Special development orders will no longer have to be scrutinised by MPs under legislation tabled today.

Walter Roban, the home affairs minister, tabled the Development and Planning Amendment Act 2021 which he said aims to increase environmental protection while also streamlining the planning process.

In a statement to MPs Mr Roban said that after talks with the development industry, they had expressed concerns over the issuing of SDOs, which are designed to help speed up developments.

“Therefore, this amendment seeks to revise the current process to support greater efficiency while maintaining rigorous standards,” said the minister.

He said that currently a Minister must wait until the House sits to table an SDO.

“This requirement can cause significant delay which typically equates to economic ramifications that can undermine the viability of a development.

Read more here: https://www.royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20210702/new-law-changes-way-sdos-are-approved/