NEWCASTLE City Council has called for greater clarity on the role of the Hunter Development Corporation in making planning decisions in the city.
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The council has raised concerns about proposed changes to the state’s planning laws, which would see councils determine fewer development applications, but be responsible for more regularly and clearly devising planning controls for local areas.
In a submission to the government endorsed by councillors, it said it was concerned about the “lack of accountability” of planning panels that go against existing zoning rules.
“Council recommends that the regulation includes limits on variations to planning controls that can be approved by a planning commission or regional planning panel,” the submission stated.
The council also questioned whether the changes would make the planning system simpler, saying the reforms were “setting up a planning system that has several different approval bodies” and it was “doubtful that this will result in a simpler, more certain and more transparent planning system”.
In a last-minute change to the submission by Labor councillor Declan Clausen the council also called for greater clarity on the role of the HDC.
“Council notes the role of the HDC has recently been expanded by the NSW government to assist in the delivery of the Hunter Regional Plan,” the amended submission stated.
“Provision should be made in the new planning act to clarify the role of the HDC, similar to the provisions made for the Greater Sydney Commission.”
Cr Clausen said the fact the board of the HDC had yet to be filled was “quite embarrassing” and “means we have a government department running around without clear direction”.
He said it was “important that part of the current legislative reforms in the planning sector is that we get a clearer understanding of the role of the HDC, and the role it will play locally”.
A spokesman for Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the government was “assessing the most suitable governance structure for the HDC, in order to ensure that it efficiently and effectively carries out its roles and responsibilities”.
He would “consider the council’s submission regarding the planning legislation and respond to their concerns through that process”.
