Why has the Comprehensive Planning Proposal been prepared?

    Periodically we are legally required to review our LEP so it is in line with local and State government strategic directions and planning priorities. Specifically, the updated provisions seek to:

    • Create new housing precincts to meet the diverse housing needs of our growing population
    • Vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods in proximity to jobs, services and public transport
    • Make changes to the dual occupancy development standards so as to create more housing choice
    • Strengthen environmental resilience by requiring higher standards for new development
    • Measures to conserve our built heritage
    • Support for night time economy activities
    • Protect local small scale retail/business clusters
    • Measures to strengthen and protect public open space
    • Rezone specific sites and make housekeeping changes to certain clauses in the LEP.

    The Comprehensive Planning Proposal explains and justifies the proposed updates to the Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP 2012). 

    Details on all these changes is available within this FAQ and the individual information sheets prepared as part of this exhibition.

    Does Council support the State Government imposed housing targets?

    We understand that change is confronting and there are legitimate concerns about increasing populations and densities. Council shares these concerns and we have been vocal in objecting to NSW State Government housing targets. But the reality is we don’t have a choice. We are under direction from the NSW State Government to meet housing targets of 4,464 new dwellings in the next 6-10 years. To limit the impact of these housing targets, our draft LEP proposes that additional housing is located in areas well located areas close to public transport, jobs and shops. We have put considerable research and consultation into the LEP review process and would genuinely like to hear your thoughts and views prior to making a final decision.  

    What are the proposed changes to the LEP?

    The proposed changes to the LEP included in the Comprehensive Planning Proposal are summarised below: 

    • New planning controls, including zoning, height and density to meet housing targets for five Housing Investigation Areas (HIAs) located in North Kensington, Randwick and Kingsford South. 
    • Changes to controls for the construction and subdivision of attached dual occupancies in the R2 Low Density Residential zone.
    • Proposed new heritage items and boundary adjustments to heritage conservation areas.
    • Controls to promote environmental resilience.
    • Strengthening open space requirements and creation of new open space zones.
    • Supporting a diverse, safe and inclusive night time economy through changes to zone objectives and new exempt development provisions.
    • New planning controls including changes to zoning and density of neighbourhood centres zoned residential to protect existing shops and businesses.  
    • New employment zones to replace existing B1 Neighbourhood Centre, B2 Local Centre and IN1 Light Industrial zones to align with State government reforms.
    • Updating land zoning and development control maps to reflect the Randwick Hospital Expansion area and the Randwick Racecourse (Light Rail Stabling Yard).
    • Rezoning and increased development standards for several sites based on owner-initiated rezoning requests.

    How do the proposed changes support implementation of the Randwick Local Strategic Planning Statement?

    The Randwick Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040 (LSPS) provides the overarching framework for land use planning in Randwick City and have informed the preparation of the Comprehensive Planning Proposal. 

     Along with the LSPS, the Planning Proposal also implements the findings and recommendations from studies and strategies prepared by Council, including the Randwick Housing Strategy (2020), Affordable Housing Plan (Housing Investigation Areas (2021), Randwick Heritage Study (2021), Randwick Environment Strategy (2021), Randwick Economic Analysis Report (2019), Night-Time Economy Study (2019), and draft Randwick Open Space and Recreation Needs Study (2020).

     Specifically, the Comprehensive Planning Proposal seeks to implement many of the planning directions and actions which were outlined in the LSPS and Council studies such as:

    • giving people housing choices,
    • designing places for people, 
    • celebrating diversity and putting people at the heart of planning, 
    • designing more accessible and walkable city, 
    • creating conditions for a stronger economy, 
    • valuing green spaces and landscape, 
    • using resources wisely and 
    • adapting to a changing world.

    What is strategic merit?

    Any proposed amendment to an LEP must be able to demonstrate strategic merit. To demonstrate strategic merit, a proposal must:  

    • be consistent with the relevant district plan or precinct plan applying to the site. In the case of Randwick City, the relevant district plan is the Eastern City District Plan, or   
    • be consistent with the relevant local strategy, which in Randwick City is the LSPS, or
    • respond to a change in circumstances, such as the investment in new infrastructure or changing demographic trends that have not been recognised by existing planning controls.  

    How do I find out if my property is affected?

    The Comprehensive Planning Proposal changes apply across Randwick LGA however the changes will affect some properties more than others. To find out if there are any changes to your property, search the Interactive Map. Using the map, you can search your address to find a list of any proposed changes to your property, along with a brief summary of the changes. You’ll find instructions for the map here (hyperlink to interactive map instructions). Additionally, if your property is proposed to be heritage listed or located within a heritage conservation area, you will receive a specific letter outlining these changes.

    Can I make a submission of support, or to object, to the proposed changes?

    Yes. Comments can be made online via our website or submitted in writing either via e-mail to council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or by posting your submission to the General Manager, Randwick City Council, 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031. Comments should be clearly headed ‘Randwick City Comprehensive Planning Proposal’. Any submissions must be received by Council by 5pm 12 July 2022. 

    Why have local character and caps on short term rental provision been ignored?

    Council would like to see local character provisions and caps on short term rental accommodation included within our LEP, however these provisions were not supported by the NSW Government. 

    The Comprehensive Planning Proposal submitted to the DPE for Gateway approval in June 2021 included two important provisions relating to local character and short term rental accommodation. This earlier version of the Planning Proposal introduced local character areas to help guide new development and ensure changes are in keeping with the existing and future local character of an area. A cap on the number of days non-hosted short term rental properties can be leased to a maximum of 90 days per year was also proposed to alleviate the impacts of rental affordability in our area. 

    However, the NSW Government did not support these provisions and they were removed from the Comprehensive Planning Proposal. Council will continue to pursue these provisions by incorporating local character into Council’s Development Control Plan and the ongoing monitoring of the impacts of short term rental accommodation on rental affordability the City. 

    To find out more about why these provisions were not supported by the Department of Planning and Environment, you can read Councils planning report here

    What happens next?

    Upon completion of the public exhibition, the submissions will be compiled and assessed, and any recommended changes will be reported to Council. If Council resolves to support the proposed final changes, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) will proceed to make the legislative changes and the new Randwick LEP will be legally enacted and published. This process is expected to take approximately 6 months with an estimated completion date in late 2022.

    For information on how Council meetings operate see the Randwick Council website here.

Housing Investigation Areas

    How did Council choose the locations for the HIAs?

    The locations of the five HIAs were determined through a comprehensive review of potential locations within the Randwick LGA undertaken as part of the Vision 2040 – Shaping Randwick’s Future community consultation and broad engagement process for the Randwick Housing Strategy and Local Strategic Planning Statement. Through this review, Council analysed a number of strategic factors including whether each location was well-serviced by the public transport network, good links for walking and cycling, proximity to local employment hubs and recreational open spaces, accessibility to health, education and cultural facilities and built form scenario testing to align future development/urban renewal with local character for the area and design excellence outcomes.

    How were the proposed heights and densities decided?

    The proposed heights and densities were modelled through a detailed urban design and built form analysis conducted by Council. In the analysis, Council tested, refined and developed built form scenarios to ensure that future development is both economically feasible and responds positively to local character and amenity of the adjoining area and enable a smooth transition in height and built form between the Housing Investigation Areas (HIAs) and surrounding areas. This place-based approach to the proposed height and density controls were designed to retain and take advantage of views and local street character, to facilitate integration of buildings with enhanced landscaping provision and to contribute to a sense of place. Finally, the uplift was tested using 3D modelling recognising each HIAs proximity to employment, health, education, recreation and cultural centres as well as the existing transport network. Proposed floor space ratio (FSR) and height controls currently on public exhibition have therefore been derived through the application of well-established design principles to create a scale of uplift and urban design outcome considered suitable for each precinct. For each HIA, Council has prepared a detailed Urban Design Analysis Report (on exhibition) which outlines the local planning context and character, environmental constraints and opportunities, heritage significance, the planning strategy applied and economic feasibility testing. 

    For reference, FSR is the ratio of the total floor area of a building to its lots size which together with height are the two controls which most impact the size of the building.

    Council will also prepare detailed design controls (including design, amenity, sustainability, landscape, transport, floor area, building materials, height and streetscape) to be incorporated within the Randwick Development Control Plan 2013 which will be subject to a separate future community engagement process.  

    Will my property be acquired by the Government under compulsory acquisition laws if I live within a Housing Investigation Area?

