THE PLANNING PROCESS
WHAT IS A MAJOR PROJECT?
The redevelopment of the Scottish Hospital Site has been declared a Major Project under the provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 (hereafter referred to as the Major Projects SEPP).
Schedule 1 of the Major Projects SEPP details the types of development which can be considered a Major Project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This redevelopment proposal falls under Clause 13 of Schedule 1, which includes development for the purpose of residential, commercial or retail projects with a capital investment value of more than $100 million.
The proposed capital investment value of the 2009 Concept Plan had been independently assessed to exceed $100 million, and therefore falls under the provisions of Clause 13.
THE MAJOR PROJECT APPROVAL PROCESS
Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, associated Regulations and the Major Projects State Environmental Planning Policy establish the planning approval process that is followed for the assessment and determination of a Major Project
The Environmental Assessment Report for the Scottish Hospital Site has been lodged with the NSW Department of Planning (hereafter referred to as the NSW DoP). It has been determined that the application has suitably addressed the requirements issued for this project by the Director General of the NSW DoP.
The next step in the planning process is for the application to be advertised and publicly exhibited for a period of 30 days. During the exhibition period any person can make a written submission to the Director General regarding the proposal.
Following the exhibition period, all issues raised in the written submission must be addressed by the proponent. If changes are required to be made to the proposal as a result of the written submissions then a Preferred Project Report must be prepared by the proponent outlining those changes.
The Director General then prepares an Environmental Assessment Report to the NSW Minister for Planning. If the Director General recommends approval, draft conditions of consent are also prepared.
The Minister then determines whether to approve or refuse the project. The proponent is notified of the Minister’s decisions. People who made a written submission during the exhibition period are also advised and the Notice of Determination is placed on the NSW DoP website.
Further information about the process for Major Projects can be found on the NSW DoP website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTS
To view the Environmental Assessment Report documentation on the NSW Department of Planning Website Click Here
To view a Flow Chart illustrating the Major Project Planning process Click Here
To view the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) Report Click Here
To view the Major Project Declaration Click Here
To view Director Generals Requirements (DGRs) Click Here
To view the Environmental Assessment Report Click Here