Council has written to the Department of Planning and Environment, relevant state ministers, and local members to urge them to reconsider their approach to the Local Environment Plan (LEP) Employment Zones Reform.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the reforms were a recipe for disaster that could undermine the local character of communities.

“These changes will reduce Council’s power in strategically planning for the future, may undermine the local character of our communities and negatively impact surrounding residential areas,” Mayor Regan said.

“Council warned the state government on numerous occasions that these reforms may negatively impact our local businesses and residents. But the Department has ignored key elements of our submissions and is proceeding with their reforms, which are expected to be introduced by the end of the year.”

Council is particularly opposed to the proposal to combine the B1 Neighbourhood Centre and B2 Local Centre business zones and the IN1 General Industrial and IN2 Light Industrial zones across the Northern Beaches.

“These reforms do away with the distinction between ‘light’ and ‘general’ industry and open the door to noisy, disruptive industrial areas on the doorstep of residential areas,” Mayor Regan said.

This is of particular concern in areas where light industry adjoins residential development including Mona Vale and Terrey Hills.

Council has written to the Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, and the four local State Members (Rob Stokes MP, Jonathon O’Dea MP, James Griffin MP, and Brad Hazzard MP) to express its concerns.