North Sydney Development Control Plan (DCP)

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The North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 contains detailed provisions on all aspects of development not covered under North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013.

The DCP provisions are not legally binding, however they are given weight in the assessment of all development applications.

View our Development Control Plan

The NSDCP 2013 supersedes all other development control plans previously adopted by Council. 

It identifies general issues, such as residential development and cultural resources, and localised planning issues derived from our Area Character Study.

Amendments

183-185 Military Road, 1-7 Rangers Road and 50 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay

At its meeting on 25 November 2024 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to NSDCP 2013. In particular, the amendments sought to give effect to identified desired outcomes of the Neutral Bay Village Planning Study, with consideration given to the concurrent progression of two separate but associated planning proposals at 183-185 Military Road, 1-7 Rangers Road and 50 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay. The amendment to NSDCP 2013 comes into effect on 9 December 2024 following its publication on Council’s website.

Administrative amendment

At its meeting on 25 March 2024 Council resolved to adopt an administrative amendment to NSDCP 2013. In particular, the amendments sought to correct and rectify a number of minor non-policy related matters to ensure that the DCP remains contemporary and relevant. The amendment to NSDCP 2013 comes into effect on 5 April 2024 following its publication on Council’s website.

52 Alfred Street

At its meeting on 11 September 2023 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to NSDCP 2013. In particular, Section 9 – Lavender Bay Planning Area within Part C – Area Character Statements to NSDCP 2013 was amended to include new site-specific planning controls for 52 Alfred Street, Milsons Point.  The purpose of the amendment is to provide greater certainty as to the envisaged built form outcomes connected with the progression of Planning Proposal 5/20 which seeks to amend the planning controls under North Sydney Local Environmental Plan (NSLEP) 2013 as they relate to 52 Alfred Street.

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 comes into effect on 19 September 2023 following its publication on Council’s website on the same day.

45 McLaren Street

At its meeting on 26 April 2023 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to NSDCP 2013. In particular, Section 2 – North Sydney Planning Area within Part C – Area Character Statements to NSDCP 2013 was amended to include new site-specific planning controls for 45 McLaren Street, North Sydney.  The purpose of the amendment is to provide greater certainty as to the envisaged built form outcomes connected with the progression of Planning Proposal 6/20 which seeks to amend the planning controls under North Sydney Local Environmental Plan (NSLEP) 2013 as they relate to 45 McLaren Street.

On 4 May 2023, a public notice was published on Council’s website, advising that it had adopted the above amendment to NSDCP 2013 and that the amendment to NSDCP 2013 would come into effect and be published on Council’s website on the date that the associated amendment to NSLEP 2013 is made giving effect to the associated Planning Proposal.

Amendment 36 to NSLEP 2013, that gives effect to Planning Proposal 6/20, was made on 30 June 2023 following its publication on the NSW Legislation website. 

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 30 June 2023, following its publication on Council’s website

Car parking rates in areas with high public transport access

At its meeting on 26 April 2023 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to NSDCP 2013. In particular, Section 10 – Car Parking and Transport within Part B – Development Controls to NSDCP 2013 were amended to include new provisions relating to car parking rates within high accessibility areas.

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 comes into effect on 4 May 2023 following its publication on Council’s website on the same day.  A copy of NSDCP 2013 as amended can be found here.

Implementation of the St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 Plan

At its meeting on 12 December 2022 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 3 – Waverton Wollstoncraft Planning Area within Part C - Area Character Statements to NSDCP 2103 were amended to include new provisions relating to built form controls associated with the implementation of the St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 Plan.

The amendment to NSDCP came into effect on 6 January 2023 following that publication on Council's website.

Commercial Tower Controls in the North Sydney CBD

At its meeting on 10 October 2022 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 2 – Commercial and Mixed Use Development within Part B and Section 2 – North Sydney Planning Area within Part C – Area Character Statements to NSDCP 2013 were amended to provide better design guidance for commercial towers in the North Sydney CBD.

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 20 October 2022 following that publication on Council's website.

