The proposed reforms by the NSW State Government seek to:
- Allow dual occupancies (two dwellings on the same lot) in all R2 low density residential zones across NSW.
- Allow terraces, townhouses and 2 storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low density residential zones across the Six Cities Region.
- Allow mid-rise apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R3 medium density zones across the six cities region.
- This will mean more housing within walking distance from transport hubs, shops, and amenities.
The changes, if made, conflict with and undermine Northern Beaches Council’s local strategies and community involvement in the development of those strategies. Refer to the attached summary or link to the planning document for more information.
Under the changes, apartment blocks within 400m of Narrabeen Town Centre, Warriewood Square, Mona Vale Town Centre, Newport and Avalon Beach Villages could permit six storey and 21m apartment towers. Apartment blocks within 400m and 800m of those locations will become 16m apartment towers. The changes represent a near doubling of current heights.
It is important to note the Government have cancelled major infrastructure works including widening Mona Vale Road West and the Beaches Link Tunnel, and Federal Labor have removed $75 million from the Wakehurst Parkway funding.
Rory Amon, Member for Pittwater, said “These cancelled projects and increased density will leave our suburbs in gridlock and ruin our quality of life”.
The Government’s plans are on public exhibition and comment until Friday 23 February 2024.
If you are concerned about congestion on Mona Vale Road or the new planning rules, here are petitions set up by Rory Amon:
Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low and mid-rise housing (8.8MB)