New Planning Rules Are Here — Are You Ready?
Posted 01 May 2026
Category: Development, Planning Approvals
The NSW Government has passed laws making sweeping reforms to the NSW planning and assessment system. Much of this has already commenced, with the remainder expected to commence later this year. These pending reforms will be the most comprehensive overhaul of the planning system in New South Wales for some time, implemented in stages—Stage I commencing on 15 December 2025, Stage II on 21 March 2026, and further changes due later in 2026.
At a higher level, the reforms are focused on simplifying and expediting development, particularly relating to housing supply. This will involve changes to environmental planning instruments under which development consent is required. The reforms are heavily focused on housing supply more broadly, with provisions creating new planning pathways and others simplifying and expediting use of existing pathways.
As a result, these reforms will be of primary importance to developers. However, they will also potentially impact anyone requiring development consent, including strata schemes undertaking remedial works, additions, alterations or renovations.
Applicants may be aided by changes included in the reforms in relation to issues like:
There are also some potential traps, i.e. areas where new requirements may make development more difficult if the person requiring development consent is not aware of and ready for the change.
Additionally, the reforms also introduce a wide range of structural and procedural changes to the planning system. Key changes include:
The structural and procedural reforms to the NSW planning system will require strata managing agents to adjust how they support schemes undertaking development, remedial works or upgrades. With new planning authorities, revised consultation requirements, statewide participation plans and changes to development consent processes, strata managing agents will need to understand which pathway applies, what documentation is required and how assessment criteria have shifted.
We have considerable experience with these issues and would be pleased to provide you with whatever assistance you may require.
***The information contained in this article is general information only and not legal advice. The currency, accuracy and completeness of this article (and its contents) should be checked by obtaining independent legal advice before you take any action or otherwise rely upon its contents in any way.
