Gold Coast City Council: Major Update to the City Plan

Major Amendments of the City Plan are available for public consultation and Council is accepting submissions up until 5pm on Wednesday 15 November 2017.

The following provides two updates which could directly affect you and your development or investment.

Update 1: Alignment of residential density and lot size in the Low density residential zone

One of the major amendments to the City Plan is the alignment of the residential density and the lot size within the Low density residential zone.

This update allows for one dwelling per 400 square metres of site area and 400 square metres minimum lot size in the Low density residential zone, but only where the premises are:

• a corner lot; or
• a lot with dual access; or
• a lot within 400 metres radius of a Mixed use centre or Specialist centre (excluding areas outside the walk-able catchment).

To assist with identifying lots within a 400 metre radius (and in a walkable catchment) of a Mixed use centre or Specialist centre, the Residential density overlay map has been updated to identify these sites.  Some of the suburbs that have changed are Ormeau, Oxenford, Helensvale, Runaway Bay, Nerang, Ashmore, Southport, Surfers Paradise, Bundall, Mermaid Waters, Varsity Lakes, Mudgeeraba, Broadbeach Waters, Mermaid Waters, Burleigh Waters, Palm Beach, Currumbin and Coolangatta.

Update 2: Draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan

The Draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) also forms part of the Major Amendment to City Plan.

If you are thinking of making a development application to Council soon, there are critical points which are important for you to be aware of, including:

• Trunk infrastructure is development infrastructure identified in an LGIP;
• The LGIP is based on population forecasting, employment, meeting desired standards of service and the ability for Council to fund the works;
• The methodology does not consider all growth areas such as land not currently zoned for residential development or properties that are highly constrained by Overlays; and
• Resolving these issues now may avoid the need for a conversion application in the future.

If you would like to know how these changes directly affect you and your development or investment, our experienced team of planners can help you navigate the system simply and accurately so you can best maximise the development potential of your land.

Alternatively, if you would like further information on how to lodge a submission on this update or any of the other updates to the City Plan, please do not hesitate to contact our team.