Proposed changes to the Community Participation Plan
The Department is proposing changes to the Community Participation Plan, which sets out the mandatory requirements on planning matters, including consultation timeframes and community participation objectives.
We welcomed feedback on the proposed changes between Thursday 19 June 2025 and Thursday 17 July 2025. We are now considering all submissions received.
The proposed changes shorten the minimum public exhibition period to 14 days for relevant residential State Significant Development applications, including:
- Development declared state significant development under section 4.36(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that includes residential accommodation.
- Housing developments listed under schedule 1 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021:
- Housing development carried out by certain public authorities
- In-fill affordable housing
- Build-to-rent housing
- Seniors housing.
- Developments that include residential accommodation within accelerated Transport Oriented Development precincts as specified in schedule 2 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021.
The proposed changes will streamline the assessment process for critical housing projects, while continuing to give the community meaningful opportunities to provide input during public exhibition.
A 28-day minimum exhibition period will continue to apply to all other State Significant Development applications.
For more information see Proposed changes to Community Participation Plan (PDF).