4 April 2008
Strathfield Council has joined the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW (LGSA) in expressing its concerns about proposed changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act now on public exhibition.
Mayor of Strathfield said if the changes to the NSW planning system get the green-light, it could have long-term dire affects on our community.
“It has been announced that there will be 21 building standards codes, which will cater for a variety of developments that can be approved in as little as 10 days,” he said.
“While we all want an expedient planning system, this will mean neighbours will have very little opportunity to voice any concerns they have on what’s being built next door.”
“Also, we maintain that this standardisation of building codes isn’t the best approach because no two communities across NSW are the same.”
“Many of the proposed key reforms will not simplify the system or make it easier for applicants and councils to understand and use.”
In addition, Cr Barron said the exhibition period of the proposed changes needed to be extended because concerns raised during the exhibition period of the discussion paper last year seemed to have been ignored in the formulation of this proposed legislation overhaul.
“The Government appears to be not hearing the concerns of community groups, industry, councils and the findings of an independent report to produce laws based on its original list of recommendations,” he said.
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