The NSW Department of Planning and Environment is proposing to replace the Business and Industrial zones in local environmental plans to introduce new employment zones.

They are encouraging the community to review the proposed changes and give their feedback  to the Department before 12 July.

Council has raised concerns about some aspects of the proposed changes which could allow more intensive industrial activity near residential areas.

In particular, 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 removes the distinction between ‘light’ and ‘general’ industry which could result in increased noise and other industrial activity next to established residential areas.

This could particularly impact areas where light industry adjoins residential housing such as in Mona Vale and Terrey Hills.

We have raised the issue with the state government and recently again written to the Department, NSW Minister for Planning and the four local State Members.

Find out more about the proposals and have your say.