One week left for feedback on proposed Byron Bay planning controls

One week left for feedback on proposed Byron Bay planning controls

Published on 22 March 2021

The closing date for feedback on proposed changes to planning controls in the Byron Bay town centre is 28 March.

Council is hoping people will take the time to look at the proposals and provide feedback.

The changes to the planning controls are designed to reflect the vision of the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan.

Council’s Place Activation Coordinator, Rob van Iersel, said this was the second stage of the process which began in 2018 and included a number of public workshops.

“This process to change the planning controls was started to achieve the vision of the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan, which included an activated centre and a strengthened village heart,” Mr van Iersel said.

“We initially exhibited some of these controls in October 2019, however we have listened to the feedback gathered during that period, and we have made some changes to reflect this.  

“These changes are important for shaping the future built form of the town centre and we want to hear from the community again,” he said.

The proposed changes to the planning controls include:

The introduction of a new B3 commercial core zone to differentiate Byron Bay town centre from other business centres in the shire The inclusion of the area between Lawson Street and Bay Lane in the existing 11.5m height limit that covers most of the town centre Introduction of a design excellence panel to ensure new buildings are designed well and incorporate sustainable principles The introduction of a building height allowance map to account for flood levels Active street frontages ensuring bottom floor development is inviting to pedestrians and integrates into the streetscape Promoting mixed use development while maintaining the small town village feel of the town centre In the DCP, addressing the number of storeys compatible with the character of the town centre and minimum floor to ceiling heights specific to permissible uses for better building design outcomes.

“Of particular interest to many people is the section about building heights,” Mr van Iersel said.

Currently the majority of the town centre has an 11.5m height limit which allows for three storeys although there are some exceptions including a small block between Lawson Street, Bay Lane and Jonson Street which currently has a height limit of nine metres.

Council is proposing to increase the height in this block from nine metres to 11.5m to align with the height limits of surrounding buildings which would create a consistent streetscape on both sides of Lawson street and allow for a more vibrant town centre.

“People wanting more information on the Byron Bay town centre planning controls should go to Your Say Byron Shire, or contact our Place Planning staff who can help with their enquiry,” Mr van Iersel said.

People can also provide feedback on the Byron Bay town centre planning controls at Your Say Byron Shire.  The closing date for submissions is 28 March 2021.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.