The Sunshine Coast Council has resolved to replace the current Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 with a new planning scheme. It is anticipated that it will take three to four years to prepare the new planning scheme. While that might seem like a long time, early engagement with Council is crucial to achieve your property outcomes.
New planning schemes always impact the development potential of land, sometimes making it better and other times making it worse. It is likely, for instance, that the new planning scheme will include changes to the levels of assessment for particular land uses as well as changes to zones and local plan areas. These changes will have implications for all properties on the Sunshine Coast. Early advocacy is key to ensure that your development objectives are considered early in the drafting of the new planning scheme. You have failed to take advantage of an opportunity if you wait for statutory public consultation periods to come around.
We know, for example, that the population of the Sunshine Coast is projected to increase by approximately 200,000 people over the next 20 years. Over 60% of this growth is required to be accommodated within existing urban areas by the SEQ Regional Plan 2017. These targets require the new planning scheme to focus on urban consolidation. This is an opportunity. Existing planning projects that are currently underway such as the Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Options Analysis and planning for the Maroochydore City Centre surrounds are likely to be major inputs into where this infill growth will be focused in the new planning scheme. These planning projects, together with the infill targets described above, present opportunities in urban locations to advocate for higher yielding property outcomes.
A successful property strategy that anticipates various scenarios that can help or hinder particular property development objectives is imperative for securing the success of your projects. Project Urban’s focus is on early advocacy to achieve cost-effective outcomes that are the result of well-considered strategies.
For more information about how Project Urban can assist with achieving your property outcomes in relation to the new planning scheme, please contact Mick Sheppard – Director, Planning on 5443 2844.
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