Precincts – a new approach
We have developed a new approach to precinct planning to provide certainty and a way forward for revitalising areas across the state. This is part of our work to centre the planning system around people, places, public spaces and the environment. We want to put greater responsibility for planning in the hands of councils and local communities.
State-significant precincts (SSPs) are areas with state or regional planning significance because of their social, economic or environmental characteristics.
Any urban renewal for SSPs must:
- be carefully assessed
- closely consider environmental and social factors
- identify the infrastructure needs of the future population.
We prepare plans in close consultation with the community and local council. We thoroughly assess them all. Plans must be in keeping with NSW Government strategies for providing:
- well-designed buildings and public spaces
- healthy environments with open space networks
- trees
- links to public transport and road networks
- jobs and housing.
State-Significant Precincts Guideline
The State-Significant Precincts Guideline 2016 (PDF, 1.5 MB) sets out the process for the rezoning of state-significant precincts.
The SSP process applies to a limited number of special precincts where the government has an on-going role. Where government agencies identify and recommend a precinct, the department determines their significance to state or regional planning objectives and make a recommendation to the minister against the criteria.
Criteria for a state-significant precinct
An SSP must be:
- a large area of land within a single ownership or control, typically government-owned
- of state or regional importance in achieving government policy objectives, particularly those for increasing delivery of housing and jobs
- of state or regional importance for environmental or natural resource conservation
- of state or regional importance for heritage or historical significance.
On 1 July 2020, Property and Development NSW became responsible for future development of Parramatta North. For further information on its precinct development work visit Parramatta North.
