Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL420
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information

Understanding how to manage development and growth in regards to land usage is critical for our future societies. In order to have sustainable growth and protect our natural resources, careful planning must be undertaken.
Intended for planning students, this unit provides a grounding in one of the core areas of planning activity - development control.
In this unit you will cover the institutional context within which development control operates; the major reform influences on development control, and develop practical skills in the preparation of development control instruments, applications and assessment.
A non-mandatory intensive school is held at the commencement of the unit.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 3, Online | Non-mandatory intensive school to be held at UNE Sydney campus if sufficient students commit by the date specified by the unit coordinator. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate in depth theoretical knowledge of the operating environment of the development control task including its political, institutional, legislative and policy environment at a local, state and national level;
- critically analyse the latest developments and theoretical underpinnings of development assessment and development control, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
- undertake critical evaluation and assessment of applications; and
- demonstrate autonomous competency and judgement in the preparation of applications and development control instruments.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Research report and interactive oral discussion Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 3000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Intensive School task or an individual project No. Words: 3000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
AMCORD: A National Resource Document for Residential Subdivison. Vol. 1
Commonwealth of Australia, UNE Reprint
Text refers to: All offerings
AMCORD: A National Resource Document for Residential Subdivision. Vol. 2
Commonwealth of Australia, UNE Reprint
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Users Guide to Designing and Implementing Performance
Jensen, P., UNE Reprint
Text refers to: All offerings
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