THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING & DESIGN CODE INTRODUCTORY PAPER THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE Introductory discussion paper Introductory discussion paper A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE PLANNING COMMISSION Since the enactment of parts of the Planning, The discussion papers will support workshops, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, the State think tanks, forums and a range of other engagement Government has been working through a range of activities in which we hope you will participate. reforms to the South Australian planning system. They will help to identify the areas of significant policy reform that we need to make now; those areas A cornerstone of the reform program is the where existing policy intent is simply transitioned over introduction of a single state-wide Planning and into the new Code without substantial change; and Design Code to replace the complex and sometimes those areas that we may tackle in future iterations inconsistent planning rules currently contained in the of the Code. 72 development plans across South Australia. The Code is required to be implemented by July 2020 and The Commission thanks you for your continued will be developed with significant collaboration across commitment to the important reforms to our planning all sectors. system and we look forward to addressing future challenges together. Since our appointment to the State Planning Commission in 2017, we have noted the commitment to reform demonstrated by local government, the planning and development industries and the community. Consistent with the principles of the Community Engagement Charter, we are committed Tim Anderson QC to working with you in developing a Code that helps shape South Australia as a great place to live, work, Chair, State Planning Commission visit and enjoy. We recognise that many councils and communities have a strong sense of ownership over policies that apply to their area. The Commission does not want to see positive policy gains implemented in the past few years discarded when drafting the Code and acknowledges the importance of policies that help implement the vision for local areas. However, we are also aware that we can streamline many areas of policy conflict and/or constricting or duplicated policy. We must prepare for significant policy challenges that our state will face in the medium and longer term. We may not be able to tackle all these issues in the first generation of the Code, but we can start the conversation around what the future could look like. We are pleased to release this ‘Blueprint for South Australia’s Planning and Design Code’ introductory paper which presents the first formal introduction to the Code and sets the scene for ongoing conversations with planners, developers, local governments and the community to actively engage in its preparation. The paper provides a foundation for a series of policy and technical discussion papers that together will underpin the Code. 3 THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE Introductory discussion paper 4 Introductory discussion paper CONTENTS Introducing the Blueprint for South Australia’s Planning and Design Code 6 Our new system and the Planning and Design Code 8 Building on the strong foundations of our past 17 Challenges and opportunities for the future 27 Next steps 49 How you can get involved 52 Photos throughout this document are courtesy of the Department of Planning, Development and Infrastructure, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the State Library of South Australia, Philip Knight, Renewal SA, AILA and City of Adelaide. THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE Introductory discussion paper INTRODUCING THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE This introductory paper sets the scene for a series • Technical Discussion Papers – these describe the of discussion papers and engagement opportunities functional aspects of the Code and how it relates designed to inform development of the new Planning to other elements of the system, including the and Design Code (the Code). It seeks to stimulate new assessment pathways. While it is recognised thoughts around the challenges and opportunities that much of the policy intent within existing to be considered. development plans and the South Australian Planning Policy Library can be transitioned into The paper introduces the Blueprint for the Planning the new Code, there are other areas where more and Design Code, which includes: substantial reform is required. • Policy Discussion Papers – four papers that will This paper also explores many of the challenges and set out the policy directions for the Code, including trends we face as a community and how we can best where existing policy is likely to be transitioned to plan for them. Understanding our history and the way the Code or more significantly reformed. these trends have influenced our growth patterns, • Policy Conversation Areas – these will form from local to global, will help us to plan for a more part of the engagement process for the Policy vibrant and sustainable South Australia. Discussion Papers. They focus on Commission’s priority areas for engagement where a greater level of reform is anticipated (to be included in the first Code or perhaps future iterations). 6 Introductory discussion paper 1. INVESTIGATION DRAFTING Workshops Analysis of all Review of Audit of South Exploration of with development South Australian interstate and Government plans and Australian development international Agencies, identification Planning plans with examples. Councils and opportunities Policy Library. councils. Advisory for policy Groups. consolidation. 2. TESTING ENGAGEENT THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING DESIGN CODE POLICY Introductory Paper this document DISCUSSION PAPERS Integrated Natural People Productive ovement Resources Neighbourhoods Economy Systems Environment CONVERSATION Sustainable Green Housing Economic AREAS mobility, car infrastructure, diversity. industrial land parking the water sensitive Character utilisationemerging impact of urban design heritage. industries. technology. environmental etropolitan growth resilience. management including land supply, peri-urban metropolitan staging Design in the planning system. TECHNICAL DISCUSSION The Planning Assessment Land Use PAPERS Design Code: Pathways: Definitions and How will How will Classes Review it work they work 3. STATUTORY CONSULTATION 7 Code Library Consultation on the full book of rules. TESTING 4. IPLEENTATION Code Amendment Process Applying the Code to geographical areas. THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE Introductory discussion paper OUR NEW SYSTEM AND THE PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE Land-use planning and development in South Australia is changing. In response to these changes, the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act LONG TER 2016 (the Act) is being progressively introduced to FOCUS replace the Development Act 1993 to enable a more efficient, responsive and effective planning system. INTEGRATED HIGH QUALITY DELIVERY DESIGN The new system will support and enhance the state’s liveability and prosperity in ways that are ecologically sustainable and meet the needs and expectations, and reflect the diversity, of the state’s communities. PRINCIPLES OF GOOD The objects of the new Act, including the Principles INVESTENT PLANNING URBAN of Good Planning (illustration on right), demonstrate FACILITATION RENEWAL key priorities that will become the foundation of all future planning instruments, including the Planning and Design Code, State Planning Policies and Regional Plans. ACTIVATION SUSTAINABILITY The Code will be a central feature of South Australia’s LIVEABILITY new planning system, becoming the state’s single planning rulebook for assessing all development applications. It will replace the complex and at times inconsistent planning rules found within the 72 development plans currently in use across the state. 8 Introductory discussion paper FORER ACT NEW ACT Development Act 13 and Regulations Planning, Development and Overarching framework for South Infrastructure Act 201 and Regulations Australia’s planning and Transitions to Overarching framework for South Australia’s development system planning and development system State Planning Policies Sets out the overarching goals for the state and requirements for the planning system Planning Strategy for South Australia Regional Plans There are seven volumes of the Planning Transitions to Provide the long term vision for regions or areas Strategy for the state’s regions about the integration of of land use, transport, infrastructure and public realm Development Plans Planning and Design Code There are 72 development plans Transitions to Sets out the policies, rules and classifications in South Australia for the purpose of development assessment and related matters for the state This chart illustrates how South Australia’s Design Standards Practice Guidelines key planning elements will transition to the new system. Outline design Assist with the principles, and interpretation, use or specifications for application of Planning infrastructure and and Building Rules. the public realm. Design Standards can be linked to overlays in Practice Directions the Code or apply to infrastructure andor Assist in specifying offset schemes. procedural requirements or steps in connection to any matter arising under the Act. 9 THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S PLANNING AND DESIGN CODE