The South-East Dubbo Residential Urban Release Area Stage 1 Structure plan was approved by administrator Michael Kneipp at the May ordinary meeting of council.

"The structure planning process in this area of Dubbo considered the overall constraints associated with land in the area, development opportunities and undertook high level planning of future infrastructure required to facilitate residential development," Mr Kneipp said.

In a report to council manager city strategy services Steven Jennings said the plan had included a location for the future southern distributor, however it could change.

"The final location and nature of any southern distributor including the specific alignment through the land will be significantly impacted by the results of the traffic planning and analysis activities being undertaken by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) in respect of the LH Ford Bridge duplication," Mr Jennings said.

Preparation work would now be undertaken for the remaining lands in the subject area towards the preparation of a Stage 2 Structure Plan, he said.

"In the interim, the draft Stage 1 Structure Plan provides certainty for the developers of the Southlakes Estate and will subsequently allow for the lodgement and consideration of development applications for residential subdivision by council."

After going on public exhibition, eight submissions were received to the plan, including from the Office of Environment and Heritage, the Department of Primary Industries and RMS.