Voluntary Planning Agreements

A Voluntary Planning Agreement (commonly called a VPA or planning agreement) is an agreement entered into by a planning authority, such as Lachlan Shire Council and a developer in relation to either a Planning Proposal or a Development Application.

A planning agreement is a voluntary agreement under which the developer has agreed to provide or fund public amenities or public services. This can include:

• dedication of land

• monetary contributions

• construction of public infrastructure

• provision of materials for public benefit and/or use, or

• a combination of the above

A planning agreement can either be in lieu of, or in addition to a development contribution payments and this is negotiated and specified as part of the planning agreement.

A planning agreement cannot be entered into, and a planning agreement cannot be amended or revoked, unless public notice has been given of the proposed agreement, amendment or revocation, and a copy of the proposed agreement, amendment or revocation has been available for inspection by the public for a period of not less than 28 days.