    No. The new planning controls provide the opportunity for future housing to be built by amending the zoning, heights and densities of some land within HIAs. The new planning controls do not include any mechanisms for compulsory acquisition of land to deliver future housing, and the NSW Government has not expressed any intention to acquire land within the HIAs to deliver future housing. 

     

    In NSW, cases of compulsory acquisition arise when Government agencies acquiring privately owned land for a specific public purpose. Examples of public purpose projects include public transport, roads, schools, hospitals and parklands. These projects improve services for the community and provide infrastructure for the state's growing population. 

    Will I be forced to sell my home if I live within a Housing Investigation Area?

    No. The new planning controls would open the opportunity for landowners to develop their properties if they wish in the future, subject to the submission of a development application, to a new building height and density once endorsed by Council following community feedback and finalisation of the legislative amendments. 

     

    There is no requirement for property owners to sell or redevelop their properties. If you live in a strata building, the collective sales process may allow a body corporate or owners corporation to sell and redevelop their property if 75% or more of the owners agree. 

    What will future development look like?

    The proposed changes outlined in the Comprehensive Planning Proposal establish the built form controls which specify the maximum permissible height and bulk of future developments. To help visualise what the potential development might look like, Council has developed photomontages which provide possible fictional developments and how they could fit within the existing streetscape. These photomontages are located in the HIA Information Sheet. Actual development proposals for sites within the HIAs, if submitted will need a development application. In the development application, the applicant will need to demonstrate that proposed buildings can meet the relevant development controls within the Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012 and detailed design controls in the Randwick Development Control Plan 2013 which cover, amongst others, design excellence, streetscape appearance, sustainability, landscape, transport, floor area, building materials, height and heritage conservation.

    How will street parking be affected?

    All HIAs are located within a few minutes walk of the light rail and frequent bus stops. Council commissioned a Local Transport Study in August 2021 that reviewed the transport considerations for Randwick Junction and the five Housing Investigation Areas (HIAs). The report provides transport, traffic and parking recommendations to Council that will be implemented via new DCP controls as each HIA grows and redevelops. Additionally, in choosing the HIA locations, Council placed a priority on locations with easy access to public and active transport to reduce future reliance on private cars and opportunities to create great places that are vibrant and walkable.

    As the HIA develops, will new infrastructure be provided?

    The Urban Design Analysis Reports for each HIA identify potential areas to enhance the public domain and open space.   Suitable building setbacks from the street frontage and new pedestrian through block links are applied in certain key locations. 

    In relation to local infrastructure provision, the Randwick City Council’s Section 7.12 Contributions Plan will apply to all new development. Under this Plan developer contributions are levied as a condition of development consent. Funds collected by Council are pooled and used to enhance local public infrastructure, facilities and services in accordance with a Council endorsed works schedule including footpaths, open space, public plazas, water sensitive urban design, community facilities, town centre upgrades, cycling infrastructure and environmental improvements.  In addition to the s7.12 Plan, Council has drafted an Affordable Housing Contribution Plan (currently on exhibition) that will apply to new residential development within the HIAs. See information below describing how this Plan will operate.

    Why do we have to meet housing targets?

    At Council’s Extra Ordinary meeting on 3 May 2022, Council endorsed a resolution formally objecting to mandated housing targets. You can read the resolution here.

    As part of our endorsed Housing Strategy and in response to NSW Government mandated housing targets, Council is proposing five strategically located housing investigation areas. While Council does not support NSW Government mandated housing targets, Council has responded by identifying areas where new growth can be accommodated in a sustainable and balanced way.   

    As part of the Eastern City District Plan 2018 (the 20 year strategic plan covering the Eastern portion of Sydney prepared by the Greater Sydney Commission) all councils were required to prepare housing strategies to meet housing targets and to address local housing need. Randwick City Council’s Housing Strategy contains the guiding principles, priorities and implementation through the local planning framework to provide for locally appropriate development controls. Through the Housing Strategy, Council has implemented the priorities and actions of the District Plan with Randwick’s estimated housing need and opportunities to deliver housing and future infrastructure delivery. 

    The requirement to meet the housing targets within our area will help alleviate housing pressures in Randwick City, deliver increased numbers of affordable housing dwellings, create diversity in Randwick’s housing market to meet community needs and deliver better public spaces through developer contributions.

