Principles of Development Control (GEPL320/420/520)

Managing development and growth in a way that uses land responsibly is essential to the future of our communities. Sustainable development doesn’t happen by accident—it requires thoughtful planning that protects natural resources while supporting the needs of growing populations.

Designed for planning students, this unit introduces one of the core areas of professional practice: development control.

Across the trimester, students will explore the institutional and legislative context in which development control operates, examine the major reform influences shaping current practice, and build practical skills in preparing development control instruments, development applications and assessment tasks.

By the end of the unit, students will have a strong grounding in the principles and processes that underpin effective development control and be better equipped to navigate real‑world planning environments with confidence.