Master planning is an optional alternative development approval pathway which exists for certain land within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The main roles of a master plan are to:
- establish alternative development guidance for sites that are important due to size or impact on other areas
- be generally consistent with the vision and principles of the Aerotropolis planning framework
- create a complying development pathway for nominated development in large scale precincts where upfront strategic assessment can suitably manage identified risks.
Land that is eligible for master planning is shown on the land application map under the Western Parkland City State Environmental Planning Policy.
Master plans
To prepare a master plan within the Aerotropolis proponents must meet the criteria set out in the Western Parkland City State Environmental Planning Policy and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Master Plan Guidelines (PDF, 246 KB).
Generally, a master plan will:
- apply to 100 ha or more of adjoining land. Sites under 100 ha may be considered if they meet criteria relating to strategic alignment, economic and public benefit, design excellence and infrastructure delivery
- align with a precinct plan that applies to the land, or where an amendment to the precinct plan is sought, achieves a superior planning outcome
- detail development that can be carried out as complying development and include development controls for complying development
- be prepared in accordance with the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Master Plan Guidelines (PDF, 246 KB).
Master plan process
The master plan process is undertaken in the following stages:
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Master plan establishment
To initiate a request for a master plan process, proponents need to apply to the Department. Master plan inquiries can be made via email at [email protected]
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Technical assurance panel
All master plans in the Aerotropolis need to align with the overarching vision and principles for the area. The Technical Assurance Panel (TAP) is responsible for working with the proponent to oversee and advise on the preparation of a draft master plan that supports the best outcome for the site.
The TAP is made up of representatives from council and government agencies and will identify and resolve key issues early in the planning process to help reduce overall approval timeframes.
TAP Members Organisation Title Stephen Murray Independent Independent Chair of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis technical assurance panel Anthea Sargeant Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Executive Director, State Rezoning Simon Hunter Transport for NSW Chief Transport Planner Graham Richardson Transport for NSW Director Program Management and Integration, Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Greater Sydney Gina Metcalfe Bradfield Development Authority Director, Strategic Planning Renee Ingram Sydney Water Head of Western Sydney Development Angela Jeffery Sydney Metro Project Director, Western Sydney Airport Lina Kakish Liverpool City Council Acting Director, Planning and Compliance Christine Gough Penrith City Council Head of City Planning Additional TAP members may be required based on factors such as location, use of the site, and the scale of changes proposed to the planning framework.
The functions of the TAP are guided by the Governance and Probity Plan: Aerotropolis technical assurance panel (PDF, 939 KB).
Membership of the TAP for each site will be confirmed by the Department early in the master planning process. The Department will work with the proponent, Chair and panel members to prepare an agreed set of timeframes and identify key milestones.
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Master plan assessment
Following the TAP, the master plan is lodged with the Department for assessment. The Department will assess its suitability and consistency with the master plan requirements, advice from the TAP panel, and the planning framework.
The Department will provide a recommendation to the Minster to consider determination of the master plan, including recommendations to whether the proposed complying development pathway will be permitted for the master plan site.
Master plan fees
The Department will determine a fee for the technical assurance panel process on a case-by-case basis. The fee depends on the complexity of the master plan and the number of meetings required. The Department calculates the fee at the same time as the millstone agreement is made. Payment must be made following the TAP's first meeting.
The Planning Secretary also determines a fee for the Department's assessment of the draft master plan. For more on fees, read the approved fee schedule (PDF, 131 KB). Proponents must pay assessment fees before public exhibition of a draft master plan.
In some cases, assessment of the draft master plan identifies the need to change the approved precinct plan. An additional fee will be charged if a change to the precinct plan is required.
Current master plans
A list of draft master plans currently being overseen by the technical assurance panel can be viewed on the NSW Planning Portal.
How to lodge an Aerotropolis certificate
The requirement for an Aerotropolis certificate applies to all proposed complying development (development) carried out under a master plan approved under Chapter 4 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts—Western Parkland City) 2021.
When an Aerotropolis certificate can be issued
An Aerotropolis certificate can be issued when the Secretary (or delegate) is satisfied that the development is consistent with the relevant master plan.
It is up to the applicant to show how the development is consistent with the master plan including its:
- values
- principles
- objectives
- controls.
If there is doubt about the consistency of the development with the master plan the certificate will not be issued.
While there is no appeal mechanism if the Secretary (or delegate) refuses to issue a certificate, the applicant will be given the opportunity to modify the application prior to determination to ensure that it is consistent with the master plan.
How to apply for an Aerotropolis certificate
A pre-lodgement discussion with the assessment team is recommended.
To request a pre-lodgement meeting, or submit an Aerotropolis certificate application, applicants must email the Department at [email protected]. The Department will aim to respond within 5 business days.
Typically, an application will be determined within 30 calendar days.
Information required for an Aerotropolis certificate application
Applicants must address all values, principles, objectives and controls in the relevant master plan, describe the relevance of each to the development and demonstrate how consistency is achieved.
The Department’s assessment will be proportional to the scale of development, however, sufficient supporting information must be provided along with the description of the development.
All applications for an Aerotropolis certificate must include these information requirements:
| Administration |
|
|---|---|
| Site details |
|
| Proposed development |
|
| Demonstration of consistency with Part 4.7 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts—Western Parkland City) 2021 |
|
| Demonstration of consistency with the master plan |
|
Note: All plans and drawings must be drawn to a suitable scale and include a north point.
Resources
- Determination of Aerotropolis Master Plan assessment fees (PDF, 131 KB)
- Governance and Probity Plan: Aerotropolis Technical Assurance Panel (PDF, 939 KB)
- Master Plan Guidelines – Guideline to Master Planning in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis (PDF, 246 KB)
- Supplementary Guidance: Aerotropolis Technical Assurance Panel
More information
For more information about:
- the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Planning Package go to the NSW Planning Portal
- master planning in the Aerotropolis email [email protected]