    What is the draft Affordable Housing Plan?

    The draft Affordable Housing Plan is a document which was developed by Randwick City Council to support the Housing Investigation Area (HIA) affordable housing contributions scheme that will ensure that affordable housing is provided in the HIAs as part of redevelopment. Without provision of more affordable forms of housing, existing rental housing within the LGA will only be affordable to households on relatively high incomes. Data has shown that rental stress is a significant concern for Randwick City residents. The flow on effect is that existing lower income groups would need to move out of the area, and new lower income households would continue to find it difficult to find housing in the local area, close to employment and education opportunities within the Randwick Strategic Education and Health Strategic Centre.

    What is the proposed affordable housing rate applicable to each of the Housing Investigation Areas?

    The draft Affordable Housing Plan proposes an affordable housing contribution rate of between 3% and 5%. This is to apply to those sites that are proposed for increased height and density within the Housing Investigation Areas. See the Housing Investigation Area Information Sheet or draft Affordable Housing Plan for further details.

    How is the affordable housing contribution rate calculated?

    The affordable housing contribution rate is calculated based on the total floor area that is proposed for residential purposes to which the development application relates. 

    Affordable housing contributions can be made in two ways: 

    1. An ‘in-kind’ contribution dedicated to Council in perpetuity – a completed strata unit (with a minimum total floor area of 50sqm) to be used as affordable rental housing with any remainder being paid as a monetary contribution; or if strata subdivision of residential is not proposed
    2. A monetary contribution ‘in-lieu’ of affordable housing units –  that is equivalent to the required ‘in-kind’ affordable housing contribution rate. 

    The contributions rate for monetary contributions in lieu of affordable housing units is based on the median market sales price per sqm for a strata dwelling in the Randwick Local Government Area. The calculation is based on the most recent quarterly Rent and Sales Report provided by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services. 

    Can a higher affordable housing contribution rate be applied to the Housing Investigation Areas?

    When considering if a development is going to be financially feasible or not a number of financial costs need to be considered by the developer. These include: the existing development site value, end sales value, capital works, construction costs, land costs, professional fees and statutory costs (such as the development application and construction certificate fees, long service levy, development contribution fees and affordable housing costs). Based on the proposed heights and densities within the Housing Investigations Areas, analysis shows that for a project to be considered financially feasible, the highest rate of affordable housing contributions that can apply to the sites ranges from 3% to 5%. Any further increase in the affordable housing contributions rate would impact the financially feasible of a project and therefore, future development may not occur.

    Who is eligible to occupy the affordable housing units?

    Affordable housing units are rented to tenants whose gross household incomes fall within the following ranges of percentages of the median household income at the time of the application being for the Sydney (Statistical Division) according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics: 

    • Very low income household - less than 50%, Low income household - 50% or more but less than 80%, Moderate income household – 80-120%, and 
    • at rents that do not exceed a benchmark of 30% of their actual household income. 

    Applicants need to meet the following criteria: 

    • Must be permanently employed and earning a gross weekly household income, within the defined household income bands for Low and Moderate household income bands 
    • Has a local connection (e.g. lives and/or works in Randwick City) 
    • Does not own assets or property which could reasonably be used to solve their housing needs
    • Is an Australian citizen or permanent resident 
    • Must not already be living in subsidised housing (Department of Family and Community Services or Community Housing managed accommodation), and 
    • Is not a former tenant of Council’s Affordable Rental Housing Program.

Dual Occupancy Development

    Why does Randwick City Council want to encourage further subdivision?

    The reduction in minimum lot size within the R2 Low Density Residential zone was undertaken to complete Action 2.1, review LEP 2012 to amend subdivision provisions in the R2 Low Density Residential Zone, of the Randwick Housing Strategy. Through this change, Council will be supporting the expected Randwick City growing population, increase housing diversity and choice and allow for an increase in the number of low density dwellings in appropriate locations.  

    Will this change to dual occupancy subdivision increase development density?

    Randwick City Council undertook a detailed analysis and found that the minimum lot size and floor space ratio changes will result in a moderate increase in density in appropriate locations within the R2 Low Density Residential zone. While the changes will increase the number of dual occupancy developments, new proposals are still required to abide by other detailed development controls contained in the Randwick Development Control Plan 2013 and proposed future updates.

