Environment, mobility and ageing population the focus of future development planning

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the centre of proposed enhancements to planning guidelines that will support future developments across the city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its current Development Control Plan (DCP) and created a raft of enhanced provisions for new developments, to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday's Ordinary Council Meeting.

The draft DCP 2023 includes improvements to building design guidelines to minimise the impact of extreme heat by reducing UV exposure on the community, infrastructure that encourages more active modes of transport, and design requirements that address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft DCP 2023 has been a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee and DCP Working Party.

“By undertaking a comprehensive review of the current DCP (2012) we are ensuring better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines," Cr Nelmes said.

"The draft DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community's exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.

“As Newcastle’s population ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements.”

Councillor and Chair of the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee John Mackenzie said traffic, parking and moveability around the city was a key area of focus.

"The draft DCP 2023 has been designed to future-proof our city, including taking on the challenges of transport in our city. The clear, measured development controls will encourage the uptake of more active modes of transport like cycling, micromobility and walking," Cr Mackenzie said.

"The infrastructure that support this is vital for people with mobility issues, and will combine with greater access to public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.

"The next step creates a great opportunity to consider, discuss and seek comment from the community on the new and enhanced provision in the draft DCP 2023."

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, welcomed the focus on sustainability in the updated DCP.

"The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment," Cr Adamczyk said.

"This updated DCP will ensure future developments result in buildings that promote healthy and sustainable communities."

The draft Newcastle Development Control Plan (2023) will go on public exhibition from Thursday 28 September to seek community and industry feedback, with a report and resolution going back to Councillors following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.