I must disagree Mark. I believe there is a genuine need for the SEPP seniors living policy. I like the fact that you have allowed for seniors living in R2 and R3 however the purpose of allowing development on the urban fringe was to encourage more affordable housing for our ageing population. I agree with making it more stringent so as to restrict a straight strata unit development on Rural land I do believe that we need to make provision for the original purpose of the SEPP 5 and SEPP seniors living that followed. I do question if the new LEP does allow for this??

Mark, I can probably shed a little more light on this matter. I understand that is not the Department of Planning's intention to grant Councils an exemption from the SEPP (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) automatically when they implement a new template LEP. Rather the SEPP will continue to apply to land zoned primarily for urban pusposes or land that adjoins such land upon which dwelling-houses, flats, hospitals and special uses are permitted uses or land used for an existing registered club, subject to other provisions of the policy. The Department of Planning Circular PS 07-016 does however indicate that all Councils will have the opportunity to seek exemption from the SEPP if they can adequately justify an exemption by demonstrating within their new principal LEP that seniors housing has been adequately provided for. Mark, could you please advise whether Council has sought such an exemption as part of its LEP process or whether it intends to do so in the future? I note that it is not currently listed under Clause 9(2) of the draft LEP.