EXPLANATORY NOTE TO VOLUNTARY PLANNING AGREEMENT
LOT 302 DP 1273518 (GABLES – CENTRAL PLAYING FIELDS EMBELLISHMENT)
Background
The purpose of this Explanatory Note is to provide a plain English summary to support the notification of a proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement (Planning Agreement) under s7.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (Act).
This Explanatory Note has been prepared jointly between the parties as required by clause 205 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (NSW) (Regulations).
This Explanatory Note is not to be used to assist in construing the Planning Agreement.
Summary of Objectives, Nature and Effect of the proposed Planning Agreement
The objective of the proposed Planning Agreement is to record the terms of the offer made by the developer and its obligations (if the Planning Agreement is entered into with the Council) to carry out works (Development Contributions).
The Planning Agreement relates to the development approved by The Hills Shire Council on 2 August 2019 under Notice of Determination No. 110/2019/HA as modified to include the Modified Development.
Assessment of the Merits of the proposed Planning Agreement and Impact on the Public The Planning Agreement promotes the public interest and the objects of the Act.
The Planning Agreement will provide:
(1) material public benefits in the form of development contributions towards public infrastructure; and
(2) material public benefits in the form of public infrastructure,
which promotes the public purpose of providing public amenities and services (in accordance with s7.4(2) of the Act) to meet the infrastructure demands of development.
Identification of how the proposed Planning Agreement promotes the public interest The Planning Agreement supports the public interest in the following ways:
(1) By providing for and facilitating the improvement of public infrastructure to be utilised by the broader community.
(2) By promoting the social and economic welfare of the community and a better environment.
(3) By providing increased opportunity for community participation in environmental planning and assessment.
(4) To promote the orderly and economic use and development of land.
Identification of how the proposed Planning Agreement promotes elements of the Council's charter under the Local Government Act 1993
The Planning Agreement promotes the Council's charter under section 8 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) as follows:
(1) To plan strategically, using the integrated planning and reporting framework, for the provision of effective and efficient services and regulation to meet the diverse needs of the local community.
(2) To manage land and other assets so that current and local community needs can be met in an affordable way.
(3) To act fairly, ethically and without bias in the interests of the local community.
(4) To recognise diverse local community needs and interests.
(5) To have regard to the long term and cumulative effects of its decisions on future generations.
(6) Transparent decision-making and active engagement with local communities through the use of the integrated planning and reporting framework and other measures.
(7) Providing strong and effective representation, leadership, planning and decision-making.
(8) Applying the integrated planning and reporting framework in carrying out functions so as to achieve desired outcomes and continuous improvements.
(9) Working with others to secure appropriate services for local community needs.
Identification of the planning purpose served by the proposed Planning Agreement and whether the proposed Planning Agreement provides for a reasonable means of achieving that purpose
The Planning Agreement outlines that it has been prepared to deliver the Modified Development.
The Modified Development will be funded by the State, through Council’s State Funding Agreement which provides funding for an amount up to $11.248 million.
Identification of whether the agreement conforms with the Council's capital works program The Planning Agreement has no effect on the Capital Works Program and is therefore conformant.
