Overview
The finalisation stage is the last step in the LEP making process.
At this stage, the planning proposal is:
- reviewed to ensure all requirements have been met
- finalised by the relevant authority
- translated into a legal Local Environmental Plan (LEP) amendment.
Once made, the LEP amendment becomes part of the statutory planning framework.
View module 5 in the Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline.
Why this stage matters
- Ensures the planning proposal has met all Gateway conditions, consultation requirements and assessment criteria
- Confirms the amendment is legally correct and complete
- Formalises the change so it can be applied to planning decisions
This stage is critical to ensure:
- the LEP amendment is valid and enforceable
- all documentation and mapping are accurate
- the process is transparent and properly recorded.
What happens at this stage
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Prepare finalisation package
Compile all required documentation, including the updated planning proposal, maps, and supporting reports.
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Final assessment
Confirm that Gateway conditions, consultation outcomes and any required amendments have been addressed.
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Determine finalisation authority
Establish whether the plan will be made by council (as delegated) or the Minister.
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Draft the LEP amendment
Prepare legal drafting instructions and maps for the amendment.
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Make the LEP
The LEP amendment is formally made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
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Publish and notify
The finalised LEP is published on the NSW legislation website and stakeholders are notified.
Finalisation pathways
The planning proposal may be finalised by:
- Council (as Local Plan-Making Authority – LPMA) where delegation has been granted.
- Minister for Planning (or delegate) where council does not have delegation or where required.
The Gateway determination will usually specify the finalisation pathway.
Key considerations
When finalising a proposal, consider:
Completion of requirements
- Have all Gateway conditions been met?
- Have consultation outcomes been addressed?
- Is documentation complete?
Accuracy of drafting and mapping
- Are zoning and development standards correctly reflected?
- Are maps accurate and consistent?
- Are drafting instructions clear and correct?
Consistency with approved planning proposal
- Does the final version reflect what was exhibited and assessed?
- Have changes been appropriately authorised?
- Is the final outcome consistent with determinations?
Legal and procedural compliance
- Has the process followed legislative requirements?
- Are all approvals in place?
- Is the plan ready to be made and published?
Possible outcomes
| Outcome | What it means | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| LEP is made | The planning proposal is finalised and approved | LEP amendment is published and takes legal effect |
| LEP is made with modifications | Minor changes are made during finalisation | Updated LEP is published and takes effect |
| Finalisation delayed | Additional information or corrections are required | Issues must be resolved before the LEP can be made |
| Not finalised | Planning proposal does not proceed to being made | Process ends |
Key outputs
By the end of this stage, you will have:
- a finalised planning proposal
- completed legal drafting and mapping
- an officially made LEP amendment
- publication of the LEP on the NSW legislation website
- formal notification to stakeholders.
Tips for success
- Ensure all Gateway conditions are fully addressed before submission
- Check mapping and drafting carefully for accuracy
- Keep documentation clear, complete and consistent
- Confirm finalisation pathway early
- Allow sufficient time for legal drafting and review
What happens next
Once the LEP is made:
- it becomes part of the statutory planning framework
- councils and consent authorities must apply the new controls
- zoning and development standards take effect for future development.