Students
GSE 816 – Local Government Approval Process
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrew McGregor
Alison Ziller
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnvPlan or MEnvMgt or MEngMgt or MPP or PGDipPP or MEnv or GradDipEnv or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSusDev or GradCertEnvPlan or GradCertSIA or GradDipSIA
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the development approval process which is a major component of environmental planning in a statutory context. The examination will be undertaken from both theoretical and practical perspectives with a focus upon the foundation elements of environmental planning frameworks including stakeholders, assessment methods and professional planning ethics, while considering both administrative and jurisdictional contexts. This highly practical subject pays particular attention to methods of environmental assessment in development control and case studies are employed to relate theory to practice, generating professional planner practice skills for each participant.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making
- Develop an improved understanding of NSW local government law
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Gain plan reading, design and on-site planning skills.
- Analyse and critically evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment. Recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process and reflect on how personal experiences influence your own professional practice.
- Write cogent and clearly structure reports, addressing defined issues, demonstrating an understand of planning terms in both strategic and development planning
- Gain presentation skills for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors and managing interactions between stakeholders.
- Consider the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflect on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
- Gain an appreciation of the contemporary evolutionary nature of land use planning in NSW and in other jurisdictions. Develop an understanding that current decisions and framework affect sustainability outcomes and planning is a continuous activity.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| In class Quiz 07/08/2015 | 10% | 7/08/2015 |
| In class prep. SEE 08/08/2015 | 20% | 19/09/2015 |
| Attend L&E Court 18/09/2015 | 20% | 19/09/2015 |
| Written SEE Report | 50% | 16/10/2015 |
In class Quiz 07/08/2015
Due: 7/08/2015
Weighting: 10%
In Class Quiz
Day I of the course will provide content on the question , why Plan? a brief introduction to planning in New South Wales and the institutions that govern planning, for example the Strategic Objectives of the Department of Planning and Environment, the preparation of a Metropolitan Plan for Sydney.
Towards the end of the Day, there will be an in class quiz , 20 questions to test that the students have understood the content and understand the context in which local government approvals take place. The tests will be marked by their peers and will contribute 10% of the total course mark.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Analyse and critically evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment. Recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process and reflect on how personal experiences influence your own professional practice.
- Gain presentation skills for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors and managing interactions between stakeholders.
- Consider the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflect on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
In class prep. SEE 08/08/2015
Due: 19/09/2015
Weighting: 20%
Preparation of a Statement of Environmental Effectss (SEE)
The second half of the 8th August 2015 will be run as a workshop session where students will be introduced to Development Control. The latter half of the day students will be assisted to choose sites and projects, and will be guided through the methodology which will form the basis of their SEE's. The draft SEE's will be presented to the class on the 19th September 2015.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain plan reading, design and on-site planning skills.
Attend L&E Court 18/09/2015
Due: 19/09/2015
Weighting: 20%
Review of a Land Environment Court Case
We will all attend a hearing in the Land and Environment Court on the morning of the 18thSeptember 2015. There will be a number of items of the Agenda and we will jointly decided which ones to attend. On completion of the visit you are required, in the afternoon, to prepare a brief review of the case and submit to the convener of the course on the 19th of September 2015.
Your review should address the following issues:
• a brief summary of the case before the court ;
• the range of stakeholders involved and their relative standing
• an evaluation of the relative emphasis on procedural versus merit issues;
• the consideration of environmental, social and economic issues in the case.
The aim of this assessment is to assess student’s ability to critically observe and reflect on real developments and planning practice, and to prepare a succinct summary of the key issues.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making
- Develop an improved understanding of NSW local government law
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Analyse and critically evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment. Recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process and reflect on how personal experiences influence your own professional practice.
- Write cogent and clearly structure reports, addressing defined issues, demonstrating an understand of planning terms in both strategic and development planning
- Gain presentation skills for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors and managing interactions between stakeholders.
- Consider the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflect on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
- Gain an appreciation of the contemporary evolutionary nature of land use planning in NSW and in other jurisdictions. Develop an understanding that current decisions and framework affect sustainability outcomes and planning is a continuous activity.
