Ammending the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 as it applies to the following paper subdivision areas:

• Carrington
• North Arm Cove
• Pindimar
• Limekilns
• The Branch
• Hamilton

Under the proposal, these areas would be excluded from certain exempt development provisions. This means landowners would generally need to lodge a development application with Council for minor structures such as sheds or similar buildings.

A clause will be included in the Great Lakes Local Environmental Plan 2014 to ensure the change does not apply to land that already has a dwelling entitlement or an existing lawful dwelling.

Many paper subdivisions:

• Have environmental constraints
• Lack proper road access and services
• Were created before modern planning standards

Over time exempt development rules have sometimes caused environmental harm and affected the look and feel of these areas. This change would allow Council to properly assess development in these sensitive areas.

A paper subdivision is land that was subdivided many decades ago, often before modern planning and environmental standards were in place.

While the lots exist “on paper”, many were never fully developed with roads, services or infrastructure. As a result, these areas can have significant environmental constraints and limited access to services.