The NSW Government has proposed radical changes to the planning system which stand to heavily impact the character and density of Naremburn. The rules that govern the R2 and R3 zones, which make up the majority of Naremburn, will be redesigned under this proposal to allow for far greater density – areas within 1.2kms of Crows Nest Metro Station will also be zoned for greater density. Submissions are due 23rd February and we strongly encourage everyone to make a submission.
The NPA held a special meeting on the 15th February to watch a Council led Webinar and then separately discuss these changes particular to Naremburn. We have invited comments from our members via the “Submission” page of our website to inform our submission. If you would like to contribute to this submission please sign up to be a member in 2024 via the front page of our website. We will be uploading our draft submission early next week to assist with guidance based on community feedback and our Q&A to Council.
In the meantime Willoughby Council’s guide and slides (below) are a good place to start. Willoughby Council will be uploading their presentation to the site below early next week. We encourage all residents of Naremburn to also make their own submission directly via the State Government Portal by the 23rd February. Please pass this information on to your friends and neighbours.
State Government Proposal and Submissions Portal – Submit by 23rd February!
Submit here under “Have your Say”:
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/diverse-and-well-located-homes
Guides
Naremburn Progress Association Guide
Please note that the information is indicative only as the State Government has not yet released exactly which streets will be impacted.
Please view this guide in conjunction with Willoughby Councils presentation which will give you the specific changes per zone under “online information session” below
https://naremburnprogress.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-22-Planning-Changes-v3.pdf
Willoughby Council’s Guide – Meeting 15th February 2024
North Sydney Council’s Guide – Meeting 14th February 2024
https://yoursay.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/housing-reform
Industry and Advocacy Group Guides For your Information
Please note these guides do not necessarily reflect the view of the association but are for your information as you formulate your own submission
Better Planning Networks Advice
The NSW Government is proposing state-wide changes to the NSW Housing Policy. It is seeking feedback from Councils and the public on the proposed housing changes by Friday 23 February 2024. BPN understands that the changes, proposed to increase housing numbers and housing types, as applied in the Policy, will override all Local Environmental Plans (LEPs). We believe they will dramatically impact on character, amenity, environment, liveability, heritage and infrastructure.
We urge interested parties to read the information available, to consult with their local Council regarding its position on the reforms, lobby State MPs and, most importantly, lodge a submission.
Low and mid-rise housing changes
The Explanation of Intended Effect is on exhibition until Friday 23
February 2024 (pdf 8MB).
The changes will:
• allow Dual occupancies in all low density residential zones (R2) across NSW on blocks of more than 450sqm.
• allow terraces, townhouses, two storey unit blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low density residential zones across the Greater Sydney region, Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra (the six cities region)
• allow mid-rise buildings (3 to 6 storey) unit blocks within 400m walking distance of a railway station or town centres in R3 medium density zones and employment zones.
• allow 4 to 5 storey buildings between 400m and 800m of a railway station or a town centre.
• reduce requirements for deep soil landscaping and tree targets from 50% to 7% in mid -rise housing (3-6 storey housing).
All information about the proposed changes are on the NSW Government website, along with information about how to make a submission, and an online form for enquiries regarding the proposed changes.
I strongly object to the Minns government’s proposed plans on the grounds it will overtax already strained infrastructure such as sewerage and capacity of roads to take increased traffic. Secondly, given distances from the metro station and supermarkets are as the crow flies. Naremburn is not flat territory and so distances/degree of difficulty to traverse is not taken into account.
Willoughby City Council has done its heavy lifting in providing high density housing around Chatswood interchange and more recently on the Channel Nine site with many of the over 600 units still to be filled and more development to take place in Walter Street.