Three changes that could improve NSW's planning system: Urban Taskforce

Proposed changes to NSW's planning system are a step in the right direction, but there is still more to be done, according to the Urban Taskforce.

Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson says: “Far more (improvement) is needed across the whole planning system.”

Johnson believes there are three major changes that can ideally improve the system.

“Firstly we need to have a much simpler planning system.

“Secondly we need to get rid of the street by street battles that are occurring in NSW by having code accessible projects. There is not nearly enough code accessible projects in NSW compared to Victoria and Queensland.

“The third thing is a revision of how approvals are occurring in NSW. There are 43 small councils in Sydney which think in very local ways and therefore are not supportive of change and new development.”

Johnson also said compared to other states, the NSW planning system is falling behind in promoting growth and dwelling approvals may be affected, with fears of the current high ratings declining.

“I detect that the planning systems in Queensland and Victoria are more supportive of growth but in NSW they are somewhat anti growth,” he said.

“While NSW is currently doing well in terms of dwelling approvals, this may not continue unless the planning system is made simpler.”

In the September 2014 quarter NSW approval ratings were down 6.7% on last year, according to ABS Building Approvals.

Pru Goward, NSW Minister of Planning believes these projects currently take too long to process.

“It is unreasonable for communities and industry to wait years for projects to be determined...we expect councils to assess development applications without delay, so we (the government) should hold ourselves to the same standards,” Goward said.