A planning agreement (also referred to as a voluntary planning agreement or VPA) is an agreement entered into by Council and a developer who has sought a change to the Local Environmental Plan (via a Planning Proposal) or has made a development application.

Under the agreement a developer can provide or fund public amenities or public services, affordable housing, and transport or other public infrastructure.

The agreement can provide for:

• The dedication of land.
• Payment of a monetary contribution.
• Any other public benefit to be used for a public purpose.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 provides the legislation for planning agreements.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure provides Ministerial Directions and guidelines on planning agreements.
 

Council's Policy on Planning Agreements

Council's Policy on Planning Agreements 2016 outlines Council’s policy and procedures relating to planning agreements.

It provides guidelines for both Council and developers to effectively negotiate and prepare planning agreements, and provides a template planning agreement document, as well as a list of suggested public infrastructure that may be considered to have a public benefit.

Please refer to this policy when considering making an offer to enter into a planning agreement with Council.
 

Register of Planning Agreements

Council maintains a Register of Planning Agreements that records all planning agreements that have been entered into and executed by Council.

DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to provide accurate information within the planning agreements register it is noted that some errors or misdescription may occur. As such, this information should not be solely relied upon. If you are seeking information about a specific matter, please contact Council.

Public Notification of Planning Agreements

Planning agreements cannot be entered into unless public notice has been given and an explanatory note is made available for inspection.

For information on any draft or amended planning agreement currently on public notification please refer to Council’s Your Say page.
 

VPA Process - Making a VPA Offer

If you wish to make an offer to Council to enter into a planning agreement please contact Council’s Strategic Planning section. 

Please also refer to:

• Council's Policy on Planning Agreements 2016.

• Council's Information Sheet - Planning Agreement Process.

• The Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

• The Department's Practice Note on Planning Agreements 2021 which outlines the information that is to be provided in an offer.