Some proposed plans receive thousands of submissions (including further submissions), addressing numerous issues and parts of a proposed plan. The management of submissions is a critical part of the proposed plan preparation process - good practice can facilitate the decision-making process, as well as making it easier for everyone involved.
The format and provisions required by mandatory directions in the national planning standards (planning standards) in a proposed plan or policy statement cannot be changed through the submissions process. This includes some definitions, the range and names of plan chapters, sections, zones, where provisions are located and how they are displayed. However, it is likely that councils will still receive submissions on matters that cannot be changed due to the mandatory direction in the planning standards. Council officers will need to address these submissions in their reports and may also need to address these at hearings. For more information, see the planning standards webpage.
