New planning laws introduced to NSW parliament will deliver a faster, more streamlined approach to development, the government says.
Under the proposed changes, Planning Minister Brad Hazzard says councils and communities will be able to "set the scene" for how their neighbourhood should look, by coming up with a particular code for an area upfront.
If a proposed development then fits within the agreed code, it won't be subject to community consultation.
If, however, it doesn't comply, it will.
In existing low-density residential or heritage areas, a code need not be implemented, unless the community and council wants it, Mr Hazzard said.
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But in high-growth areas where major infrastructure projects are being rolled out, such as along the North West Rail Link or WestConnex, codes will exist.
Mr Hazzard said the plans were necessary to address the state's growing population.
"The new system will deliver faster, more streamlined planning for families, saving mums and dads and small business money and time by greatly reducing assessment times for straightforward applications," he said on Tuesday.
It comes after he told parliament last month that he would be delaying the introduction of the long-touted planning reforms due to "various issues".
The initial planning proposal faced strident opposition from residents groups, environmentalists and heritage advocates who argued they cut out community control.
Mr Hazzard hopes the new system will come into effect sometime next year.
