 or council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

To make a written submission:

Complete the online survey below, OR:

Helpful Links:

Planning Proposal:

https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/LEPAmendments

Public Consultation Workshops:

It should be noted that Council will be holding the following public consultation workshops in relation to the proposed amendments:

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE IN THE DOCUMENT LIBRARY: