Planning & Development Policy Committee - 2 Jun 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council endorses secondary dwelling guidance for applicants
  Local planning guidance has been formalised to help residents and builders navigate secondary dwelling rules.
  Could streamline granny flat-style applications and reduce compliance problems across Orange.
• Future funding question raised for Landcom development
  Council staff flagged uncertainty around Federal infrastructure funding criteria for a Landcom-related development application.
  Infrastructure funding could influence the pace and viability of associated development works.

Decisions

• Leave of absence accepted
  Council granted leave of absence to Cr J Whitton for the 2 June 2026 Planning & Development Committee meeting.
  No direct service impact, but it affects committee attendance and decision-making capacity.
• Delegated development approvals noted
  The committee acknowledged the report on items approved under Council’s delegated authority.
  Provides transparency on day-to-day development decisions made without full committee debate.
• Secondary Dwelling Fact Sheet endorsed
  Council noted and endorsed the Secondary Dwelling Fact Sheet as a guidance document to help applicants understand planning requirements and achieve compliant development outcomes in the LGA.
  Could make it easier for residents to plan and submit compliant secondary dwelling applications.

Discussion

• Federal infrastructure funding for Landcom development application
  Cr Peterson asked whether Council would apply for the Federal Government Local Infrastructure Fund for the Landcom Development Application. Officers said the first funding round is expected in the second half of the year and criteria are not yet known.
  May affect future infrastructure funding opportunities tied to development in the area.
• Development assessment transparency
  The committee received an update on items approved under delegated authority, indicating routine development decisions continue outside committee meetings.
  Residents can track how planning approvals are being handled administratively.
• Secondary dwelling planning guidance
  The endorsed fact sheet is intended to assist applicants in understanding planning requirements for secondary dwellings.
  Useful for homeowners and builders considering granny flats or similar additions.

Impacts

• Secondary dwelling applicants now have clearer guidance on planning requirements.
• Future infrastructure funding opportunities linked to the Landcom development may be considered later in the year.
• Residents can review delegated development approvals for transparency on planning decisions.

Places

• Orange (city)
  Location of the council meeting and the local government area affected by the planning guidance.
• Orange City Council local government area (local government area)
  Area where the secondary dwelling guidance will apply.

Next

• Monitor release of Federal Government Local Infrastructure Fund criteria
  Second half of 2026, when the funding round opens
• Use the Secondary Dwelling Fact Sheet as applicant guidance
  Immediately, following committee endorsement
• Continue reporting delegated development approvals to Council
  Ongoing

Extract

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 2 JUNE 2026 COMMENCING AT 6.27PM 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 Stedman Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Manager Corporate Governance, Acting Manager Communications & Engagement (Townsend), Governance Officer (Allan) 1.1 APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE RESOLVED - 26/256 Cr...