Our places and buildings are for the long term. Their impacts are far ranging, and our joint responsibility to make a positive contribution to these places is more significant than ever before.

Therefore the Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) are updating planning policy to better reflect the needs of the community when it comes to sustainable, efficient and resilient housing and neighbourhoods. DPIE are doing this through the draft Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which is on public exhibition now, closing 28 February 2022.

The policy supports good growth, healthy and sustainable communities and the path to net zero emissions. It includes updates to the Apartment Design Guide, The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX), SEPP 65, a new Urban Design Guide and a Local Government Design Review Manual.

DPIE are welcoming all formal submissions for feedback, which can be made via the NSW Planning Portal.