Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) guide planning decisions for local government areas. They do this through zoning and development controls, which provide a framework for the way land can be used. LEPs are the main planning tool to shape the future of communities and also ensure local development is done appropriately.
The Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2011 commenced on 23 February 2011 and is a legal planning document consisting of legislation and maps that guide development and land-use decisions within our local government area (LGA). We use the state-approved LEP to manage land use zones and development controls so we can regulate development and maintain a viable region.
The Land Use Table outlines what type of development is permitted without consent, permitted with consent and prohibited. State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) generally override LEPs and can allow, in some circumstances, other land uses which are not listed in the Land Use Table.
If you’re building or developing, it’s important to look through the LEP and get a better understanding of local zoning and land-use rules.
As of 1 December 2021, the names of the environmental zones in the LEP are changing. A reference to an Environment Protection zone E1, E2, E3 or E4 in a document should be taken to be a reference to a Conservation zone C1, C2, C3 or C4. For more information, refer to the NSW Government's Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Amendment (Land Use Zones) Order 2021.
For the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA, this means the following zone names are changed:
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Current name
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New name |
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Zone E1 – National Parks and Nature Reserves
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Zone C1 – National Parks and Nature Reserves
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Zone E2 – Environmental Conservation
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Zone C2 – Environmental Conservation
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Zone E3 – Environmental Management
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Zone C3 – Environmental Management
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Port Macquarie Hastings Local Environmental Plan 2011 - legislation
Port Macquarie Hastings Local Environmental Plan 2011 - maps
For more information on the planning layers and controls affecting a particular property, please visit the NSW Government's Planning Portal.
Heritage advice
To protect the heritage of our area, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Environmental Plan (LEP) has a dedicated section on environmental and heritage conservation. You can start your research by looking at schedule 5 of the LEP. Our region has archaeological significance and the precincts can be found on the map.
You’re also welcome to call to arrange a meeting with our nominated heritage advisor on 6581 8111 before applying for development consent.