The new LEP would see changes to land zoning and planning controls throughout the shire and contained provisions for minimum lot sizes for subdivision, maximum floor space and height controls, land acquisition for the Muswellbrook bypass and listing of new heritage items and conservation areas.

Muswellbrook council’s assistant director of environmental services Peter Jeuken said 77 submissions had been received during the public exhibition period. “The submissions have been very useful and generally well prepared,” Mr Jeuken said.

“At the moment we are in the process of reviewing and considering them and they will then be the subject of a report back to council.”

When asked if he felt the community had become involved with the process, Mr Jeuken said the purpose of the exhibition period of the LEP was to alert interested people of the draft plan.

He said the responses received reflected that the community exhibition process was working.

The shire’s current LEP has been in place since 1985 and has been under review for several years.

In May, Mr Jeuken said the draft had involved a significant amount of work by council staff.

“Council staff have also undertaken work to expand upon criteria for exempt and complying development that will streamline approval processes for simple, non-controversial development,” Mr Jeuken said.

“Subject to the relevant criteria being met for certain works, council approval may not be required or a simplified approval process for works may be applied.”

The council has also adopted a draft Development Control Plan (DCP) which was on display alongside the LEP.

Final approval for the LEP must be granted by the NSW Planning Minister.