Planning Controls

A series of state and local planning legislation, policies, strategies and controls outline what developments can be undertaken in the Parkes Shire.

These policies are guided by The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA). The EPA provides development regulation and guidance relating to State, Regional and Local issues through various environmental planning instruments.

This section includes studies, plans, policies and other documentation that Parkes Shire Council use to control and guide the future planning and development of the region.

State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

State Environment Planning Policies have been developed by the NSW Government to provide Councils and developers with guidance regarding issues and developments that are of State importance. Certain land in the Parkes Shire and some development proposals will be subject to the provisions in a SEPP.

To find out the standards that your proposed development will need to meet, you'll need to look these up in the policy.

Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012

The Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012 is the primary legal planning instrument controlling development in the Parkes Shire. It controls land-use activities through zoning maps, land-use tables, overlays and special provisions.

Maps contained in The Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012 are available for download here.

Development Control Plans (DCPs)

Specific standards are detailed in the Parkes Shire Development Control Plan 2021 to indicate to developers what level of detail is required and what standards apply to particular applications lodged with Council.

Developer Contributions

Development contributions are contributions made by those undertaking developments approved under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The contributions go toward the provision or improvement of amenities or services or to recover costs of infrastructure and facilitates that are provided by Council to meet the demands of the future development. The range of public facilities identified in Council’s Contribution Plans include acquisition and embellishment of open space, urban roads and car parking.

Parkes Shire Section 94 Contributions Plan 2016

Parkes Shire Section 94A Contributions Plan 2016

As part of the administration of the above plans, applicants of Development Applications & Complying Development Certificates are required to complete a Cost Estimate Guide and submit with the application.

Council has developed two advisory documents and two information guides to assist the community and development industry with the implementation of the new contributions plans.

Parkes Shire Planning Agreement Policy 2016

Developer Services Plan

Information Guide: Section 94 Contributions

Information Guide: Section 94A Contributions

Roads, Traffic and Access

The NSW Roads Act 1993 requires that before any private works are permitted on a public road, the relevant road authority must provide appropriate approval. Parkes Shire Council is the consent authority for all unclassified roads and many classified roads. The Roads and Maritime Service is responsible for giving concurrence or consent on classified roads. A Section 138 Permit Application must be completed to gain Council approval.

For further information, refer to the Parkes Shire Footway Restaurants and Footpath Obstruction Policy 2007.

Land Use and Heritage

The Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012 is based on the Parkes Shire Land Use Strategy 2011, which was developed in consultation with the community and ultimately adopted as policy by Council. The Parkes Shire Heritage Study 2006 also informs the Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012. Copies of these background documents are provided below:

Parkes Shire Land Use Strategy 2012

Parkes Shire Heritage Strategy 2014 - 2017

Further information about Heritage plans and policies relating to developments can be viewed in the Heritage in this section.