Planning Proposals
Planning Proposals typically seek to change planning controls, including amendments to land zoning and maximum height and floor space standards.
They can be initiated by proponents, councils or the NSW Government, and are subject to legislative steps outlined in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, including community consultation.
Preparing and lodging Planning Proposals
Applicants are encouraged to meet with Council’s Urban Futures team before lodging their Planning Proposal.
Planning Proposals must consider Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement, as well as State planning policies and directions.
Council has adopted a policy that sets out additional planning principles which proponent-led proposals will be assessed against.
See also this NSW Government guide to explain the process.
Proposals are lodged on the NSW Planning Portal. When your application has been received, Council will send you an invoice for the payment of fees.
Current Planning Proposals
Below are Planning Proposals for which Council intends to be, or is, the Relevant Planning Authority (RPA).
Minor Amendments - Housekeeping LEP
The Planning Proposal seeks to amend the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2015 (SSLEP2015) to improve its operation and accuracy by correcting identified anomalies and inconsistencies in existing provisions and maps.
The Planning Proposal was placed on public exhibition between 16 March and 15 April 2026.
Sutherland-Kirrawee Planning Proposal
The Planning Proposal seeks to amend the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2015 (2015) to identify any rezoning potential, to increase economic and housing opportunities in the centre. The plan relates to the commercial centre in Sutherland, mixed use centre in Kirrawee, and some surrounding residential areas in Sutherland and Kirrawee that are within 800 meters of the train stations. It also identifies two lots for acquisition, to provide public open space as amenity to high residential density.
The proposed amendments aim to facilitate residential growth within walking distance of public transport in Sutherland and Kirrawee centres. Land identified for acquisition can be utilised to provide open space or pedestrian links, to promote walkability and safety.
The following map amendments are proposed to be made to the Sutherland Shire LEP 2015:
- Floor Space Ratio map from a range of 2-3.5:1 to 3.5-4.5:1
- Height of Buildings map from a range of 20-30 meters to 30-40 meters
- A new map to apply 2% Affordable Housing Contribution, on the uplifted floor space
At its 15 December 2025 meeting, Council endorsed the Planning Proposal being referred to the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination. After receiving the determination, the draft place plan will be prepared for public exhibition.
Miranda Planning Proposal
The Planning Proposal seeks to amend the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2015 (SLEP 2015) to achieve greater housing choice in and around the centre by concentrating future growth within an area already well-serviced by public transport and high levels of existing amenity. The plan relates to the commercial centre and some surrounding residential areas in Miranda that are within the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, areas within 800 metres of the Miranda Train station.
The following map amendments are proposed to be made to the Sutherland Shire LEP 2015:
- Floor Space Ratios (FSR) map from a range of 2-3.5:1 to a consistent 4.5:1
- Height of Buildings (HoB) map from a range of 20-30 meters to a consistent 45 meters
- A new map to apply 2% Affordable Housing Contribution, on the uplifted floor space
The Planning Proposal has been referred to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, for Gateway determination. After receiving the determination, the draft place plan will be prepared for public exhibition.
Waterways Planning Proposal
On the 28 April 2026, Council considered a report (PLN008-26) on options to progress a reduced-scope Waterways Planning Proposal. In response, Council resolved to no longer proceed with any proposal to rezone land from W1 Natural Waterways to W2 Recreational Waterways.
Council has now resolved to prepare a new Waterways Planning Proposal to retain the existing W1 Natural Waterways zoning; and include “mooring pens” as a use permitted with consent within the W1 Natural Waterways zone. This proposal addresses concerns raised by the community in feedback provided during preparation of the previous Planning Proposal.
Prior to finalising the Planning Proposal, Council will liaise with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to confirm the most appropriate mechanism to address environmental risks associated with the proposed amendments, including whether such risks can be adequately managed through the inclusion of additional provisions within the Local Environmental Plan.
The proposal seeks to facilitate “mooring pens” as a permissible use, delivering greater public access to foreshores, and the following outcomes:
- To provide opportunities for greater access and utilisation of the waterways
- To provide additional development opportunities on waterways
- To manage risks associated with development in environmentally sensitive areas
The Waterways Planning Proposal will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination. Following this, and if endorsed by the State, the draft Planning Proposal will be exhibited for public comment.
N/A
On the 28 April 2026, Council considered a report (PLN008-26) on options to progress a reduced-scope Waterways Planning Proposal. In response, Council resolved to no longer proceed with any proposal to rezone land from W1 Natural Waterways to W2 Recreational Waterways.
Council has now resolved to prepare an alternate Waterways Planning Proposal to retain the existing W1 Natural Waterways zoning and include “mooring pens” as a use permitted with consent within the W1 Natural Waterways zone. This proposal addresses concerns raised by the community in feedback provided during preparation of the previous Planning Proposal.
Past Planning Proposals
Go to the Past Planning Proposals page for information about any Planning Proposals:
- For which Council was previously the RPA, but has since been replaced as RPA by the NSW Government or a related government body (including the Besmaw Kurnell Planning Proposal); or
- Which have been approved, refused, discontinued or withdrawn since 2017.
Further information on Planning Proposals in the Sutherland Shire, including Planning Proposals for which the NSW Government is the Relevant Planning Authority, can also be found at the following NSW Planning Portal pages: