Extraordinary Planning & Development Policy Committee - 21 Apr 2026 6:00 PM

Article-worthy topics

• Secondary dwelling approved at 7 Squatters Ridge, Clifton Grove
  Council consented to DA 46/2026(1) for a secondary dwelling at Lot 29 DP 248205 - 7 Squatters Ridge, Clifton Grove, subject to the attached conditions of consent.
  This is a direct development approval affecting the Clifton Grove property and nearby residents.

Key decisions

• Further work on planning options for electricity generating works
  Council asked the CEO to progress options 3 and 4 and return with a further report on cost, sequence and pathway. Council also agreed to continue advocacy with the State government and agencies to strengthen protection of primary production, tourism and scenic values in the planning framework, especially when assessing applications for Electricity Generating Works.
  This may affect how future large-scale energy developments, including solar farm proposals, are assessed locally and what planning protections Council seeks for rural and scenic areas.
• Secondary dwelling approved at 7 Squatters Ridge, Clifton Grove
  Council consented to DA 46/2026(1) for a secondary dwelling at Lot 29 DP 248205 - 7 Squatters Ridge, Clifton Grove, subject to the attached conditions of consent.
  This is a direct development approval affecting the Clifton Grove property and nearby residents.
• Retail redevelopment application at 86 Summer Street deferred
  Council deferred DA 353/2025(1) for demolition, specialised retail premises and retail premises at Lot 100 DP 1291348 - 86 Summer Street, Orange. The deferral is to allow review of condition changes proposed by Cr Duffy and for a site inspection.
  This delays a proposed commercial redevelopment in central Orange while councillors review conditions and inspect the site.
• Planning proposal and DCP amendment endorsed
  Council endorsed the planning proposal as exhibited and authorised the CEO to formally make the plan under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Council also resolved to adopt the amendment to Orange Development Control Plan 2004 once the plan is notified, provide a copy to the Planning Secretary, and publish notice on Council’s website within 28 days of adoption.
  This finalises a planning framework change and will update the Development Control Plan that guides future development assessment.

Important topics

• State planning framework and local control
  Discussion noted concerns about how much influence the DCP and LEP have over developments, with advice that the SEPP allows consideration of solar farms in the planning system.
  Residents interested in renewable energy proposals and rural land protection may want to follow the next report and any advocacy outcomes.
• Conflict of interest management
  Cr Kinghorne declared a Significant Pecuniary Interest in the Clifton Grove item and left the meeting during discussion and voting.
  This is relevant to transparency in decision-making on development applications.

Resident impacts

• Future planning controls for electricity generating works may be reviewed and strengthened through further reporting and State advocacy.
• A secondary dwelling was approved in Clifton Grove.
• A proposed demolition and retail development at 86 Summer Street has been delayed pending a site inspection and further review of conditions.
• A planning proposal and amendment to Orange Development Control Plan 2004 will proceed to formalisation and public notification.

Places affected

• Clifton Grove (locality)
  Approved secondary dwelling at 7 Squatters Ridge.
• 7 Squatters Ridge, Clifton Grove (address)
  Site of DA 46/2026(1) for a secondary dwelling.
• 86 Summer Street, Orange (address)
  Site of deferred DA 353/2025(1) for demolition and retail premises.
• Orange (town)
  Municipal area affected by planning framework decisions and DCP amendment.
• Byng Street, Orange (road)
  Location of the Civic Centre where the meeting was held.

Next steps

• CEO to progress options 3 and 4 and report back on cost, sequence and pathway for planning responses to electricity generating works.
  Further report to Council; timing not specified.
• Continue advocacy with the State government and agencies on stronger planning protections for primary production, tourism and scenic values.
  Ongoing.
• Undertake a site inspection and review proposed condition changes for DA 353/2025(1) at 86 Summer Street before the application returns to Council.
  Before reconsideration of the deferred application.
• CEO to formally make the endorsed planning proposal.
  After endorsement, in accordance with statutory process.
• Notify the plan on the NSW Legislation website, then adopt and publish notice of the Orange Development Control Plan 2004 amendment and provide a copy to the Planning Secretary.
  Website notice within 28 days of adoption.

Extracted minutes text

MINUTES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 21 APRIL 2026 COMMENCING AT 6:15 PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr M McDonell (Chairperson), Cr T Mileto (Mayor), Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr G Judge, Cr F Kinghorne, Cr D Mallard, Cr S Peterson, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services (Arnold), Acting Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services (Stanford), Acting Director Technical Services (Davis), Manager Corporate Governance, Manager Development Assessment, Coordinator Strategic Planning, Senior Pla...