ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING • NORTHERN RIVERS NSW

Land Use Conflict Risk Assessments

Independent, site-specific assessment of potential conflict between proposed development and surrounding rural, agricultural, industrial and environmental land uses.

Byron Environmental Consulting prepares Land Use Conflict Risk Assessments for development applications, subdivisions, dwelling sites and changes of land use across the Northern Rivers.

Our assessments combine detailed site investigation, spatial analysis and practical environmental health expertise to identify potential impacts and develop proportionate mitigation measures that support informed planning decisions.

When is a LUCRA required?

A Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment may be required where a proposed development could be affected by an existing neighbouring land use—or where the proposal may create new impacts for surrounding properties.

Council may request a LUCRA during the development application process, particularly where recommended separation distances cannot be achieved or where sensitive development is proposed near established rural, agricultural, industrial or waste-management activities.

Rural and residential subdivisions

  1. New dwellings or relocated dwelling sites

  2. Boundary adjustments creating additional development potential

  3. Tourist accommodation and rural tourism

  4. Development near intensive agriculture or horticulture

  5. Development near livestock operations, industry or waste facilities

  6. Changes of use introducing sensitive receptors

  7. Proposals involving reduced separation distances

  8. Responses to Council requests for additional information

Why engage an Environmental Health Scientist?

A LUCRA is more than a planning statement or desktop review of separation distances. It requires an understanding of how environmental health impacts may arise, travel through the environment and affect people using the proposed development.

As an Environmental Health Scientist, Taisa Baars assesses the practical pathways through which surrounding activities may create conflict—including noise, odour, dust, agricultural spray drift, traffic, lighting, bioaerosols, pests and other amenity or health-related impacts.

Each assessment considers the actual site conditions, including topography, prevailing winds, vegetation, drainage, operating activities, separation distances, sensitive receptors and the proposed use of the land. These factors are then brought together through a structured risk assessment to determine whether impacts can be appropriately avoided or managed

The town planner coordinates the development application. The LUCRA provides the specialist environmental health evidence needed to assess and manage potential land-use conflict.

Byron Environmental Consulting works collaboratively with town planners, architects, ecologists, engineers, developers and property owners to identify practical, defensible solutions that can be incorporated into the development design and submitted to Council.