BILS Area 5
Introduction
This website provides a concise summary of the BILS Area 5 planning process, the site and the proponent’s vision — offering answers to any questions the community might have. It summarises the rezoning already approved, the subdivision DA now under assessment, and the Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) now on public exhibition (24 Oct–23 Nov 2025), so the community can have visibility on where the project is at and understand what comes next.
Executive Summary
On 30 May 2025, Council rezoned 6.5 ha at 66 The Saddle Road, Brunswick Heads for employment uses, with Work–Live permissible within the E3 zone. Work–Live combines workspace with limited on-site living for proprietors or employees — supporting and facilitating small enterprises while not adding general housing yield, staying true to the intent of the zoning.
Right now, two things are happening:
A subdivision DA is under assessment to set boundaries and access.
A site-specific Development Control Plan (DCP) to set detailed rules to guide future development is now on public exhibition (24 Oct-23 Nov 2025).
No buildings or construction works are approved yet; those will come later as part of future development applications (DA).
Information on the Planning Proposal (approved), the Subdivision DA (under assessment), and the Draft DCP (on exhibition) can be found under the Planning tab above.
Images: below area a selection of reference images to help convey the scale, architectural language and material palette anticipated for the built form.
Vision
To achieve economic security, create purposeful jobs, support social and environmental sustainability, and foster a vibrant, resilient community that balances human needs with ecological integrity in the Byron Shire.
Aims
To create a regionally significant, sustainable employment hub that addresses commercial space shortages, fosters innovation, and creates diverse opportunities. The proposal aligns with doughnut economics principles, ensuring balanced growth, environmental stewardship, and thriving communities within the planet's ecological limits.
Opportunity
The site offers a unique chance to advance the business and light industrial sectors, promoting innovation while upholding social and environmental responsibility. This project could serve as a precedent for sustainable development practices across the Shire, integrating community and ecological values.
Location
Lot / Plan
Lot 2 in DP 1159910
Area
Site - 52.13 hectares.
BILS development - 6.5 hectares.
Location
BILS Area 5, Gulgan North
66 The Saddle Road
Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
The site is strategically located to the north of the Byron Shire with direct access to the Pacific Motorway (M1). The site is:
6 minutes by car to Brunswick Heads
9 minutes by car to Mullumbimby
16 minutes by car to Byron Bay
30 minutes by car to Ballina airport
Map: shows the location of Lot 2 DP 1159910 in red, relative to the M1 Pacific Highway, Brunswick Heads (northeast) and Mullumbimby (west). The BILS Area 5 portion of the site is highlighted in light grey.
The Site
Details
The subject site, Lot 2 DP 1159910, covers 52.13 hectares of hilly, degraded farmland and has an irregular shape. It is divided into four parts with frontages to The Saddle Road, Gulgan Road, Bashforths Lane, the Pacific Motorway, and an unnamed road that links to Tweed Street on the east. The actual BILS development area is just 6.5 hectares.
Considerations
Site planning considerations include: climatic conditions, vegetation canopy cover, steep slopes, eroded slopes, drainage corridors and dams, rocky outcrops, dip site, the extent of flooding, views, traffic noise, and utility services corridor.
Image (left): Aerial image of the site with boundaries shown in red. The BILS Area 5 precincts are highlighted in blue.
Images (below): A selection of images from the site showing its current condition.
People
The companies and individuals behind-the-scenes developing, consulting to and advising on the proposal(s).
Creative Capital
Development managers
Planners North
Town planning advice
Balanced Advice
Town planning advice
Simpson & Wilson
Architecture and urban design advice
INGEN Consulting
Civil and traffic engineering advice
Australian Bushfire Consulting Group Pty Limited
Bushfire planning and management
Bower Ecology
Biodiversity and ecological management
Across The Line Consulting
Environmental science and community consultation advice
Landscape Workshop
Landscape architectural advice
John Allen & Associates
Agricultural capability advice
Tim Fitzroy & Associates
Land use conflict risk assessment advice
Contaminated Site Investigation Australia
Preliminary site assessment
Everick Heritage
Cultural heritage advice
Timeline