A development control plan (DCP) provides detailed planning controls that support the Local Environmental Plan (LEP). They contain objectives and controls for things like:
• Building design and layout
• Sunlight and ventilation
• Car parking
These controls help guide how development should be designed and assessed.
Why we’re doing this
Creating a single DCP will:
• Simplify the planning system for homeowners and small‑scale developers
Which DCPs apply now?
The Inner West LEP 2022 applies across the Inner West Local Government Area
These DCPs also apply:
• Marrickville DCP 2011
• Leichhardt DCP 2013
• Inner West DCP 2016 (Ashfield area)
What is changing?
The Inner West DCP 2026 will replace the current DCPs with one consistent set of planning controls.
A new online interactive DCP has been created to make it easier to navigate and understand controls.
We’re replacing all of these, with this
• Support consistent and efficient assessment of development applications
• Update planning controls so they:
- Reflect current best practice Align with Council policies Meet current planning legislation requirements
Home Renovations and New Homes
We’re delivering one clear set of rules for home renovations across the Inner West
Allowing for innovation
• Flexible
• Respect for local character
• Creative, diverse building design
• Setbacks based on context
New development protects amenity
• Good sunlight access
• Privacy for residents
• Usable outdoor areas
• Room for trees to grow
Simpler to build granny flats
New controls will make it simpler to deliver additional housing by:
• Removing on-site parking requirements for granny flats (secondary dwellings)
• Allowing up to two storeys on rear lanes
Why this matters
• Clear controls protect neighbourhood amenity and give certainty for homeowners, neighbours and applicants
• Increases housing diversity and choice, supporting a growing population without changing neighbourhood character
Our Climate Response
Solar Panels in all Suburbs
We’re developing a new policy alongside the DCP
• No DA required
• All conservation areas included
This policy helps balance:
• Climate action and lower energy bills
• Protecting the character of heritage neighbourhoods
Why does this policy exist?
• Many heritage homes don’t have good back roof options for solar.
• This policy recognises that front roof panels are sometimes the only practical choice — and supports their use when designed well.
If your proposal meets the rules, you can apply for a:
• Heritage Exemption Certificate (HEC)
• No full development application
• Faster approval
• You must get written approval before works start
Other initiatives
• All electric buildings
• New car parking to be EV ready
Why this matters
This policy helps the Inner West to:
• Act on climate change
• Improve energy affordability
• Energy efficient buildings
• Encourages green walls and green roofs
• Protect our shared heritage
• Make solar fairer and more accessible It’s about practical climate action that respects our past.
Place and Country
Place Specific Controls
Part 4 of the Inner West DCP is organised by suburb, ensuring development responds to local conditions and identity. Each suburb includes guidance on:
• Aboriginal cultural heritage
• Existing character
• Desired future character
• Site specific precincts
• Heritage Conservation Areas
Planning starts with Country
• All planning and design in the Inner West begin with an understanding of Place — and of Country as the foundation of Place.
• Country is living, interconnected and enduring. Planning must recognise this first, and respond to local cultural, environmental and historical contexts before considering built form.
Why this matters
• Gadigal and Wangal people have lived on, cared for and been shaped by this Country for millennia
• Caring for Country is a cultural obligation for future generations
• Local character gives the Inner West it’s unique identify
Respecting Heritage and Local Character
Protecting heritage and local character, while enabling sensitive change.
Heritage conservation
Planning controls are tailored to the unique history and character of each area and focus on retaining and restoring key features, including:
• Building form and roofs
• Materials and colour scheme’s
• Facades, windows and doors
• Shopfronts and awnings
• Balconies, chimneys and decorative details
Why this matters
• Protect our heritage for future generations
• Support more housing that fits local character
Managing change around heritage
The DCP includes transition controls to ensure new development near heritage is compatible in scale, form and appearance, helping protect heritage significance while allowing appropriate change.
• Allow change without losing historical identity
• Help buildings adapt to climate change
A Holistic Approach to Parking
Parking and property access are planned together to put people and safety first, support walking, cycling and public transport, while providing parking where it’s genuinely needed.
What this achieves
• Safer, more walkable neighbourhoods
• Parking for those who need it
• More affordable homes
How parking is managed
The DCP takes a location based approach:
• Properties closer to public transport can provide less parking
• Properties further away have more requirements to provide parking
Protections for existing residents
• Resident parking schemes expanded
• Homes near public transport designed for people who walk, cycle or use public transport
Supporting modern transport choices
• Better travel options walking and cycling links make it easier to reach public transport
• End of trip facilities new buildings include bike parking, showers and change rooms
• Ready for Electric Vehicles – new parking spaces must be EV ready
Why this makes sense
• Fairer — not everyone owns a car
• More affordable — less parking lowers costs
• Oversupply encourages driving
• Builds on Leichhardt DCP 2013 and Our Fairer Future
We want your input on our plan for managing parking access
How to Have Your Say
For more information
Call
(02) 9392 5851
View:
Hard copies of all documents are available at all Inner West Council Service Centres
Drop-in:
Attend a Speak with a Planner Drop in session
Leichhardt Service Centre - lobby 6pm 8pm, Monday 15 June 2026
Balmain Library - Uncle Bob Webb Chambers
5pm 7pm, Wednesday 17 June 2026
Ashfield Service Centre - Activity Room 3 and 4
1 3pm, Thursday 18 June 2026
Marrickville Pavilion Hall 6 8pm, Thursday 18 June 2026
Newtown Pride Centre - Pride Square Meeting Room 11am 1pm, Saturday 20 June 2026
Online DCP Webinar
12pm 1pm, Wednesday 17 June
Submissions close Sunday 28 June 2026
To make a submission
Email planning@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Visit www.yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au or scan the QR code
Post
Mail to Inner West Council, PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049, c/o Strategic Planning
Next steps
Submission period concludes
Submissions analysed, and a report summarising the feedback will be presented to Council for consideration.