East Walker Street Precinct

At its meeting on meeting on 23 May 2022 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 2 - North Sydney Planning Area to Part C - Area Character Statements to NSDCP 2013 was amended to include provisions that reflect the desired future built form outcomes for East Walker Street Precinct (173-179 Walker Street & 11-17 Hampden Street).

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 10 June 2022, following that publication on Council’s website.

Ward Street Precinct

At its meeting on meeting on 26 April 2022 Council resolved to adopt an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 2 - North Sydney Planning Area within Part C - Area Character Statements to NSDCP 2013 was amended to include provisions that reflect the desired outcomes identified within the Ward Street Precinct Masterplan.

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 2 May 2022, following that publication on Council's website.

27-57 Falcon Street, Crows Nest

At its meeting on 24 May 2021 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 introduce site specific development controls as it relates to land at 27-57 Falcon Street, Crows Nest.  The amendments affect section 3 of Part C of NSDCP 2013. In accordance with Resolution 3 to the Council report, Council published a notification on its website on 22 June 2021 stating that:

The new amendment to the NSDCP 2013 as it relates to 27-57 Falcon Street, Crows Nest will come into effect and appear at such time as the related planning proposal is formally gazetted by the Department of Planning.

Amendment 32 to North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013, which gives effect to the planning proposal relating to land at 27-57 Falcon Street, Crows Nest, was made on 26 November 2021 following its publication on the NSW Legislation website. 

Accordingly, this amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 26 November 2021.

23-35 Atchison Street, St Leonards

At its meeting on 26 October 2020 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 amend the setback controls for the site at 23-35 Atchison Street, St Leonards relating to its future redevelopment as a mixed use building. The amendments affect section 3 of Part C of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 17 November 2020.

North Sydney DCP Review 2020

At its meeting on 24 August 2020 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 relates to aligning the DCP with the outcomes and recommendations of Council’s adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement, Local Housing Strategy and incorporation of a number of house-keeping amendments. These amendments affect most sections of the NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 14 September 2020.

Late Night Trading Hours 2020

At its meeting on 22 June 2020 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 relate to revising the permitted trading hours within the Kirribilli Village. These amendments affect Section 7 to Part B of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 2 July 2020.

North Sydney Character Statement

At its meeting on 19 February 2018 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 reflect the desired outcomes of the North Sydney Centre Capacity and Land Use Strategy.  The amendments affect Section 2 to Part C of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 15 March 2018.

Undergrounding of Overhead Cables

At its meeting on 20 November 2017 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 include the provisions that facilitate better outcomes concerning the undergrounding of overhead cables within specific areas identified in Council’s Undergrounding Master Plan. The amendments affect Section 2 to Part B of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 7 December 2017.

11 Cowdroy Avenue, Cammeray

At its meeting on 30 October 2017 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 introduce site specific development controls should the site at 11 Cowdroy Avenue, Cammeray be developed for the purposes of a detached dual occupancy in accordance with Amendment No.21 to North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013. The amendments affect section 4 of Part C of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 16 November 2017.

Hume Street Park

At its meeting on 19 September 2016 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 seek to allow the development of Hume Street Park in accordance with the Concept Design endorsed by Council on 21 September 2015. The amendments affect Section 3 of Part B of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 7 July 2016.

Education Precinct and St Leonards/Crows Nest Precincts 2 & 3

At its meeting on 14 June 2016 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendments to NSDCP 2013 reflect the recommended principles of the Education Precinct Planning Study (2013) and St Leonards/Crows Nest Planning Study Precincts 2&3. The amendments affect Parts B, C and D of NSDCP 2013.

The amendments to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 7 July 2016.

Car Parking Rates for Residential Flat Buildings in B4 Zone

At its meeting on 20 July 2015 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, the amendment to NSDCP 2013 introduces maximum parking rates for ‘residential flat buildings’ within the B4 Mixed Use zone.

The amended section of NSDCP 2013 came into effect on the 6 August 2015.

Late Night Trading Hours 2015

At its meeting on 16 March 2015 Council adopted amendments to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, a new chapter, Part B Section 7 - Late Night Trading Hours, has been incorporated within NSDCP 2013. It addresses issues specific and unique to North Sydney regarding late night trading, and sets trading hours that allow for the contemporary requirements of late night trading across North Sydney while acknowledging the proximity of residential development to many late night trading sites. 

