Local councils fight back on planning reforms
North Sydney, Mosman and Willoughby councils have united to object to parts of the State Government’s proposed housing reforms.
In December 2023, the government released proposals to rezone areas across Sydney in an effort to increase housing density, and effectively override certain planning powers of councils to increase the type of development allowed in suburbs and around local centres.
All three councils have made submissions to the government’s public consultation, which would see mid-rise apartment blocks up to six storeys in existing R3 zones ‘within station and town centre precincts’.
North Sydney Council (NSC) passed a motion at a meeting on 12 February to make a submission ‘strongly objecting’ to the proposal based on the ‘lack of placed-based planning undertaken’.
If the government proceeded with changes to low and mid-rise density, NSC said it would prefer town centre precincts and heritage conservation areas excluded. It objects to a 9.5 metre height limit in low-density zones, and wants no residential flat buildings and shop top housing in medium-density zones.
NSC also wants a review of the contributions cap on residential builds to allow for future infrastructure and a two per cent affordable housing provision within 400 metres of train stations.
North Sydney mayor Zoë Baker said at the council meeting: “We deserve better and local planning by local communities will deliver better.”
At a February meeting, Mosman Council unanimously resolved to endorse a submission raising ‘serious concerns’ with the proposals, including lack of clarity and expected impact on residential streets, including heritage conservation areas.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan will seek an urgent meeting with Planning Minister Paul Scully and Premier Chris Minns to highlight council’s concerns regarding the proposals and to seek additional time for input from local government.
A ‘town hall’ style meeting will be organised for the community.
Willoughby Council (WC) also said its submission would highlight the loss of tree canopy and open space, traffic and congestion, loss of privacy and overshadowing, and loss of character in low-density suburbs, especially in heritage conservation areas.
WC said the existing capacity for growth was already provided for in the council’s June 2023 planning controls.