In the environmental planning world we often refer to LEPs and SEPPs but what are they and how do they work?

LEPs

Local Environmental Plans or LEPs are a type of Environmental Planning Instrument. LEPs apply to local Councils and provide a framework for the way land can be used. This is done by allocating parcels of land 'zones' for example: R1 General Residential and RU1 Rural Landscape. Each zone is made up of objectives which sets out the principal purpose of the land; what development is permissible on the land with consent, what development is permissible on the land without consent and what development is prohibited.

SEPPs

State Environmental Planning Policies or SEPPs are environmental planning instruments that deal with matters of State or Regional environmental planning significance. The effect of a SEPP is that it can override a LEP and can prohibit certain types of development or can allow development in a certain zone. For example, a development may be prohibited in a zone but if it achieves an aim of the SEPP it may be allowed.

An example is State Environmental Planning Policy No 1 or SEPP1 which allows an objection to be made against development standards contained in an Environmental Planning Instrument such as a LEP. If Council is satisfied that an objection is well founded, it may grant consent to the development even though the proposal does not comply with the relevant standards.

When wanting to develop on your land the first thing that you need to consider is the local government areas LEP, look at the zoning and the objectives and permissibility of the zone to see if the proposed development is permissible. Depending on the development you then need to look at the SEPPs to see if there is a SEPP that applies to the development.

Planning law is quite complex. To ensure that you get the right advice you need an expert in this area. At Coutts Mallik Rees we have two accredited specialists in Local Government and Planning Law that can provide you with expert advice.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.