SEPP 65 Design Review Panels
The SEPP 65 Design Review Panels provide independent expert advice to Councils about the design quality of residential flat development proposals and draft planning policy with regard to SEPP 65 Design Quality Principles . The Design Review Panels thoroughly examine flat proposals, including visiting the site and examining how the proposed development fits into the local area. They also look at drawings, models and samples of materials and colours to make sure the final result will be both attractive and comfortable for residents. The Design Review Panels also evaluate the design content of draft planning policy documents including draft local environmental plans, draft development control plans, draft master or similar plans.
Design Review Panel members are appointed by the Minister for Planning for three years with each Design Review Panel consisting between three and five members, with at least one having a sound understanding of local community values and design issues. Design Review Panel members have expertise in architecture, urban design, planning or landscape architecture.
A Design Review Panel co ordinator mmittee, formed with a representative from each ouncil, coordinates the briefings, site visits, agenda and reports of the Design Review Panel. The Design Review Panels are monitored to make sure they are efficient and effective and that the people of NSW benefit from this initiative with improved design of residential flat developments.
Functional Design Review Panels currently exist for the following areas:
- Southern Sydney (Hurstville, Kogarah, Rockdale)
- Central Coast (Gosford, Wyong)
- Randwick / Waverley
- Parramatta
- Port Macquarie-Hastings
- Newcastle
- Lake Macquarie
Design Review Panel Register
The Department maintains a Register of suitably qualified professionals that are eligible candidates to serve on a SEPP 65 Design Review Panel, comprising qualified and experienced architects, landscape architects, environmental planning and urban designers/planners. The Register is used by the Department and relevant local Councils when considering the establishment of a Design Review Panel under SEPP 65.
To ensure the Register remains up to date, t he Department accepts Expressions of Interest, including updated previous submissions, any time from professionals wishing to be on a Design Review Panel . Please contact the Sustainability Unit to request an Expression of Interest Information Package, which contains core selection criteria which must be addressed in the Expression of Interest. At a subsequent stage in the appointment process, additional selection criteria for a Design Review Panel may be developed to provide additional information regarding specific expertise, experience and skills sought for the Design Review Panel.
Further information
Sustainability Unit
Phone: 02 9228 6472
Email: sepp65@planning.nsw.gov.au