Weddings in the paddock and artisan food and drink at the farm gate are on the way. Rural landholders around Coffs Harbour now have a new path to cash in on visitors, after a rule change cleared the way for destination weddings, artisan food and drink, and tourism experiences.
City of Coffs Harbour has finalised a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) amendment that allows artisan food and drink industries and rural function centres, with development consent, in the RU2 Rural Landscape zone.
The change opens the door for carefully managed tourism and hospitality ventures that sit alongside existing farming.
Mayor Nikki Williams said it would give rural landholders more flexibility while keeping strong protections for agricultural land, rural amenity, and the environment.
“While specific endeavours will require development consent, this clears a path for rural landholders to innovate and in turn support the growth of agritourism and visitor experiences which showcase the unique character of the Coffs Coast,” Mayor Williams said.
“It strikes an appropriate balance between encouraging economic opportunities in rural areas and ensuring development remains small-scale, low-impact and compatible with surrounding land uses.”
At its meeting on 23 October last year, the council voted to send its planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for gateway determination, and this has now been ratified.
Land identified as important farmland under the North Coast Regional Plan 2041 is excluded.
New chapters in the Coffs Harbour Development Control Plan 2015 give detailed guidance for future developments, and a new LEP clause sets development standards and matters for consideration.
City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the clause was there to make sure proposals did not harm rural amenity, agricultural production, biodiversity values, or environmental outcomes.
Landholders will still need development consent, and will have to meet criteria on traffic, noise, waste management, and hours of operation, as well as fitting in visually with the local landscape.
There are firm limits, too. Artisan food and drink businesses will be capped at a dining floor area of 120 square metres to protect the rural character of the area.
Rural function centres will face strict operating controls, including:
- a maximum of 30 operating days in any 12-month period
- no more than one event per weekend
- a maximum of 150 guests at any event
- a ban on operating as convention centres, exhibition centres, or venues for music and dance festivals.
The council believes the changes will boost the local visitor economy, create new business opportunities for rural landholders, and build the region’s reputation as a sought-after destination for agricultural and nature-based experiences.
“The amendment aims to support destination weddings, farm-based tourism and other compatible rural enterprises while ensuring developments remain appropriate for their rural setting,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
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