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The Central Coast Local Planning Panel, established in accordance with the NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 determines a range of Development Applications and provides advice on strategic planning matters. Broadly, Development Applications are referred to the Local Planning Panel under the following circumstances:

  • Conflict of Interest

    Development Applications where the land owner or applicant is either Council, a Councillor, and Member of Parliament, some Council staff.

  • ​Contentious Development

    Development Application which is subject to submissions/objections.

  • ​Departure from Development Standards

    Development Applications that contravene a development standard within an Environmental Planning Instrument by more than 10%

  • Sensitive Development

    Development Applications for a range of nominated ‘sensitive development’ uses, including those involving heritage items, licenced premises and residential apartments of 4 or more storeys in height.

The Local Planning Panel Submissions Policy outlines the circumstances under which a contentious Development Application will be referred to the Central Coast Local Planning Panel (CCLPP).

This policy ensures a transparent and robust process for the assessment of Development Applications, in line with legislative requirements.

The Local Planning Panel Submissions Policy is reviewed every four years from it's date of adoption. However, if there are changes in legislation, Ministerial Directions, or other matters that impact Local Planning Panel operations, the policy may be reviewed earlier.

Learn more about the draft policy

  1. To identify when a Development Application, subject to unique written objections, will be referred to the CCLPP.
  2. To comply with the Ministerial Direction titled ‘Local Planning Panels Direction – Development Applications and Applications to Modify Development Consents’ endorsed on 6 May 2024

Applies to Development Applications with unique submissions by way of objection as defined in the Ministerial Direction dated 6 May 2024.

The policy aims to provide a clear process for referring Development Applications to the CCLPP based on the number of unique objections received.

Development Applications with 20 or more unique objections will be referred to the CCLPP for determination.

This does not apply to applications delegated to Council staff or where Council staff are authorised to handle the application without referral to the CCLPP.

The policy will be reviewed every four years or earlier if there are changes in legislation or Ministerial Directions.

Suspected breaches of the policy should be reported to the Chief Executive Officer and will be handled according to the Code of Conduct.

Submissions are welcomed between Monday 5 May 2025 and Monday 2 June 2025, by either:

Your valuable feedback will help shape the final policy to ensure it meets the needs of our community.

When providing feedback to Council your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. View our privacy statement.