2.15 Social Impact Assessment
Part 2 – General Considerations for Development
This section outlines the requirements for a Social Impact Statement (SIS). A SIS helps Council understand how a development will affect the local community. It identifies potential benefits and risks to ensure that new projects support a diverse, inclusive, and socially sustainable Inner West.
When is a Statement Required?
A SIS is to be submitted with a Development Application (DA) for:
- Loss of Housing: Any project that reduces the total number of dwellings on a site, with the exception of applications for demolition of a single dwelling.
- Licensed Premises: New or expanded/intensified Pubs, Small Bars, Registered Clubs, and Artisan Food and Drink industries.
- Specialised Uses: Restricted premises and Sex Services premises.
- Council Request: Council may require a SIS for any other development if it is likely to have a significant impact on the surrounding locality or households.
Objectives
Community Well-being and Benefit: To ensure development contributes positively to the social fabric of the Inner West by delivering clear community benefits while identifying and mitigating potential adverse impacts on residents and stakeholders.
Equity and Inclusion: To ensure the provision of housing, services, and facilities meets community needs in an equitable and inclusive manner, supporting a diverse population across all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Transparency and Evidence-Based Design: To ensure that developments with the potential for significant social change are supported by a transparent, evidence-based Social Impact Statement that justifies the proposal's location and operation.
Safety and Social Accountability: To promote a safe and accountable public environment where the operation of specialised or licensed premises does not compromise the security, health, or amenity of the surrounding locality.
Minimisation of Social Displacement: To protect the existing social balance by ensuring that any reduction in housing or essential community services is thoroughly assessed and justified against the long-term social needs of the area.
Controls
A Social Impact Statement is to be submitted for any DA that involves:
- a)Housing Displacement: Any reduction in the total number of dwellings on a site with the exception of demolition of a single dwelling
- b)New Sensitive Land Uses: The introduction of an Artisan Food and Drink Industry, Pub, Registered Club, Restricted Premises, Sex Services Premises, or Small Bar
- c)Operational Intensity: Any increase in the approved hours of operation or maximum patron capacity for the uses listed above
- d)Discretionary Request: Any other development where Council determines the proposal is likely to have a significant social impact on the local community
All Social Impact Statements are to be prepared by a suitably qualified professional and include, as a minimum:
- a)Impact Analysis: A detailed assessment of both positive social benefits (e.g. job creation, improved local amenity) and negative social risks (e.g. noise, safety, loss of affordable housing)
- b)Stakeholder Engagement: Evidence of community consultation undertaken prior to lodgement, including a summary of feedback from key stakeholders and affected neighbours
- c)Housing & Equity (Key Workers): A thorough analysis of how the proposal affects the availability of housing for key workers and low-income households, specifically addressing the risk of social displacement
- d)Mitigation & Management Plan: A clear set of strategies to address identified negative impacts, including ongoing management measures (e.g. Plan of Management) to ensure the development remains socially sustainable