A new planning proposal has sparked community discussion, with some wondering if it signals a shift in development in Kiama’s Urban Release Areas.

However, those familiar with the process see it as a necessary correction to a past zoning issue rather than a policy change.

The Post-Gateway Planning Proposal Report – KLEP 2011 Amendment (Saddleback Mountain Road, Kiama & Weir Street, Kiama Heights), otherwise known as PP-2024-2097, is now on public exhibition for feedback.

Back in July 2022, Kiama’s Urban Release Area was established, rezoning land for residential use. In the process, two 20-hectare parcels (Lot 101 and Lot 102) were split between urban zoning and their original rural/conservation zoning.

In July 2022, Kiama’s Urban Release Area was established, rezoning land for residential use. In the process, two 20-hectare parcels (Lot 101 and Lot 102) were split between urban zoning and their original rural/conservation zoning. For more information visit here

This has created an administrative challenge, as Kiama’s Local Environmental Plan does not currently allow for the separation of these parcels since the remaining rural portions are smaller than the 40-hectare minimum lot size.

To prevent similar issues in future rezonings, Council and the Department of Planning are now applying this planning proposal LGA-wide.

Currently, the only identified URA in the LEP is the South Kiama URA. However, the Local Housing Strategy, which is also being presented at the February 2025 Council meeting, will identify potential future URAs.

One key reason for this broader application is that planning zone boundaries do not always align with property title boundaries.

Sometimes, a zone boundary can split a parcel of land, leaving part of it zoned for urban use while the rest remains rural or conservation land. This can create legal and logistical difficulties for landowners.

By making this PP apply LGA-wide, future rezonings won’t leave landowners in limbo simply because the leftover portion of their property does not meet the minimum lot size required for subdivision.

The proposal does not alter the minimum lot size required to construct dwellings on rural or environmental land—it only allows for subdivision to align zoning boundaries more effectively.

For those concerned about further expansion of residential development, the key takeaways are:

✅ No new land is being rezoned—this is about refining an existing zoning issue, not expanding development.

✅ No extra residential lots are being created—the number of homes planned remains unchanged since 2022.

✅ It is a technical adjustment to ensure zoning processes are clearer and more effective for landowners.

There are also some minor technical adjustments within the Urban Release Areas, possibly related to creek lines, but these do not significantly alter the planning framework.

Importantly, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has reviewed the proposal and raised no concerns.

This proposal highlights the importance of effective long-term planning to ensure zoning decisions remain practical and fair.

The Planning Proposal is open for public comment until March 2, 2025, and community members can view the documents and submit feedback via Kiama Council’s website.

Planning Proposal - Urban Release Area Clause | Kiama Council's Your Say platform

Urban Release Area - minimum lot size variation clause | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment

While technical in nature, this highlights the importance of thorough planning processes to prevent landowners from being caught in bureaucratic roadblocks. Does this proposal simply correct an old zoning mistake, or does it reveal deeper issues in the planning system? Let us know your thoughts.