Faster delivery of housing in Wilton

New housing supported by quality open space and more trees will be delivered sooner in Wilton under a newly introduced planning pathway.

The Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Housing and Economic Policy Luke Walton said the Department had set up a planning pathway to speed up the delivery of new housing in the growing southwest Sydney suburb.

“Housing stresses such as rising rents, a boost of people wanting to move into growing family neighbourhoods, and increasing construction costs are affecting everybody, and we’re looking at ways we can speed up housing supply and bring down costs,” Mr Walton said.

“That’s why we’ve introduced a complying development pathway for this increasingly popular area. If development standards set out in the policy are met, homeowners and developers don’t need to lodge a development application to build a home.

“Instead, they can go down the faster cheaper route of a complying development certificate, which can be assessed and determined in as few as 20 days.”

Mr Walton said the pathway reflects the unique nature of Wilton and the strategic work undertaken by the Department and Wollondilly Shire Council over the years.

“The pathway will ensure new homes can be built sooner, while making sure the Government and Council’s vision for Wilton as a green and leafy community can be met,” he said.

“This means larger lots, more sustainable housing and environmental protection, while ensuring development is feasible and affordable.

“However, if someone wants to build something that doesn’t meet these standards, such as a house that is built closer to the boundary, they will need to lodge a development application, as they must do now.”

Rules that must be met include:

• Planting a tree in the front and backyard;
• 4.5-metre rear setbacks to allow for more green space and privacy; and
• A 30-metre buffer from environmental land to protect wildlife.

For more information visit Wilton Greenfield Housing Code.