Planning changes instantly unlocks 2,500 Western Sydney homes

Planning changes instantly unlocks 2,500 Western Sydney homes
Jennifer DukeAugust 11, 2014

Planning policy changes have allowed 2,500 Western Sydney home sites to be instantly brought online, according to Minister for Planning Pru Goward.

Yesterday, Property Observer wrote that multi-storey residential towers are expected to be built in many parts of Sydney as numerous areas undergo a rezoning. Community pushback to development applications are likely.

The changes to the Growth Centres State Environmental Planning Policy are expected to bring greater diversity, affordability and meet the needs of the growing population in the area, said Goward.

“The changes mean a Western Sydney home buyer will have more choice of home type, and may also save up to 10% on the cost of their new home,” she said.

“The NSW government has accelerated the release of land to keep up with demand, and now we are providing more choices and allowing for more affordable options for Western Sydney families.”

The amendment allows smaller lot sizes, and medium density builds, that Goward believes will keep house and land packages under $400,000.

Growth Centres will now face the same planning controls, as well as a faster subdivision and home building approval process.

The changes will permit townhouse and villa-style housing, detached homes on a number of lot sizes, detached dwellings on small lots in medium density zones and studio dwellings to be strata subdivided from the main house so they can be sold as a separate dwelling.

Standardised minimum lot sizes, new approval pathways, standards for subdivision and house design and more opportunities to use the 10 day approval process for new homes on smaller lots have also been introduced.

“New suburbs in Western Sydney are expected to be home to half a million people over the next 25 years so it’s crucial for us to get the planning right now,” Goward said.

“This good future planning is supported by the NSW government’s record investment in transport infrastructure servicing these areas through the North West and South West Rail Links and work to complete Sydney’s motorway network.”  

Jennifer Duke

Jennifer Duke was a property writer at Property Observer

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