    Why is 550m2 proposed as the minimum dual occupancy lots size?

    Council undertook a detailed lot size analysis to verify that a minimum lot size of 275m2 for each new residential development in the R2 zone is appropriate. The estimated housing yield in the medium term (2021 to 2026) is 474 new dwellings, which would contribute to Randwick’s housing supply. The proposed sliding scale floor space ratio (FSR) would realise a built form which is similar in scale to a semi-detached dwelling while still allowing for adequate deep soil planting, permeable surfaces and landscaping on a total lot size of 550m2. Proposed changes to FSR are 0.65:1 for sites between 550m2 and 600m2 and 0.6:1 for sites 600m2 and greater. These moderate increases to FSRs and no changes to the height of building and minimum frontage widths (for dual occupancy development) will ensure that new dual occupancy developments will not impact on the existing low density character within the R2 zone.

    Council also conducted analysis on lot sizes of 450m2+ and 650m2+ in the R2 zone. This found that a 650m2 minimum lot size would not provide the capacity to meet the needs of our growing and diversifying population, including growing families and downsizers. Alternatively, a reduction in the minimum lot size to 225m2 would result in greater increases in density in the southern parts of the LGA in areas which are less serviced by public transport and possess limited access to shops and services.

    If my dual occupancy was approved before 6 July 2018, will I be able to subdivide under the propose new controls?

    If an attached dual occupancy development within a R2 Low Density Zone was approved prior to 6 July 2018, clause 4.1D of Randwick LEP 2012 allows subdivision of that development in line with the Exempt and Complying Development Code SEPP.

    In relation to Torrens title subdivision of attached dual occupancies, section 6.4 of the Code SEPP states that the applicable minimum lot size is as per the local instrument (i.e. Randwick LEP). The minimum lot size under Randwick LEP is currently 400m2 for each resulting lot, which is proposed to be reduce to 275m2 for each resulting lot under the Planning Proposal. As the Code SEPP refers back to the Randwick LEP, if you have an attached dual occupancy that was approved before 6 July 2018 and your site has an area of 550m2 or more, you may be able to Torrens title subdivide into two lots of 275m2 (subject to assessment under other relevant standards of the LEP and DCP).

    In relation to strata subdivision, the development standards are specified in section 6.2 of the Code SEPP, which prescribes a minimum lot size of 180m2 and a minimum frontage of 6m for each created lot. In this case the Code SEPP does not refer back to the Randwick LEP. As the Code SEPP overrides the Randwick LEP for the purposes of Strata subdivision, if you have an attached dual occupancy that was approved before 6 July 2018 and your site has an area of 360m2 or more and a frontage of 12m or more, you may be able to Strata subdivide (subject to assessment under other relevant standards of the Code SEPP).

    I have a property that is more than 550m2 in area. Can I subdivide my property under the proposed changes to clause 4.1 without having to build an attached dual occupancy first? What about a battle-axe subdivision?

    In addition to meeting the numerical requirements (i.e. the minimum lot size of 550m2), any proposal to subdivide land under clause 4.1 also has to meet the clause objectives. The objectives of the clause are as follows:

    (a)  to minimise any likely adverse impact of subdivision and development on the amenity of neighbouring properties,

    (b)  to ensure that lot sizes allow development to be sited to protect natural or cultural features, including heritage items, and to retain special features such as trees and views,

    (c)  to ensure that lot sizes are able to accommodate development that is suitable for its purpose.

    Proposals that would result in a battle-axe allotment or that have an existing dwelling located over two allotments would not satisfy the objectives of minimising amenity impacts to neighbouring properties and ensuring development is suitable for its purpose.    

    Further, any development application for the subdivision of land, regardless of whether it is vacant, or contains a single dwelling or an attached dual occupancy would also be assessed against all of the relevant standards of the Randwick LEP and DCP. The DCP outlines minimum frontage requirements for the creation of new lots and also prohibits the creation of battle-axe or hatchet shaped allotments for the purposes of dwelling houses and attached dual occupancies.

    Considering the above, the construction and subsequent subdivision of an attached dual occupancy is generally the most orderly and efficient way of subdividing land in the Randwick LGA.

    If I have submitted a development application before the changes come into effect, will the new standards apply to my application?

