FAQs

A planning proposal is a request to change how land is zoned so certain types of development can go ahead.

Planning proposals must demonstrate strategic merit by being consistent with local and regional policies, including the Wollongong Local Strategic Planning Statement(External link).

Once a planning proposal is approved at Council level, it is sent to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to assess. You can read more about this process in Council's Planning Proposal Policy 

A gateway determination is a checkpoint for a planning proposal undertaken by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, issued by the Minister (or delegate). The department will undertake a review of the proposal, prepare an assessment report and provide a recommendation to the Minister (or delegate) on whether the planning proposal should proceed. For more information in the process, please review Making and amending LEPs | Planning.

Since parts of West Dapto were first planned for future housing, a range of small issues have come up during detailed design and development applications. This Planning Proposal is about fixing those issues, so the planning controls better match approved roads, lot layouts, zoning boundaries and environmental areas.

The Planning Proposal proposes minor changes to:

• zoning boundaries for some properties
• land reserved for future roads
• lot size and floor space controls where zoning changes
• some environmental and biodiversity mapping
• a planning clause about lot averaging

These changes are intended to better align the planning maps and rules with on-the-ground development that has already been approved or is underway.

No. The land affected is already within the West Dapto Urban Release Area, which has long been identified for future housing and community development. The proposal does not expand West Dapto or open up new areas for development.

No. The proposal does not increase the overall number of homes planned for West Dapto. It is focused on updating planning controls so they line up with existing concept approvals and the long-term vision already adopted by Council.

The proposal does not remove environmental protections. Some zone boundaries are being adjusted to reflect detailed design for roads or developed land. Conservation areas remain protected, and biodiversity controls continue to apply. In some locations, public open space is being clarified or increased.

As engineering design for roads has progressed, some planned road corridors have shifted slightly. The Planning Proposal updates the planning maps so land reservations for roads match the actual design needed to deliver infrastructure.

No. The proposal applies to land within the West Dapto growth area that is largely undeveloped or under subdivision. It does not change zoning or controls in established residential neighbourhoods.

The proposal supports:

• the West Dapto Vision
• the Yallah–Marshall Mount Vision
• Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement
• regional plans for housing and infrastructure

It is part of the ongoing process of delivering West Dapto in a planned and coordinated way.

The Planning Proposal must be reviewed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure through a process known as a Gateway determination. If approved, the proposal is publicly exhibited and then considered by Council before any changes are made.

The project team will review all the feedback we heard from the community during the engagement period. 

All feedback is important and is one factor in the decision-making process for Council. The graphic below shows some of the factors we consider in our decision making:

The project team will consider all feedback received for the Planning Proposal – West Dapto Minor Amendments.

A report will be prepared for Council detailing what was heard and present recommendations on final amendments. 

Council will consider this report and provide a resolution on how to proceed. 

All those that have given feedback will be notified of the date of the Council meeting and how to view the relevant documents.