Van Laeren Planning

Catherine Van Laeren has a broad experience across NSW in both state and local government. Specialising in:

Planning for new communities, subdivisions and residential development in Western Sydney in the growth areas.
Planning and master planning in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis
Government liaison and process
Local government and the development assessment process.

A strategic approach to explore opportunities and navigate complex issues, the planning system and government to get a balanced outcome.

Over the past 30 years, Catherine has worked in both local and state government in senior leadership roles. Catherine was responsible for the delivery of plans for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and was the creator of the master plan process for the Aerotropolis. Catherine also led the team that delivered the plans for the growth areas of Western Sydney. This experience provides a unique insight into the planning framework and the opportunities that exist within the plans.

During her career she has become an accomplished senior leader with extensive experience in collaborative stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and developing high performing teams. These collaborations provide invaluable networks and understanding of processes that impact the delivery of development.

With over 20 years experience of experience in local government Catherine can draw on a deep understanding local government to navigate and negotiate a balanced outcome.

Experience

Executive Director NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Western Sydney Aerotropolis including Technical Assurance Panels for master plans.

Covering over 1,000 hectares, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a new economic centre surrounding the Nancy Bird Walton Airport. In formulating the State Environment Planning Policy and Western Sydney Aerotropolis Precinct Plan Catherine has gained a valuable insight into the planning framework. The formulation of these plans involved extensive consultation with government agencies, industry and the community. To implement the plans on a precinct scale and increase access to complying development Catherine created the master plan process including the supporting Technical Assurance Panel. This panel allows developers and their consultants to work in collaboration to create master plans that included a complying development code for the precinct.

Growth Areas of Western Sydney including Wilton, Greater Macarthur

Wilton – Catherine led the formulation of the Wilton Growth Area Development Control Plan and the rezoning of the Wilton Town Centre. The town centre will include about 1,600 new homes, a site for a new school and a major retail and commercial centre to provide jobs and services to the Wollondilly area.
Greater Macarthur – Catherine managed the formulation of the Greater Macarthur Structure Plan and rezoning of significant precincts within the area including the Technical Assurance Panel that supported the rezoning. The plans for Greater Macarthur will protect important koala corridors through the growth area while delivering approximately 21,000 homes.

Glenfield

Led the rezoning of Glenfield to enable up to 7,000 homes and 2,900 jobs and shared community playing fields. The rezoning incorporates 5% affordable housing. The precinct will include a new vibrant town centre with access to the Glenfield station.

Planning proposals

Catherine has been responsible for the assessment of a wide range of planning proposal across the whole of Greater Sydney.

Stakeholder engagement

Liaison with state agencies and community consultation.

Director Planning – Mid-Western Regional Council

Strategic planning for rural areas and towns.
Development assessment
Community consultation
Executive leadership.