    The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 requires all development applications to consider any proposed controls that have been placed on public exhibition. This means that if you submit a development application after 31 May 2022, the new standards will be taken into consideration during assessment, alongside the existing controls. However, while the proposed controls must be considered, Council is under no obligation to support proposals that rely on the exhibited controls. Once the changes have been gazetted in the amended LEP, the new standards will apply to your application. If you have submitted a development application prior to 31 May 2022 the proposed controls are not a matter for consideration, and you will need to lodge a new development application if your proposal relies on the proposed new controls.

    What if my site is just below 550m2? Will I still be able to construct and subdivide an attached dual occupancy?

    If you think that the proposed 550m2 minimum lot size for the construction and/or subdivision of attached dual occupancy is unreasonable or unnecessary in your particular case, you may lodge a development application which does not comply with all of the development standards under Randwick LEP 2012. However, you will need to support the application with a written exception that demonstrates how compliance with the development standard(s) are unreasonable or unnecessary in your case. Your written submission will need to demonstrate the following:

    • That the development meets the objectives of the development standard (despite not complying with the numerical control)
    • That there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard
    • That the development meets the public interest as it is consistent with the objectives of the development standard and the objectives of the zone in which the development is proposed
    • That contravening the development standard will not raise any matters of significance for state or regional planning.  

    You can find out more information on our website here.

Heritage

    What does it mean if my property is proposed for heritage listing?

    If your property has been recommended for heritage listing by the Heritage Study, it means that it has been independently recognised and assessed (using NSW Government criteria) as having particular significance to the community of Randwick City.  A Heritage listing provides formal recognition that a place has heritage significance, that that it should be safeguarded for future generations and helps to enrich our understanding of the area’s history.

    A recommendation for heritage listing means that your property is proposed to be included under Schedule 5 of the RLEP 2012 and identified on the accompanying heritage maps. 

    Datasheets have been prepared for each property proposed for heritage listing, which identifies the particular heritage values and characteristics of the building which make it significant. You can view the data sheets in the documents section of the Yoursay page.  

    Can I change or add to my property?

    Yes. Having your property heritage listed under the Randwick LEP 2012 or included in the proposed boundary extension to the Moira Crescent HCA does not stop you from making changes to it or undertaking additions or new work. The listing is a way to ensure that the new work or new use is compatible with, or complements, the heritage significance of the place.

     

    Any future development proposal (such as alterations and additions) to your property would be subject to the heritage conservation controls contained under clause 5.10 of the RLEP 2012 which aim to ensure that its identified heritage significant attributes are protected. It would also be subject to the heritage conservation guidelines under Section B2 of the Randwick Development Control Plan 2013 which outline appropriate ways to undertake change to your property without compromising the significance or integrity of the building.

     

    A heritage listing may impact how certain planning controls apply to a property, including exempt and complying development. You can view the Exempt and Complying Development Code here

    What about maintenance or repair work?

    Often heritage properties may require routine maintenance or repair work. Clause 5.10 of the RLEP 2012 allows certain minor works to be undertaken to your property without requiring the submission of a development application. Prior to proceeding with any maintenance or repair to a heritage listed property, you are required to notify Council’s heritage officer about what type of maintenance or repair work you are intending on carrying out. The heritage officer will then advise if your proposal would require a development application or not. 

     

    You can also refer to Council’s website for specific advice on maintaining your home such as appropriate paint finishes and fencing styles that are complementary to the architectural period and style of the building.

    If my property is listed as a heritage item, how will it impact the value of my property?

    The impact of heritage listing on resale value is a common concern for owners and potential buyers of residential property. However, studies show heritage listing has no effect on property values in most cases, and sometimes improves resale value as this provides certainty to the community on the future character, streetscape and built form qualities of a precinct or place. 

     

    Heritage property values are determined by a number of things such as zoning, planning requirements, lot sizes, types of surrounding properties, amenities and services in the area, tenancy opportunities, property uses, trends in the market cycle, the social profile of the area and the quality and maintenance of individual buildings. 

     

    Heritage controls do not prohibit development, subdivision or demolition but require that approval be obtained to enable Council’s heritage planners to assess the proposed changes. Where there is the capacity to develop the property and undertake additional development on the land without compromising the heritage significance on the property, the impact on values may not be as significant as where the capacity for development is limited.

