eDCP
We've developed an online guide to assist with viewing individual sections of the DCP and specific controls in your suburb
Feedback dates
Council has developed the draft Inner West Development Control Plan (IWDCP). It provides detailed planning controls to support the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (IWLEP 2022). The IWDCP contains objectives and controls for things like:
- Building design and layout
- Sunlight and ventilation
- Car parking
These controls guide the design of developments across the Inner West.
We're now seeking your feedback on the draft IWDCP.
As part of the engagement, Council have developed an electronic version of the IWDCP known as the eDCP. You can access it through a link below.
Alongside the IWDCP, Council is also asking for feedback on the Solar Panels Policy. This policy outlines when solar panels can be installed on street facing roofs of buildings in Heritage Conservation Areas.
Contact
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Name | Inner West Planning |
|---|---|
| Phone | (02) 9392 5851 |
| planning@innerwest.nsw.gov.au |
Project stages
Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
28 April 2026
Council resolution to undertake community consultation
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Timeline item 2 - active
13 May 2026 – 28 June 2026
Engagement period
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Timeline item 3 - incomplete
Mid to late 2026
Report summarising the feedback received will be prepared and presented to Council for consideration.
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Timeline item 4 - incomplete
Late 2026
Finalise and Publish DCP
Frequently asked questions
What happens next?
After the public exhibition, a report including your feedback will be presented to Council for consideration. Everyone who provided feedback will be informed when the report will be considered by Council.
Project background
At its meeting in April 2026, Council resolved to place the IWDCP and Solar Panels Policy on exhibition.
The IWDCP will replace three separate Development Control Plans that came from the former Councils of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield:
- Marrickville Development Control Plan 2011
- Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013
- Comprehensive Inner West Development Control Plan 2016 (Ashfield)
In April 2026, Council resolved to place the IWDCP and Solar Panels Policy on exhibition, this policy allow for solar panels to be installed on the front roof of heritage homes in the Inner West if they're done carefully.
That Council notes the existing Development Control Plans (DCPs) are criticised for being overly complicated, archaic, and difficult to interpret.
- That Council reviews and consolidates the three existing Development Control Plans...
- That Council develops the new DCP as a principles and objectives-based instrument...
- That Council incorporates the Design Guide and all previous Council resolutions...
- That Council examine the integration of the State Government’s new pattern book designs...
- That Council allocate the DCP review and consolidation as the first and priority project...
- That Council notes that the objectives of this DCP are to support high-quality, sustainable development outcomes and:
- Reduce the number of matters proceeding to the Land and Environment Court;
- Provide greater certainty for residents and applicants;
- Streamline development assessment processes; and
- Ensure consistency across the LGA.
- That Council brings back a draft DCP to the April 2026 Council meeting for review prior to community consultation.
1. That Council endorse the draft Inner West Development Control Plan and Solar Panels Policy on front roof planes in Heritage Conservation Areas for a 28-day consultation period in accordance with the requirements of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
2. That the community consultation of the draft Inner West Development Control Plan be undertaken as outlined in this report and include:
a) Newsletter notification to the whole LGA;
b) At least two targeted feedback sessions with industry professionals; and
c) A ‘meet the planner’ community drop-in session.
3. That Council delegate authority to the Director Planning to make any minor changes to correct any omissions, errors or inconsistencies to the draft Inner West Development Control Plan prior to exhibition.
4. That Council receive a post exhibition report for its consideration.
Exhibition materials
Inner West Development Control Plan
The Inner West DCP is structured in five parts. Part 1 outlines the purpose, application and use of the IWDCP. Parts 2 to 4 contain the objectives and controls that apply to development and land use applications, with the general controls contained in Part 2, land use specific controls in Part 3 and neighbourhood specific controls in Part 4. Definitions and abbreviations are contained in Part 5.
More information can be found below along with links to view and download each section of the IWDCP.
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Contents and Using the DCP
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General Considerations for Development
Provides guidance for matters which will generally apply to all, or a large sub-set of, applications e.g. stormwater management, heritage, biodiversity, transport, amenity, waste management etc
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Land Use Controls
Provides guidance for matters which apply to certain types of development e.g. residential, mixed use, commercial etc. The provisions in this Part override similar provisions in Part 2
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Place Specific Controls (1 of 2)
Provides neighbourhood specific guidance for development.
The provisions in this Part override similar provisions in Parts 2 and 3 where there is conflict
This includes suburbs alphabetically from
4.1 – Annandale Neighbourhood to 4.12 - Hurlstone Park and Ashbury Neighbourhood
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Place Specific Controls (2 of 2)
Provides neighbourhood specific guidance for development.
The provisions in this Part override similar provisions in Parts 2 and 3 where there is conflict
This includes suburbs alphabetically from
4.13 – Leichhardt Neighbourhood to 4.24 - Tempe Neighbourhood
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Definitions and Abbreviations
Inner West Solar Panels Policy
The solar panels policy allows solar panels to be installed on homes in all suburbs, including conservation areas without a full development application, as long as clear design rules are met.
It recognises that many heritage homes don’t have suitable rear roof space, so front‑facing panels are sometimes the only practical option and can be supported when well designed.
The policy supports practical climate action, lower energy bills and fairer access to solar, while respecting Inner West heritage.
Attend a Speak with a Planner drop-in session
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Leichhardt Service Centre lobby
Date: Monday 15 June 2026
Time: 6-8pm
Location: 7-15 Wetherill St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
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Balmain Library - Uncle Bob Webb Chambers
Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
Time: 5pm-7pm
Location: 370 Darling St, Balmain 2041
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Ashfield Service Centre - Activity Room 3 and 4
Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Time: 1-3pm
Location: 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield 2131
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Marrickville Pavilion Hall
Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Time: 6-8pm
Location: 313 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
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Newtown Pride Centre - Pride Square Meeting Room
Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: 1 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042
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Online DCP Webinar
Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
Time: 12:00-1pm
Have your say
You can also provide feedback by:
- Completing the survey below
- Emailing to planning@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
- Mailing to Inner West Council, PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049, c/o Strategic Planning
Other ways to provide feedback:
- Call a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm and provide our phone number 02 9392 5851.
- Free Interpreter call TIS National on 131 450
- Voice relay call 1300 555 727
- TTY call 133 677
- SMS relay call 0423 677 767
Last day to provide feedback is Sunday, 28 June 2026.
