What do I need to consider when planning a development?

WLEP 2012 allocates land for specific purposes, and lays out rules for things such as building height, floor space ratio and more. The controls must be complied with.

State Government planning instruments may also apply. These include Sydney Regional Environmental Plans (SREP) and State Environment Planning Policies (SEPP).

Council’s Willoughby Development Control Plan (WDCP) provides more detail on matters like access, car parking, setbacks and heritage. Council has the discretion to vary the controls under special circumstances because the WDCP cannot anticipate every possible situation and there may be cases where strict adherence to a control is unreasonable or unjustified.

Other Council codes and guidelines may be relevant depending on the type of activity being undertaken. If your DA doesn’t comply with a guideline, a variation may be considered if satisfactory justification is provided.

Incorporating sustainability in the design, deconstruction, building materials and resource use and ongoing operation of your development will add value to your property and create a better environment for its occupants. Benefits include a higher quality, healthier and more efficient and comfortable building. To find out more about incorporating sustainability into your development, particularly at the planning stage, please contact Council. The Sustainable Home Fact Sheet(PDF, 307KB)  has further information on designing and consructing an efficient and healthy building.