Overview
This stage involves preparing, lodging and assessing a planning proposal to make or amend a local environmental plan (LEP).
It is the first formal step in the LEP making process and builds on the work completed during scoping.
At this stage, the planning proposal must:
- clearly describe the intended LEP amendment
- demonstrate strategic and site-specific merit
- include supporting information and studies proportionate to the planning proposal.
View module 2 in the Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline.
Why this stage matters
A well-prepared planning proposal:
- supports efficient assessment by council and the Department
- reduces delays at Gateway and later stages
- clearly justifies the need for change
- minimises requests for further information.
Poorly prepared planning proposals may:
- be delayed or not supported
- require significant rework
- not proceed to Gateway.
What happens at this stage
-
Prepare the planning proposal
Develop the planning proposal in line with the Planning Proposal Framework, including justification, mapping and supporting studies.
-
Lodge the planning proposal
Submit the planning proposal through the NSW Planning Portal for assessment by council (or relevant authority).
-
Council assessment
Council assesses the planning proposal’s merit, considers technical advice and evaluates impacts.
-
Local Planning Panel (if required)
The planning proposal is referred to the Local Planning Panel for independent advice.
-
Council decision
Council decides whether or not to support the planning proposal to proceed to Gateway.
-
Planning proposal review (if applicable)
If not supported, the proponent may request a review of the decision through the Department.
What you need to prepare
The planning proposal is the core document for this stage.
It must include:
- Objectives or intended outcomes.
- Explanation of provisions: What changes to zoning, land use or standards are proposed.
- Justification: Strategic merit (alignment with the applicable strategic planning framework) and site-specific merit (site suitability and impacts).
- Mapping: Existing and proposed mapping.
- Consultation approach: Agencies and community (as relevant).
- Project timeline.
Supporting studies should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the proposal.
Key considerations
When preparing a proposal, consider:
Strategic merit
- Is the proposal consistent with regional and local plans?
- Does it align with the LSPS and government priorities?
- Does it respond to identified growth, housing or employment needs?
Site-specific merit
- Is the site suitable for the proposed use?
- Are environmental impacts understood and manageable?
- Are there any constraints that limit feasibility?
Impacts and constraints
- Environmental (e.g. flood, biodiversity, contamination)
- Social and economic impacts
- Built form and amenity.
Infrastructure and servicing
- Can infrastructure support the proposal?
- Are upgrades or contributions required?
- Are utilities and transport available?
Possible outcomes
| Outcome | What it means | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Supported | Council agrees the planning proposal has sufficient merit to proceed | Planning proposal is submitted for Gateway determination (Module 3) |
| Not supported | Council does not support the planning proposal due to lack of merit or unresolved issues | Planning proposal does not proceed unless a review is requested |
| Review requested | Proponent seeks an independent review of council's decision | Department (and possibly IPC) assesses whether the planning proposal should proceed |
Rezoning review
A review may be requested if:
- the planning proposal is not supported by council
- the planning proposal has not progressed within expected timeframes.
The review process:
- is managed by the Department, or by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) if the planning proposal is within the City of Sydney LGA
- results in a determination on whether the planning proposal should proceed to Gateway determination.
Tips for success
- Clearly demonstrate both strategic and site-specific merit
- Ensure information is complete and proportionate
- Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary detail
- Engage with council early if issues arise
Next steps
If your planning proposal is supported:
Proceed to Module 3 — Gateway determination and review.
At the Gateway determination stage:
- the planning proposal is assessed by the Department
- a determination is made on whether it can proceed
- conditions for exhibition and further work may be applied.