Bellingen Shire Development Control Plan (DCP) 2017

The Bellingen Shire Development Control Plan (DCP) 2017 provides the guidance and details the requirements for development that should be taken into account when preparing a Development Application.

The DCP can be downloaded in its entirety or by the relevant section

Update: 19 October 2023

Council is working on a review of chapter 8, Flood and Riverine Processes of the Bellingen Shore Development Control Plan (2017). The Bellingen DCP guides the way planning and design should happen for new developments in our area. It's mainly used by people such as engineers, architects and developers. Chapter 8 guides building on flood-prone land.

The review is expected to take several months throughout 2024 when resources are available, inclusive of community and stakeholder engagement. However, we recognise important feedback recently received from engineers and developers relating to the controls for ‘compensatory earthworks’ for development proposed on land mapped as ‘Flood storage’. As a result, we have undertaken a preliminary review ahead of a full review of Chapter 8, to address these challenges for applicants. If you are undertaking development on land mapped as ‘Flood storage’ please note the following while reviewing your requirements within the Bellingen DCP.

If you are planning a development on land mapped as ‘Flood storage’ please discuss your proposal in the first instance with Councils Development Engineer. To book in, please contact Councils Group Leader Development and Compliance at – rpleasant@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.

In some locations, there may be an opportunity to demonstrate an alternative solution to the compensatory earthwork flood mitigation measures in the DCP. Any opportunity to do so is to be discussed with Councils Development Engineer and will be based on merit on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, Council may apply its discretion based on the merits of the application and having due regard to whether the objectives of the Bellingen Shire DCP 2017 are maintained for development on land potentially affected by flooding and riverine processes. These objectives primarily aim to prevent inappropriate development occurring on flood prone land,  to encourage the development and use of land which is compatible with the likely flood hazard, and to increase public awareness of flood hazards.

Should you have any queries regarding this matter or wish to clarify how this may affect any previous advice provided by Council regarding flood storage development controls, it is recommended that you contact Councils Group Leader Development and Compliance via the email stated above to arrange an online meeting.

Quick Links - DCP 2017 Chapters:

Extract - Chapter 1, Single Dwelling(PDF, 265KB)

Extract - Chapter 2, Multiple Dwelling Housing(PDF, 2MB)

Extract - Chapter 3, Subdivision(PDF, 231KB)

Extract - Chapter 4, Tourist Development(PDF, 145KB)

Extract - Chapter 5, Carparking and Vehicular Access(PDF, 190KB)

Extract - Chapter 6, Preservation of Trees and Vegetation(PDF, 163KB)

Extract - Chapter 7, Advertising Signage(PDF, 300KB)

Extract - Chapter 8, Flood and Riverine Processes(PDF, 690KB)

Extract - Chapter 9, Landscaping Requirements(PDF, 159KB)

Extract - Chapter 10, On Site Sewage Management(PDF, 114KB) 

Extract - Chapter 12, Stormwater(PDF, 142KB)

Extract - Chapter 13, Universal Housing(PDF, 94KB)

Extract - Chapter 14 - Site Waste Minimisation and Management(PDF, 252KB)

Extract - Chapter 15, Heritage(PDF, 638KB)

Extract - Chapter 16, Koala Habitat Protection(PDF, 933KB)

Extract - Chapter 17, North Bellingen Urban Release Area(PDF, 451KB)

This is the sole DCP that regulates development in Bellingen Shire and is the culmination of a comprehensive review of the Bellingen Shire DCP 2010. The preparation of the DCP 2017 involved a review of DCP 2010 including an update of standards and references, removal of controls now covered by other legislation/codes/policies, a reduction of repetition and deletion or replacement of ineffective or onerous controls.