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What is a development plan Role of the development plan Structure of the development plan Accessing development plans What is a development plan
A development plan is a statutory policy document which guides the type of development that can occur within a council area. Planners use development plans to assess development applications. Each council area has a development plan specifically related to that area. Those areas of the state which are not covered by a council area also have a designated development plan. The detail in each development plans differs between councils to reflect local circumstances.
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Role of the development plan
Development plans:
- inform the community about how an area is expected to be developed
- inform neighbours about the kinds of development they can expect in their neighbourhood
- inform applicants about the type of development that is encouraged in an area, therefore the type of information that may be required in a development application
- provide the basis against which development assessment decisions are made
- provide the basis upon which any appeal decisions are made.
Development plans separate land within each council area into a number of different zones, including commercial zones, residential zones and industrial zones amongst a range of others. This aims to ensure that the lifestyle needs of residents and business can be achieved in the most beneficial manner. Development plans outline what land uses are envisaged in a zone and those uses which are not contemplated.
Development plans contain objectives, principles and policies that will control and affect the design and location of proposed land use activities. These policies cover a range of social, environmental and economic matters and have been established to support the longer term direction of the state’s planning strategy. The plans can also spell out the desired character for a given area or zone.
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Structure of the development plan
Development plans may contain:
- an index
- general provisions – council wide policies which apply across the entire council area
- zone provisions – specific geographic area in which specific policy applies such as residential zone or commercial zone
- policy areas – areas with specific attributes, usually a sub-area within a zone such as heritage
- tables – information that is usually of a technical nature and relates either to the whole council area or may be land use or location specific, such as car park requirements, setbacks or heritage guidelines
- zoning maps.
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Accessing development plans
To download a development plan, see
online development plans.
Alternatively, hard copies are available for viewing at your local council.
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More information
On this site
Online development plansOther websites
Local Government Association of South Australia