MAITLAND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2011 (MLEP 2011)

In 2005, the State Government introduced new legislation which requires all NSW Council's to prepare a new Local Environmental Plan (LEP).  This new LEP will provide a standardised format with a common set of landuse zonings and planning definitions across NSW.

Once it is approved, the MLEP 2011 will replace the current plan as the principle planning document for the Maitland Local Government Area.  However, till this happens, all development applications will still be considered under the current planning document - Maitland Local Environment Plan 1993.  To view the current Maitland LEP 1993, click here.

What is a Local Environmental Plan?

A Local Environmenta Plan or LEP is prepared by Councils to guide planning decisions for the local government area and is made up of a written document and associated maps.  Through zoning and development controls, it allows Council to manage the ways in which land is used.

Specifically, a LEP states whether development is:

• Allowed on the land;
• Required to gain consent of Council; and
• Identifies areas which must consider specific restrictions, such as heritage or flooding, and specific considerations or procedures including controls on height and minimum land area.

What is the MLEP 2011?

The preparation of the MLEP 2011 provides Council with an opportunity to ensure things are heading in the right direction and review the current land use designations.  To do this, Council will:

• Conduct a detailed study of all the current land uses in the LGA and any identified issues and/or constraints to ensure that the plan is up to date; and
• Conduct a comprehensive consultation program for the preparation of MLEP 2011, involving the community, Councillors and a range of government agencies to hear their views on any proposed changes.

What are the next steps?

As the flowchart below shows, Council's City Strategy team are currently analysing a range of land use and other associated issues which will inform the preparation of the draft MLEP 2011.

The team are also talking with all relevant government departments and agencies to ensure that Council's plans for population growth can be adequately supported by communty services and facilities, transport and social infrastructure (such as hospitals) as well as our local environmental, heritage and cultural assets are protected.

It is expected that a draft document will be submitted in early 2009 to the Department of Planning for approval to commence consultation. 

How can you get involved?

It is expected that consultation with residents, local community organisations and other interested stakeholders will be conducted on the draft document in early 2009.  Consultation on specific policy documents will occur throughout the process which influences the policy direction of the final MLEP 2011.

To get involved and/or to be kept up to date on the MLEP 2011 program or any strategic planning documents on consultation, please send your name, organisation (if applicable), address, phone number and email address to:

strategicplanning@maitland.nsw.gov.au or
City Strategy Consultation Database
City Strategy
Maitland City Council
PO Box 220
MAITLAND  NSW  2320

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