FAQs
What is a Development Control Plan?
A Development Control Plan (DCP) is part of the planning framework and provides detailed planning and design guidelines to support the more general controls outlined in the Local Environmental Plan (LEP). Essentially, it's a document prepared by the local council that gives specific rules and standards for how a development should be designed and assessed within their jurisdiction.
The DCP includes specific requirements for things like:
• how to design buildings that fit well in your neighbourhood
• where to put driveways and parking
• how much landscaping you need to provide
• how to protect trees and manage stormwater
• how to make buildings more environmentally friendly
Will the cool roofs controls increase the cost of a roof?
No. There are many roofing materials available on the market that comply with the Cool Roofs controls and which do not cost more than darker-coloured products that do not comply.
When did Council resolve to publicly exhibit the proposed Development Control Plan amendments?
Council resolved at the Ordinary Meeting held on 26 February 2025 to publicly exhibit the proposed amendments to the Blacktown Development Control Plan 2015.
Why is Council amending some parts of the Blacktown Development Control Plan 2015?
There are several important reasons for the proposed changes:
1. We regularly review and update our Development Control Plan to make sure it responds to changes in NSW Government guidelines and legislation, and reflects Council's latest strategies and policies.
2. To make the controls clearer and easier to use.
3. To address current challenges in our area particularly in relation to designing to manage heat.
What are our next steps?
After the exhibition closes, we will review all feedback and consider whether we need to adjust the proposed changes. We will then prepare a report for Council that includes what we heard from the community and stakeholders and make recommendations about any adjustments needed. Council will then consider the possible adoption of the amended Blacktown Development Control Plan 2015.
Proposed amendments to flooding and stormwater management
New flood categories for overland flow
We're introducing new categories to describe different types of flooding and help you understand the type and level of flood risk that might affect your property. These categories are the same as those in the Blacktown Overland Flow flood study, adopted by Council on 22 May 2024.
The categories do not change our flood levels.
Clearer development controls
We have reorganised the flood-related development controls into a simpler format that makes it easier to understand what rules apply to your property. We have also created a new 4-step process to help you work out what flood controls affect your development.
Updated definitions and requirements
We have updated our terminology to match current NSW Government guidelines and legislation.
Proposed amendments to tree and vegetation management
Clearer rules about tree removal
We are making it easier to understand when you need approval to remove a tree and when you need a tree work permit.
Better protection for significant trees
We are strengthening controls to protect important trees and vegetation, introducing stronger requirements for protecting trees during development, and providing better guidance about how to assess and manage trees on development sites.
New biodiversity requirements
We are updating our controls to align with current NSW legislation about biodiversity protection by including new definitions of vegetation. We are also introducing requirements for biodiversity management plans and providing clearer guidance about when you need expert assessments for flora and fauna.
Requirements for new development
We providing clearer guidelines about landscaping requirements, using native plants and updating our requirements for landscape plans.
Proposed amendments for urban heat resilience
New requirements for cooler roofs
We are introducing requirements for roof colours and materials that reflect more heat. All new developments will need to meet a minimum Solar Reflexivity Index value. This means choosing roof materials and colours that are better at reflecting heat and help to keep buildings cooler.