Environmental Resilience

    Is Randwick City Council investigating further changes to increase resilience and support the environment?

    Within Randwick City Council’s Vision 2040 Local Strategic Planning Statement, Council has committed to the principle of creating a resilient city which adapts to a changing world. As part of this commitment, Randwick is continually looking at statutory and non-statutory ways to increase the resilience of the local government area and support the environment. For further information about resilience and Council’s environmental goals refer to the Randwick Environment Strategy.

    Why is Randwick City Council proposing these changes?

    Randwick City Council is proposing these changes because global temperatures are projected to rise by 2.5° Celsius in coming century. With this rise in temperature, residential buildings and homes will need to become more resilient to withstand hotter average temperatures, drier climates and more extreme weather events. Council hopes that by instituting these changes, Randwick will be resilient into the future.

    What will the main impacts of climate change be on Randwick City Council?

    The dominant feature of the future climate will be higher temperatures for more of the year in the Eastern Sydney locality, with some outlier extreme heat days affecting thermal comfort. The principles of climate responsive design require residential buildings to be mindful of thermal comfort and account for hot climate conditions by addressing cooling comfort requirements. To ensure the effects of extreme heat are limited and climate responsive design is being followed, heat island mitigation plans are being required which address thermal comfort in developments applying for design excellence.

    Why is Randwick City Council focussing on water?

    With the increasingly warm climate and its associated impacts on rainfall and evapotranspiration rates, it is anticipated that more water will be needed to keep the landscaping alive and top up swimming pools. Due to these anticipated water needs, alternative non potable sources of water are being required for use in large scale developments.

    What is significant about Randwick City Council’s remaining native vegetation?

    The Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) is a critically endangered plant community located on nutrient-poor sand deposits in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, including in a number of locations within the Randwick Local Government Area. This vegetation is protected under NSW and Commonwealth legislation where it is listed as Critically Endangered and has national environmental significance. The changes seek to further recognise ESBS’s national significance within the Council’s Terrestrial Biodiversity clause in the LEP.

Open Space and Public Recreation

    What are the specific changes to the objectives of the RE1 Public Recreation zone?

    The only proposed change to the objectives of the RE1 Public Recreation zone is the addition of the following objective: “To facilitate and manage public access within and between areas of open space including the coastline, waterways, nature reserves, parks and plazas.”

    Will the Meeks Street Plaza, Newmarket Playground or Pine Avenue Park be upgraded after their rezoning?

    At the moment, the rezoning’s purpose is to formalise the different sites uses as public open space and through links for public recreation. In the future however, landscape related works in line with their open space use and character, such as the installation of benches upgrading of planted areas and paving etc may be undertaken by Council.

    Where can I find a copy of Randwick City Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy Study?

    The Open Space and Recreational Needs Strategy can be found here.

Night time economy and neighbourhood shops

    What kind of businesses do the extended trading hours apply to?

    Only low impact businesses (that are within business zones) such as shops and unlicensed businesses will be eligible to operate from 7am to 11pm without requiring development consent, and they must continue to comply with all their existing conditions in relation to noise, parking, loading and waste management. For instance, a pharmacy that has existing approved hours of operation between 8am and 9pm could extend their operating hours to between 7am and 11pm without a development application. Food and drinks premises gyms or licenced premises will not be permitted to utilise the exempt development provisions.

    What is a small scale cultural activity?

    A small scale cultural activity is a an activity involving live entertainment, including the presentation of music, film, theatre, spoken word, comedy or dance, or an event associated with an exhibition of art, craft, design, media, image or technology, with no more than 100 participants. Under the proposed exempt development provisions, we are planning to allow these types of activities in existing shops, offices, restaurants, cafes or community facilities between the hours of 7am to 10pm without requiring development consent if they meet specified criteria.  

    Will the rezoning of neighbourhood shops from residential to business zoning create additional demand for carparking?

    The zoning changes recognise the existing business functions and activities taking place within these small clusters of shops located across the LGA. For most properties, the increase in floor space ratio (FSR) is modest and the target customers are local residents. The proposed business rezoning will protect these activities is not expected to generate additional demand for car parking.

    Will I have a big supermarket opening next to my house?

