What you need to know about the new planning laws: Explainer
PROPOSED reforms to NT planning laws have sparked major concerns due to changes that could take away considerations for noise, light pollution, privacy and late night activities, according to a peak community planning group
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PROPOSED reforms to NT planning laws have sparked some major concerns due to changes with amenity requirements.
The NT Government are revising the Planning Act 1999 and Northern Territory Planning Scheme.
The reforms are now in the final stage of public consultation with the deadline for submissions on November 29.
The deputy convener of the Planning Action Network NT, Margaret Clinch, said they were particularly worried about the proposed changes to remove the concept of “amenity” to section 2A of the Act.
She said it requires the Development Consent Authority (DCA) to consider how a development may affect things like a neighbourhood’s liveability, streetscape and community wellbeing.
“Amenity is a crucial part of planning that affects us all,” she said.
“It takes into account things like asking and road use, noise, light pollution, privacy, late night activities, dust and smells.
“If you take amenity out of the Planning Act it looks like it’s all about developments and not the people living here.”
However, Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Natasha Fyles said amenity had not been overlooked as part of the proposed planning reforms.
“Its significance is enshrined by an expanded ‘purpose and objectives’ statement that comprehensively addresses the importance of amenity to our community,” she said.
Ms Clinch said they were also concerned that only about 13 people had attended the government’s public consultations on the reforms.
“I went to one of those sessions in Palmerston and there was barely anyone there,” she said.
“Most people just don’t get what these changes are all about and how they’ll effect us.
“That’s why we decided to hold a community meeting on Wednesday to inform people and talk about the concerns we have before it’s too late.
The Planning Action Network will be holding a meeting at 7pm today in the Vibe Hotel at the Darwin Waterfront.
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