UDIA (Qld) Key Performance Indicators for Local Planning Schemes

Transcription

1 UDIA (Qld) Key Performance Indicators for Local Planning Schemes Local Planning Schemes are of critical significant to the development industry. Planning schemes are the basic elements of planning regulation - they are where the rubber hits the road for developers. Industry has welcomed reforms of planning legislation and state planning instruments as part of the State Government s commitment to delivering a better planning system that enables responsible development and delivers prosperity, sustainability and liveability for now and into the future 1. This objective will not be met, however, without efficient and effective local planning schemes. UDIA (Qld) has developed the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as a tool and a prompt for thinking in assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of local planning schemes. Failure to meet these KPIs could have significant implications for local economic activity, job creation and affordability. (NB Responses to as many questions as possible will be appreciated, briefer the better) The Planning Scheme Objective 1 State Interests Yes / No Comments a) The single State Planning Policy is wholly reflected in the planning scheme. b) Where applicable, the Planning Scheme is consistent with the relevant Regional Plan. 1 Better Planning For Queensland

2 c) Local government infrastructure plan (LGIP) is in place and is uncomplicated and gives clear direction for growth. Objective 2 Enabling responsible development Yes / No Comments d) The Strategic Framework is a concise unambiguous forward-plan that has measurable targets and a clear line of sight between the Council Corporate plan, LGIP and code outcomes. e) Background reports are publicly available that demonstrate that more than sufficient practical residential land and density has been allocated to meet the range of market requirements over the short, medium and longer term. f) Background reports are publicly available that demonstrate that economic development is strongly supported through the identification of more than adequate land for industry, retail and commercial development to meet contemporary and forecast employment uses. g) Best practice planning principles have been incorporated and are being investigated (Model codes, PDA guidelines 2, laneway development etc.) but are not slavishly required. Objective 3 Stimulating economic growth and innovation Yes / No Comments a) The relevant level of assessment for a proposal is able to be simply determined. b) The Code Assessment level of assessment is the highest level of assessment for development that meets the intent of the zone. 2 Priority Development Areas 2 / 5

3 c) There are no minimum lot sizes imposed in urban areas d) Small lots are permitted in Low medium density areas e) Self-assessment provisions do not excessively constrain proposals for the use. f) Maps are online, interactive and produce accurate property reports. g) PD Online is available. Approved plans and Plans of Development are easy to find and additional searchable options are developed to assist due diligence. h) All Preliminary Approvals under Section 242 of the Act are noted in the scheme. i) Typical Development types (for a zone) have an easy approval path eg houses, small lot housing, duplexes, small multiple dwelling, low impact industrial unit. j) Change of use within existing buildings is facilitated. k) Car parking requirements can be reduced where close to good public transport facilities. Objective 4 Effective and efficient planning and development assessment Yes / No Comments a) Only proposals inconsistent with the zone/local plan are subject to impact assessment. b) Overlays do not change (up) the level of assessment against the land use expectations of a zone or local plan. Rendering an otherwise consistent development inconsistent. c) There are no Overlays affecting Residential zones. 3 / 5

4 d) Utilises existing regulations and standards in the scheme (eg, Acceptable solutions of the Queensland Development Code, Building Code of Australia, and Australian Standards) unless they are varied to be less strict / onerous. Where existing standards are adopted in the scheme, the detail of the standards must be able to be easily obtained from Council. (notes in the scheme explaining the external standards are encouraged) No. and % cover of overlays? e) Planning Scheme Policies are minimised but assist scheme interpretation without additional local government specific standards. f) Development assessment performance is monitored and quarterly results are publicly available. g) Meets regularly with industry to discuss opportunities to improve development assessment performance results. h) Efficient processes are in place that allow the local government to amend schemes quickly when they become aware of problems. Plan Making and Implementation Objective 5 Ensuring genuine public participation in the planning process Yes / No Comments a) Effective community engagement on Planning scheme amendment was front-ended with investigations reports, strategies and scheme drafts released early for consultation. 4 / 5

5 b) Plain English is used throughout a concise Planning scheme and the scheme is easily navigable and understood by lay persons. No. of pages? c) There is a regular schedule of amendment packages to ensure the planning scheme remains up-to-date. d) An ongoing reference group of local industry representatives is established to engage on planning scheme implementation and future amendments. Further performance indicators for Local Planning Schemes Comments additional positive and negative aspects other views and experiences with the Planning Scheme 5 / 5