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 26 March 2015.

Grosvenor Lane Car Park

At its meeting on 15 December 2014 Council adopted amendments to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 5.1.6 – Grosvenor Lane Car Park (located above) has been amended to include provisions to guide any future redevelopment of the subject site and adjoining land. 

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 8 January 2015.

North Sydney Bus Depot

At its meeting on 15 December 2014 Council adopted amendments to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 5.1.4 – North Sydney Bus Depot (Section 3 Part 5 above) has been amended to include provisions to guide any future redevelopment of the subject site and adjoining land.

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 8 January 2015.

St Leonards/Crows Nest Planning Study - Precinct 1

At its meeting on 3 February 2014 Council adopted an amendment to North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 (NSDCP 2013). In particular, Section 2.4.3 - Setbacks contained within Part B (Commercial and Mixed Use Development) and Section 3.1.3 - Desired Built Form contained within Part C (Area Character Statements - St Leonards/Crows Nest Planning Area) were amended to include provisions for increased setbacks and site-specific podium heights at locations identified by the St Leonards/Crows Nest Planning Study - Precinct 1.

The amendment to NSDCP 2013 came into effect on 20 February 2014.

  • Part B Section 2 - Commercial & Mixed Use Development (see DCP)

  • Part C Section 3 - St Leonards Planning Area (see DCP)

Draft amendments

270-272 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest

On 16 June 2022, the Minister for Planning issued a Gateway Determination for a Planning Proposal at 270-272 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, allowing the proposal to be placed on public exhibition. 

This Planning Proposal seeks to amend the planning controls to the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan (NSLEP) 2013 for land at 270-272 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest. In particular, the proposed amendments include:

  • increase the maximum Height of Buildings Map from 16m to 54m
  • impose a maximum Floor Space Ratio Map of 5.6:1
  • increase the minimum Non-residential Floor Space Ratio Map from 0.5:1 to 5.6:1
  • insert a site-specific clause allowing a maximum FSR of 6.02:1, provided any additional floor space above 5.6:1 is located below ground level and comprises non-residential uses

The Planning Proposal is accompanied by a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) comprising a monetary contribution of minimum $1.0 million with the potential for a maximum of $3.0 million (depending on a number of conditions being met including the site being developed to its full potential under the proposed changes to the LEP). The monetary contribution would go towards the provision of local infrastructure and facilities.

In addition, Council also resolved to place an associated draft amendment to the North Sydney Development Control Plan (NSDCP) 2013 on public exhibition concurrently with the Planning Proposal. This seeks to add further design consideration to any future development on the site.

This was on public exhibition August to September 2022. View the public exhibition.

52 McLaren Street

On 11 December 2023, Council resolved to support the progression of a Planning Proposal to amend the NSLEP 2013 as it relates to land at 52 McLaren Street, North Sydney. In particular, this Planning Proposal seeks to:

  • amend the maximum building height from RL 110m to part RL 107m and RL 156m (8 and 24 storeys respectively)
  • impose a maximum overall Floor Space Ratio of 5.3:1
  • amend the minimum non-residential FSR from 0.5:1 to 1:1

The Planning Proposal is accompanied by a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) to deliver a number of public benefits to the value of approximately $12.5 million including: construction and dedication to Council of a ground-level space to accommodate a future child care centre; a pedestrianised through-site-link between McLaren Street and Elliot Street; and affordable housing, up to a maximum of 5% of the residential gross floor area, to be managed by a Community Housing Provider for a minimum of 10 years.

Council also resolved at this time that the proponent prepare a draft site-specific amendment to the NSDCP 2013 to provide greater certainty as to the built form outcomes envisaged on the subject site and place that draft amendment on public exhibition concurrently with the Planning Proposal. Council subsequently endorsed a draft amendment to the NSDCP 2013 on 24 June 2024.

The Planning Proposal, draft VPA and draft amendment to the NSDCP 2013 will be on public exhibition from 2 December 2024 to 24 January 2025View the public exhibition.

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