New state government policies to increase low and mid-rise housing reforms are sparking significant discussion across the lower north shore. As councils and residents grapple with the implications, information sessions are being organised to clarify the changes and address community concerns.
Last week, we reported that reforms designed to boost the housing supply have generated a “maze of confusion”. Read our article here. Our article highlights the complexity of the changes and the need for clear communication.
Both Lane Cove and Willoughby City Council have organised information sessions to assist their residents in navigating these changes. Our readers who live on the Mowbray Road Public School side might live in Lane Cove North or North Lane Cove; however, they fall within the Willoughby City Council.
Many of our readers also live in St Leonards South, within the Lane Cove Council Area.
Lane Cove Council Information Session Public Information Session – NSW Government Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
When: Monday 24 March 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Lane Cove Council Chambers
Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove. (entrance on the ground floor of the building from the car park near the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre – The reception area is closed after hours)
Bookings: Bookings are essential to register click here
Willoughby City Council Information Session Public Information Session – NSW Government Low and Mid Rise Housing Policy Online
When: Monday 17 March 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Online via Teams
Bookings: Bookings are essential to register click here
Hunters Hill
At this time, no readily available information indicates planned public information sessions specifically focused on low—and medium-density reforms. Hunters Hill Council residents are advised to monitor the Council’s website for updates.
North Sydney
Similarly, information regarding dedicated information sessions in North Sydney is not readily available. Residents are encouraged to check the North Sydney Council website for any future announcements. North Sydney did hold a workshop when the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy was announced—read more here.
What is the Low and Medium Density Reforms
The Low and Medium Density Reforms are also called in-fill development or the missing middle. Watch this video from Sydney Yimby to see what low—and medium-density apartments look like.
Our cover photo: source Sydney Yimby
Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Accelerated Projects Crows Nest
The other housing reform is the TOD – at this stage it does not impact Lane Cove LGA except for St Leonards South.
The Minns Labor Government has delivered masterplans for its Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.
Masterplans have been completed for Bankstown, Bella Vista, Crows Nest, Homebush, Hornsby, Kellyville and Macquarie Park. See below the area that has been ear marked for quicker rezoning. The only area in the Lane Cove Council Local Government Area that is impacted is along the Pacific Highway in St Leonards South.
The finalisation of the rezonings for these precincts means development applications can now be submitted and assessed.
Also known as tier one TOD sites, these are high-priority locations that have undergone accelerated rezonings and will accommodate high and mid-rise homes within around 1200m of these metro and rail stations.
These homes and jobs will also be supported by $520 million to fund new public spaces and active transport links meaning more vibrant and walkable precincts.
The masterplans establish a three per cent affordable housing rate, with homes to be held as affordable housing in perpetuity across all sites, and higher affordable housing rates of up to 18 per cent across key sites within the precincts. The TOD Program is the first time in NSW history that a government has introduced inclusionary zoning for affordable housing in perpetuity.
To encourage faster development, new provisions were exhibited alongside the masterplans to offer a streamlined pathway for planning assessments, including:
Proposals which are more than $60 million (or approximately 100 homes) will have access to the State Significant Development pathway. This will provide an assessment within 275 days, with only 90 of those days being in government hands.
Excluding certain low-risk concurrence and referral (C&R) provisions as requirements for development applications, because this has been dealt with at the rezoning stage. This means that new homes will be delivered faster.
Exempting residential developments in TOD Accelerated Precincts from design competitions while still requiring design excellence and meeting the Apartment Design Guidelines.
These masterplans were finalised following public feedback received during an extended six-week community exhibition period which concluded in August.
All feedback from the community and stakeholders was carefully considered by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to shape the finalisation of these rezonings.
This rezoning will come into effect this Wednesday, 27 November 2024, and development applications will then be able to be lodged to build new homes.
The delivery of the final masterplans for the TOD Accelerated Precincts will be a significant contribution to the Minns Government’s commitment to rebalance Sydney’s housing growth around existing transport infrastructure meaning better, more accessible and connected communities.
The TOD Accelerated Plan will mean:
Crows Nest – 5,900 new homes and 2,500 jobs. The benefits are:
- Better connectivity for walking and cycling to the Sydney Metro and heavy rail stations with new road and public open space upgrades.
- Increased tree canopy to maintain the leafy character of the St Leonards and Crows Nest precinct.
- These new homes and jobs are all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live.
- More information on TOD Accelerated Precincts can be found here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/transport-oriented-development-program/accelerated-precincts
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“By getting these masterplans done, we are another step closer to building more homes for the next generation.
“These precincts will deliver a mix of housing, new open spaces and playing fields – they’ll be great communities for families to build a life.
“This is all part of our Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live.”
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