Local planning framework
Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)
The Local Strategic Planning Statement(PDF, 21MB) (LSPS) sets out the 20-year vision for land use in the local area. It sets out the special character and values that are to be preserved and how change will be managed into the future.
The actions of the LSPS will be undertaken in accordance with the Implementation and Action Plan.(PDF, 812KB)
Urban Growth Management Plan
The Urban Growth Management Plan(PDF, 16MB) was adopted by Council in March 2021 and guides the future release of land to support the growth of our area and of our community. An action from Council’s LSPS, the Plan quantifies our existing land supply and identifies areas that may be suitable for development in the future. The UGMP was superseded by the Urban Growth Management Plan Interim Review 2022(PDF, 32MB) .
Cessnock Housing Strategy
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment requires each council to prepare a local housing strategy.
The Cessnock Housing Strategy, adopted at the May 2021 meeting of Council, considers local evidence, such as population factors, supply and demand for housing and local land-use opportunities, to respond to housing needs across the Cessnock LGA. The Strategy outlines a policy framework and actions to respond to local housing needs across the area.
To inform the Strategy, Council engaged SGS Economics and Planning to undertake a Housing Preferences Study.(PDF, 676KB) The draft Strategy was then put on Public Exhibition for community feedback throughout November 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Council's Strategic Planning team on (02) 4993 4100.
Annual Monitoring Report
The Cessnock Local Strategic Planning Statement 2036, the Cessnock Urban Growth Management Plan and Housing Strategy contain an action for Council to prepare an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). It is anticipated that these plans will be reviewed every 5 years. Within that 5 year period, the AMR provides a means to track progress on actions and report on any significant changes on an annual basis. This allows Council to respond in a timely manner to any significant change within the five year review period.
The purpose of the AMR is to:
- Outline the progress of actions in key planning strategies
- Report on land supply and demand
- Report on residential development approval figures
- Inform when the 15 year supply threshold for each lifestyle category in the UGMP is reached
- Provide an update for the development industry
View the current Annual Monitoring Report
View previous Annual Monitoring Reports
Planning Framework
Cessnock City Council's planning framework consists of the following key elements:
Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project
The Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project aims to enhance our CBD as an attractive place, with features that appeal to visitors and locals alike.
The Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project documents are:
Branxton Subregional Land Use Strategy
The Branxton Subregional Land Use Strategy and Structure Plan aims to guide the future development of the Branxton subregion through a period of higher levels of growth and change. The strategy is accompanied by a Masterplan for the Branxton Town Centre.
For more information, please see:
Kurri Kurri District Strategy
The strategy ensures the Kurri Kurri district is well-positioned to benefit from major regional infrastructure, urban growth and infill development. The strategy incorporates the community's aspirations for the future and outlines a vision, directions and actions for land use planning and development to 2036.
The strategy also includes masterplans for the Kurri Kurri and Weston Commercial Centres.
Heddon Greta - Cliftleigh Corridor Structure Plan
The Heddon Greta - Cliftleigh Corridor Structure Plan seeks to identify and address current and future infrastructure and servicing needs within the Corridor. The plan considers issues such as the road network, service infrastructure, constraints, connectivity and open space, amongst other matters. The Plan also identifies a range of actions to improve liveability within the Corridor.
For more information please see:
The Heddon Greta - Cliftleigh Corridor Structure Plan(PDF, 41MB)