    The B1 Neighbourhood Centre zone currently only allows for small supermarkets that are under 1,000sqm of gross floor area. However as part of the State Governments Employment zone reforms, some new land uses may be introduced to these neighbourhood shop clusters, including retail premises. Although there is an identified need for neighbourhood supermarkets across Council (SGS Economic Development Study 2019), the small scale nature of the selected clusters is a limitation on the future redevelopment to sizable supermarkets. 

     

    A review of the data sheets for each of the proposed rezonings shows the following clusters as having a total site area of more than 1,000sqm, if all adjoining allotments were to be combined: 

    • Anzac Parade cluster, Maroubra
    • Barker Street cluster, Randwick
    • Carrington Road cluster, Randwick 
    • Clovelly Road cluster, Randwick 
    • Arden Street cluster, Coogee
    • Malabar Road cluster, Maroubra 
    • Burnie Street cluster, Clovelly 
    • Dudley Street cluster, Coogee. 

     

    As part of the development assessment process, any new proposal for a retail supermarket would have to address the likely impact of the proposed development to ensure that local residential uses are not negatively impacted.

    Will a rezoning affect my Rates and Charges?

    As part of the Comprehensive Planning Proposal, Randwick City Council is proposing to rezone 20 existing shop clusters from R2 Low Density Residential to an employment zone. Since Rates and Charges are tied to the use of the land rather than it’s zoning, the same fees will apply to these properties as before the rezoning. For instance, if your property had a residential use prior to the rezoning, you will continue to pay the Rates and Charges for a residential property. Similarly, if your property had a commercial use, you would still pay the commercial property rates. If, however, you decide to change the use of your property after rezoning, for instance from residential to commercial, you will have to pay a different amount based on the new use of the land.  

Employment Land Zones Reform

    Will this lead to overdevelopment in my area?

    The Employment Zone Reforms won’t result in any changes to development controls such as height or density. The consolidation and changing of business and industrial zones to ‘employment zones’ will mainly impact the permissibility of different land uses. See Information Sheet – Economic Development for further details on the permissible land uses in each of the proposed zones and possible translation of existing business zones (which currently apply to town centres) into the new employment zones.

    The new MU1 Mixed Use zone allows light industrial uses alongside residential uses. Will this cause pollution for local residents?

    Light Industrial uses mean a building or place used to carry out an industrial activity that does not interfere with the amenity of the neighbourhood. This means the activity cannot produce excessive noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, vapour, steam, soot, ash, dust, waste water, waste products, grit or oil, or otherwise. Types of light industrial uses include:

     

    • High technology industry is an activity involving electronic systems; information technology; instruments of a scientific, industrial, technological or medical nature; biological, pharmaceutical or medical systems; film, television or multi-media technologies; telecommunications systems, sustainable energy technologies; and any other goods, systems or components intended for use in a science or technology related field.
    • Home industry is a light industrial use that is carried out in a dwelling, by the resident, but does not employ more than 2 people from outside the home.
    • Artisan food and drink industry is a place where boutique, artisan or craft food or drink products are made or manufactured and also includes a retail area for the sale of the products, a restaurant or cafe, or facilities for holding tastings, tours or workshops.
    • Creative industry is a place used to produce or demonstrate arts, crafts, design or other creative products, and includes artists’ studios, recording studios, and set design and production facilities.

     

    Although light industrial uses will be permissible, the development assessment pathway is still required for industrial uses which have the potential to impact local residents such as noise, vibration and odour. As part of the development assessment process, an applicant will have to address the likely impact of the proposed development on the natural and built environment and ensure that local residential uses are not negatively impacted. This will ensure that any light industrial development in the MU1 zone will fit in with the local, part-residential, context.

    Will my land be rezoned as a result of the NSW Government’s Employment Land Zones Reform?

    As part of the Comprehensive Planning Proposal, Randwick City Council is translating all zoned business and industrial areas to the new zones. If your land is zoned either B1 Neighbourhood Centre, B2 Local Centre or IN2 Light Industrial zone then it will be rezoned as part of this process to E1 Local Centre, E2 Commercial Centre, MU1 Mixed Use or E4 General Industrial. Council is seeking feedback on the employment zone options proposed within the Comprehensive Planning Proposal.  See details within the Employment Zones information sheet.