MidCoast Council proposes tighter controls on paper subdivisions

MIDCOAST Council is seeking community feedback on its plans to change the rules around paper subdivisions.

These are lots of land in non-urban areas that were historically recognised on paper but have no formed roads, drainage, sewerage or other infrastructure.

Council is seeking to amend the State Environment Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 as it applies to the paper subdivisions at Carrington, North Arm Cove, Pindimar, The Branch and Hamilton.

A clause will be included in the Great Lakes Local Environmental Plan 2014 to ensure the changes do not apply to land that already has a dwelling entitlement or an existing lawful dwelling.

Currently, small structures such as sheds can be built on these lots as they are considered “exempt developments”.

However, under the proposed changes, development applications will need to be lodged.

Many paper subdivisions were created before modern planning standards and have environmental constraints.

Council says this has sometimes led to environmental harm and affected the look and feel of sensitive areas.

According to the NAC Community Website, the area’s paper subdivision was designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1918.

Initially planned as a “garden city”, it features over 2,500 small, privately owned lots lacking essential infrastructure.

Members of the North Arm Cove Initiative have already raised concerns about the proposed changes, arguing that “this is more restricted than even suburban requirements” and that “proposed further restrictions on use of private land in NAC is likely to benefit the largest landowner – MidCoast Council.”

Council’s proposed changes can be found by going to haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au and searching “planning-proposal-paper-subdivision-exempt-development-exclusion”.

Public submissions will be accepted up to 4.30pm on Tuesday 21 April.