Master planning principles

The following outlines the master planning principles:

1. Context
   New development should aim to respond to and complement the local area. 
   
   
2. Hazards
   Residential land-use is particularly sensitive to environmental constraints and risks. New development must avoid or suitably manage constraints posed by flooding (including overland stormwater flow) and bushfire hazard.
   
   
3. Road Hierarchy
   Future road alignments must respond to the topography, drainage patterns and be integrated into the existing road network.
   
   
4. Drainage
   Future development should align with stormwater flow direction and inundation to ensure that lot and road configuration facilitate efficient, resilient and cost-effective drainage outcomes.
   
   
5. Existing Buildings
   Future development must give consideration to the location of existing dwellings and building improvements, their retention will not be supported where poor planning outcomes are likely to be created.
   
   
6. Landscape and Open Space
   Development should build on natural and cultural features in responsible and creative ways, aiming to enhance microclimate, tree canopy, habitat values, neighbourhood character, privacy and amenity.
   
   
7. Road Design
   New development must be capable of being accessed in not more than three turning movements from existing and/or proposed collector roads. The use of cul-de-sacs should be avoided unless practical subdivision layouts and expected lot yields cannot be achieved using alternate designs.
   
   
8. Active Transport
   New development must make provision for active transport connections to attractors in Mudgee and Gulgong.
   
   
9. Lot Design
   Lots must be created with suitable frontage widths and depths in regular shapes. Where highly irregularly shaped lots are necessary, these are generally larger than the set minimums. 
   
   
10. Environmental Efficiency
    Subdivision layouts should allow for passive design, including building orientation for solar access.
    
    
11. Interface Management
    Development must carefully manage transition zones between residential and adjoining land-uses, to minimise land-use conflict, protect sensitive environmental and visual values, and reinforce local character.
    
    
12. Infrastructure
    Development must align with infrastructure staging logic, ensuring the infrastructure and services can be extended, maintained and ultimately replaced in a cost-effective manner. 

This process will help Council understand site capability, landowner intentions and future housing opportunities beyond those identified in the Mid-Western Region Housing Strategy.

Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Land Supply Audit does not automatically result in the inclusion of the subject land in any of Council’s strategic planning documents or future planning proposals. The EOI process is intended to identify and understand potential opportunities only.

Submissions will be assessed against these principles, along with relevant constraints and opportunities. Following this assessment, a recommendation will be made to Council on next steps. Any inclusion in future strategies or planning processes will be considered on merit and must demonstrate alignment with relevant local, regional and State planning frameworks, as well as infrastructure, environmental and servicing considerations.

Participation in the EOI process does not constitute a commitment or endorsement by Council.