Adelaide Hills Townships and Urban Growth DPA
The formation of the Adelaide Hills Council in 1997 created a number of challenges for the development of consistent planning policy. The many competing interests in the region, the marriage of four separate planning regimes, and the strong policy input of the State Government, created an overly complex and, at times, confusing Development Plan.
In addition, the various communities throughout the Hills have very different expectations about how the area should be developed. The challenge facing both the council and URPS when drafting the new planning policy was to consider the desires of these communities while also taking into account broader strategic objectives such as the provision of housing for an ageing community and the achievement of economic sustainability for local businesses.
Once completed, the DPA will establish consistent, clear and coherent planning policy across the council area by building on work already undertaken by Council as well as the strategic framework established by the State Government. In addition, the knowledge and aspirations of the community, elected members and council staff will be woven into the proposed policy changes. The high level of consultation built into the process will ensure that the new Development Plan reflects current best practice and the strategic direction of Council and the State Government and is endorsed by the majority of the Hills community.