Council set to exhibit scrapped DCP

Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore has announced plans to publicly display the abandoned amendments to the city’s Development Control Plan (DCP).

The controversial measures raised the ire of many businesses when they were introduced in council last year and were revoked by the NSW Planning Minister, Tony Kelly, only one day after they were adopted.

Minister Kelly said the plans would introduce too much commercial uncertainty to businesses deriving their income from the alcohol industry.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore and has announced her intention to display the DCP publicly with a view towards reinstating them.

“The amendments to the current DCP were adopted following extensive community and industry consultation and support from residents,” she said.

“Contrary to an ugly and misleading campaign financed by a few anonymous people with industry interests, the DCP amendments had nothing to do with a blanket shut down of Sydney’s nightlife.

“Our nightlife economy is strong and I want it to stay that way. Under the DCP, many venues can operate until late. Good operators need not fear their hours will be restricted.

The amendments give council power to reduce the operating hours of venues deemed to be “poorly managed”, resulting from frequent reports of violent, anti-social behaviour resulting in attacks on patrons.

But local businesses said they would have unforseen consequences.

Speaking at the time of the amendment’s passing member of the City Liquor Accord John Francis said Council had already been proven wrong on previous occasions and the changes placed businesses in danger.

“If you get it wrong you are sending people into bankruptcy,” he said.

The DCP draft amendment changes will: “introduce reviewable conditions for hours of operations and number of persons permitted in a premise” and extended’ hours of trading will be subject to a trial period condition and/or reviewable condition.

Ms Moore states the amendments are minor and she had sought clarification from the Minister about his concerns.

“It’s been two months and we still have heard nothing,” she said.

“I am concerned he is simply bowing to pressure by vested industry interests.”

On Monday, Council’s Planning, Development and Transport Committee decided in favour of publicly exhibiting the changes ordered by the Minister.