Joint Regional Planning Panels

The state government established the Joint Regional Planning Panels to make merit based decisions on regionally significant development applications. They can also provide planning advice to the Minister for Planning if requested by the Minister. JRPPs determine developments with a value of more than $20 million, subdivisions of more than 250 lots that are not determined by the Minister for Planning, and development worth more than $5 million, including:

  • Public and private infrastructure such a community facilities, child care centres and places of public worship
  • Developments where the Council is involved or has a conflict of interest
  • Crown development

The panels consist of two representatives of Council and three state appointed members.

Willoughby is part of the Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel. When the panel meets to determine a development application, the two Willoughby City Council members are the Mayor, Councillor Pat Reilly, and the Infrastructure Services Director, Mr Steven Head.

The Joint Regional Planning Panels website lists applications to be determined by the JRPP, including the application documents.

When dealing with a Willoughby JRPP matter, the panel generally meets at the Council Offices. These meetings are open to the public.

For an application determined by the JRPP:

  1. The application is notified to surrounding property owners and assessed by a Council Officer
  2. Any interested person or group may make a submission
  3. The Council officer provides a report and recommendation to the JRPP
  4. The Council officer's report and recommendation is available prior to the JRPP meeting
  5. The Environmental Services Director provides a copy of the officer's report to Council prior to the JRPP to see if the Council wishes to make a submission
  6. The JRPP is not bound to adopt the Council officer's recommendation or the Councils submission in its determination
  7. An applicant can appeal a decision of the JRPP to the Land and Environment Court

For more information, contact Willoughby City Council or see the JRPP website.