Planning Permits in Inner West Council

Inner West is a high-amenity inner-Sydney LGA formed in 2016 from the merger of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils. Predominantly heritage-rich Federation and Victorian housing stock with significant medium-density and new apartment activity along train corridors.

Key Suburbs

Area Statistics

184,893

Population

79,842

Dwellings

36

Median Age

Source: ABS Census 2021

Planning Characteristics

Three legacy LEPs (Ashfield 2013, Leichhardt 2013, Marrickville 2011) progressively being consolidated into a single Inner West LEP. Heritage Conservation Areas dominate residential character. Stage 2 LMR catchment captures Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Lewisham. Council has retained dual-occupancy controls under cl 4.1A in some zones.

Common Planning Zones

R1General Residential
R2Low Density Residential
R3Medium Density Residential
R4High Density Residential
B2Local Centre (legacy)
B4Mixed Use (legacy)

Common Constraints & Overlays

Planning Scheme

Each NSW council's controls live in two documents: a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) hosted on the NSW Legislation site, and a Development Control Plan (DCP) on the council's own planning page. State-level controls (SEPPs) apply on top — see our SEPPs & overlays guide.

Objecting to a development in Inner West Council

Worried about a development application in Inner West Council? While an application is on public notice or exhibition, anyone affected can lodge an objection — a formal submission or representation to the council — putting your planning concerns on the record before the decision is made. Our New South Wales guide walks through your rights, what counts as a valid planning ground, and the timeframes; and if a decision goes the wrong way, how to appeal it at the tribunal.

Not sure if your concerns count? Run the free Objection Grounds Check for an instant read of which are valid planning grounds — then turn it into a formal objection from $99.

Need Planning Help in Inner West?

For complex matters in Inner West we refer to a friendly NSW partner consultancy. Or use our AI tools (free Property Snapshot, Planning Report $39) for self-serve analysis.

Talk to a NSW Planner

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