What is a Local Planning Scheme?

The Planning and Development Act 2005 empowers any local authority within the State to prepare a Local Planning Scheme with the general objective of securing suitable land use and development and for the purposes outlined in the Act.  A Local Planning Scheme consists of a Scheme Map(s) and Scheme Text supported by a Local Planning Strategy.  A Scheme Map zones land for particular purposes.  The Scheme Text prescribes the uses which may or may not be permitted in the various zones through the means of a zoning table, and establishes standards and conditions controlling the use and development of land in different zones. The Local Planning Scheme provides the statutory framework within which future amendments may be considered.   The Local Planning Strategy is at the core of and explains the Local Planning Scheme proposals.

Local Planning Schemes are given the force of law through the Planning and Development Act 2005 which provides when a Local Planning Scheme is approved by the Minister and published in the Government Gazette, shall have full force and effect as if it were enacted by the Act.