Housing Themes Review

Thank you for providing feedback on this project. The elected Councillors adopted the Housing Themes Review and its recommendations on 20 May 2026, which marks the conclusion of this project.

Refer to the Housing Themes Review Policy Paper for details about these recommendations.

Project Information:

The Cessnock LGA is among the fastest growing areas in NSW with a population expected to reach approximately 112,500 by 2041. This Discussion Paper has been prepared to seek feedback from the community and other stakeholders on a number of options that Council may progress as we plan for and manage growth in our Local Government Area (LGA). The Discussion Paper forms part of our Housing Theme review.

What is the Housing Theme Review?

We’re reviewing our main planning documents – the Cessnock Local Environmental Plan (2011) and the Cessnock Development Control Plan (2010) – to make sure they are still up to date and suitable. Since these plans were created, new regional and local strategies have been introduced, like the Hunter Regional Plan 2041, the Cessnock Local Strategic Planning Statement, the Cessnock Local Housing Strategy, and the Cessnock Urban Growth Management Plan. These newer documents include housing-related actions that we have considered in this Housing Theme review.

From this review, we have made recommendations to review some of these documents and undertake further investigations to amend them in the future, as separate projects.

What is the Housing Discussion Paper About?

The Discussion Paper looks at a range of housing issues and questions based on actions from approved State, regional, and local plans. Some of these apply to the whole local area, while others focus on certain places or zones. Each topic is explored in five steps:

1. Pointing out the action that led Council to look at the issue

2. Giving background information about it

3. Exploring possible ways to address it

4. Summarising the options we want your feedback on

5. Showing the recommended option (in some cases)

What is the Housing Themes Review Policy Paper?

Using the feedback received during the public exhibition period of the Discussion Paper, along with further investigations into them, Council prepared the Policy Paper, including an implementation plan. The Policy Paper sets Council’s policy positions on the housing considerations (Discussion Paper) and make recommendations to achieve them.

The recommendations will be implemented separately, with further public consultation and reporting to occur in the future.

Important Documents

• Housing Themes Review Policy Paper (Adopted)
• Housing Themes Review Submissions Review Report

How to make a submission

This project will be on public exhibition from Wednesday 30 July 2025 to 4pm Wednesday 24 September 2025 and submissions are invited from the community.

You can make a submission using the online form located below or by clicking this link.

Written submissions should be addressed to The General Manager and will be accepted up until 4.00pm on Wednesday 24 September 2025 via:

• Email to council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au ;
• In person: over the counter at Cessnock City Council Administration building: 62-78 Vincent St, Cessnock NSW 2325
• Post to PO Box 152, CESSNOCK NSW 2325