The Department of Planning and Environment notes the Committee’s recommendations.
The Department has ensured that the community had ample opportunity to participate in developing the plan to revitalise Newcastle’s CBD.
Recommendations regarding heights:
The Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy and two set of draft amendments to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 were publicly exhibited for public feedback over a 127 day period.
Community Information sessions were held in Newcastle and attended by more than 400 people. A draft Development Control Plan for the city centre was exhibited for 31 days.
The height controls for the three towers on the Urban Growth and GPT site were amended to not exceed the height of the parapet of the nave of the Christ Church Cathedral in direct response to community feedback.
Recommendations regarding the Principal Planning Authority:
The Committee calls for both the Planning Assessment Commission and Newcastle City Council to have consent authority on applications. This is contradictory.
Newcastle City Council cannot be the principal planning authority if development applications are to be referred to the Planning Assessment Commission.
The Council is already the consent authority for developments in its local government area other than those fitting the State Significant criteria.
For those applications that have a capital investment value of more than $20 million, the Joint Regional Planning Panel would assess the application.
This is the same process for every local government area in NSW.
Recommendations regarding alleged Conflicts of Interest:
The Department has worked with Urban Growth in the same way as it would any other proponent.
With regard to the recommendations concerning the HDC and Urban Growth, these should be considered in conjunction with the ICAC letter.
To see NBN News’ story on the parliamentary inquiry’s findings, click HERE.
