Updating planning rules for Tweed

THE updated draft Tweed Development Control Plan 2025 is now on public exhibition after the most significant update since its inception in 2008.

Setting out the rules and guidelines for development across the shire, the draft plan aims to ensure that development is sustainable, appropriate to each area, and aligned with community values.

The updated draft Development Control Plan (DCP) has been simplified, introduces clearer controls, and adds new features to reflect community and environmental needs.

Grouped content for more straightforward navigation, clearer controls for residential development, such as site analysis, landscaping, small-lot housing, and detached studios, as well as a new chapter on social impact assessments and updated coastal hazard controls, feature in the revised draft.

Locality Plans will be gradually replaced with Character Statements, and Section A6 Child Care Centres has been removed as this is now assessed under the State Environmental Planning Policy and the NSW Child Care Planning Guideline.

Section A3 Development of Flood Liable Land changes are significant and informed by a new Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy using recent flood data and improved mapping to set new minimum building heights.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the draft was a major step forward in shaping the region’s and the community’s future development, and that community input was crucial.

“Draft plans like these need input from the community to ensure they provide the guidance that makes sense for everyone,” Cr Cherry said.

“We’ve worked hard to make the DCP easier to use and more responsive to the challenges we face, like climate change and housing diversity, but there’s still scope for amendments and improvements.

“There’s a lot of good work that has been done so far. I love that this update reflects the character of our towns and villages while also protecting the environment and planning for safer development in flood-prone areas.”

The draft DCP is open for feedback until 4 pm on Wednesday, December 3.

To view the draft plan, visit yoursaytweed.com.au