Written SEE Report
Due: 16/10/2015
Weighting: 50%
Written Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
The SEE must include the following information:
- A legal description of your site;
- The site context and location;
- Characteristics of the site, topography etc.;
- Your proposed development;
- The statutory context ( SEPPs, LEPs DCPs );
- A reference to other specialists that may be required, for example, Architects, geologists, Landscape Architects, Arborists etc.
- An assessment of your proposed development in terms of impact, for example solar access and overshadowing, privacy,
- A comment on the merits of your proposal and how it benefits the local community.
The aim of this assessment is for students to develop practical skills in the interpretation of the regulatory environment into a real project. It will require an understanding of the legislative context, the range of impacts, and the stakeholders involved. Students will be given the opportunity to test their concepts against the current planning regime and make an assessment on likelihood of an approval.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Gain plan reading, design and on-site planning skills.
- Analyse and critically evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment. Recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process and reflect on how personal experiences influence your own professional practice.
- Gain presentation skills for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors and managing interactions between stakeholders.
- Consider the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflect on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
- Gain an appreciation of the contemporary evolutionary nature of land use planning in NSW and in other jurisdictions. Develop an understanding that current decisions and framework affect sustainability outcomes and planning is a continuous activity.
Delivery and Resources
Technology
GSE816 has a website which is accessible via ilearn.mq.edu.au. Here you can get access to unit materials, copies of PowerPoint slides, notices and a bulletin board to communicate with staff and fellow students. You should check the website regularly for messages.
Students are required to purchase a scale ruler in order to assess architectural plans - one of the skills that will be development in the unit. Please note that field visits will be planned and it would be advantageous for students to have the ability to take photographs.
Students are expected to use computers for the preparation and submission of assessments.
Lecture and Tutorial Times
GSE 816 is presented in block mode - 8 and 9 August and 18 and 19 September. Lectures and student participation activities are integrated throughout these four days. Class times are set for 9 to 4pm. However, where field trips are arranged or a guest speaker is visiting, there may be a requirement to be reasonably flexible on start and finish times. This will be confirmed in class and through iLearn announcements.
Learning and Teaching strategy
GSE816 is presented in block mode to maximise the opportunity for site visits to enhance planning profession skill learning and access to specialists in the planning field. The unit comprises lectures, workshops, site visits and assessments designed to meet the learning objectives.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
Skills exercises
Assessments
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Consider the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflect on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Assessment task
- In class prep. SEE 08/08/2015
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making
- Develop an improved understanding of NSW local government law
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Gain plan reading, design and on-site planning skills.
- Write cogent and clearly structure reports, addressing defined issues, demonstrating an understand of planning terms in both strategic and development planning
- Gain presentation skills for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors and managing interactions between stakeholders.
Assessment tasks
- In class Quiz 07/08/2015
- In class prep. SEE 08/08/2015
- Written SEE Report
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making
- Develop an improved understanding of NSW local government law
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Gain plan reading, design and on-site planning skills.
- Analyse and critically evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment. Recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process and reflect on how personal experiences influence your own professional practice.
- Gain an appreciation of the contemporary evolutionary nature of land use planning in NSW and in other jurisdictions. Develop an understanding that current decisions and framework affect sustainability outcomes and planning is a continuous activity.
Assessment task
- Attend L&E Court 18/09/2015
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Gain plan reading, design and on-site planning skills.
- Analyse and critically evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment. Recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process and reflect on how personal experiences influence your own professional practice.
- Write cogent and clearly structure reports, addressing defined issues, demonstrating an understand of planning terms in both strategic and development planning
- Gain an appreciation of the contemporary evolutionary nature of land use planning in NSW and in other jurisdictions. Develop an understanding that current decisions and framework affect sustainability outcomes and planning is a continuous activity.
Assessment task
- Attend L&E Court 18/09/2015
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Write cogent and clearly structure reports, addressing defined issues, demonstrating an understand of planning terms in both strategic and development planning
- Gain presentation skills for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors and managing interactions between stakeholders.
Assessment tasks
- In class Quiz 07/08/2015
- Attend L&E Court 18/09/2015
- Written SEE Report
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop an improved understanding of NSW local government law
- Gain an appreciation of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in development approval processes and environmental assessment in development control, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Consider the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflect on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
- Gain an appreciation of the contemporary evolutionary nature of land use planning in NSW and in other jurisdictions. Develop an understanding that current decisions and framework affect sustainability outcomes and planning is a continuous activity.