Non urban lands
The purpose of this page is to provide additional information to the community on development proposals for non-urban lands in Warringah.
Over my time as Administrator, several groups of land owners and developers have approached me to allow rezoning to develop land in the catchment of Narrabeen Lagoon.
In keeping with the previous Council’s approach all such proposals were rejected on the basis of arguments put forward by the Strategic Planning staff and the lack of community support. Following this, the majority of these owners/developers have approached the Minister for Planning to have their proposals dealt with under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, which effectively by-passes Council.
In October 2006, the Acting General Manager and senior staff met with the Minister and development proponents. In preparation, Council staff had developed a comprehensive environmental assessment and land capability framework for the entire Oxford Falls Valley locality. This framework was discussed with the Minister and Director General of the Department of Planning where it was agreed that Council would provide a Planning Report that assessed each proposal in accordance with its framework and the sustainability criteria of the Metropolitan Strategy. The intent here was to provide assistance to Department of Planning staff who were evaluating the proposals.
On 13 March 2007, I considered a report on land capability and environmental constraints for the Oxford Falls Valley and adopted a Constraints Map prepared by Council’s planners. In addition, I also resolved that no further land release or subdivision occur within the Oxford Falls Valley. This position has not changed.
The subject sites and a brief description of the proposed development are as follows:
- Lizard Rock - Morgan Road, Belrose. Subdivision of land into 432 dwelling allotments, site area 57 hectares;
- Cromer Golf Club - land adjacent to Cromer Road. Subdivision of land into 45 lots, site area 13 hectares;
- Red Hill - land north of Lady Penrhyn Drive. Subdivision of 77 hectares of land for residential development; and
- Oxford Falls Road (west) - subdivision of 26 hectares of land to single residential dwellings.
The report linked below is a comprehensive assessment of each proposal to be placed on the public record. It is noted that the final decision on these sites, however, rests with the Minister for Planning.
It is also noted that a further application under part 3A is presently being considered by the Minister on land to the north of Barnes Road for the purposes of a Seniors’ Retirement Resort. This land has been the subject of two previous development applications which were both refused by Council. The Minister did not request any additional information on this site.
Given recent media attention and concern from local community members it is appropriate to ensure the Council position on these sites is known and information provided to the community.
Planning Report - Oxford Falls Valley - Assessment of Rezoning/Development Proposals
Individual maps
Environmental Constraint Land Map 1
Environmental Constraint Land Map 2
Acid Sulfate Soils Constraint Map
Vegetation Communities Constraint Map
