Housing is a key priority for the NSW Government. There is a shortage of diverse and affordable homes in well-located areas, close to where people live and work, and close to transport and other amenities.
Homebush has been identified as an accelerated precinct under the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program.
Homebush, located within walking distance of 4 existing train stations and a proposed Metro station, is well-positioned to support more homes. Enabling new homes to be built near existing public transport hubs encourages walking and cycling and reduces reliance on other modes of personal transport.
As part of the TOD Program, we have reviewed planning controls in Homebush to identify areas of the precinct suitable to support more homes. This draft rezoning proposal aims to implement the vision for Homebush outlined in the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, with some additional changes included to help deliver more diverse and well-located homes close to key public transport infrastructure. The proposal also provides a proactive approach to addressing the NSW housing crisis.
The Homebush TOD rezoning proposal was available for public feedback between 16 July and 30 August 2024 on the NSW Planning Portal. Your feedback is now being reviewed and will inform the finalisation of this proposal.
Key features
Key features of the rezoning proposal include:
- capacity for up to 16,100 additional homes within the precinct
- mandatory affordable housing contributions of between 5–10% for all new residential development in the precinct, delivering between 805 and 1,610 affordable homes in perpetuity and managed by a registered community housing provider
- the creation of up to 2,670 additional jobs
- potential for new open space, pathways and cycleways within the precinct.
Information sessions
During exhibition, the department hosted 8 community in-person sessions and a webinar where community members spoke to representatives from the department about the proposal and had the opportunity to ask questions to help inform submissions.
Proposed policy changes to streamline development assessment
We proposed policy changes to streamline development assessment and speed up housing delivery in the 8 TOD accelerated precincts.
The proposed reforms aim to ensure a consistent approach to both rezoning and assessment across the precincts.
An explanation of intended effect (EIE) outlining the proposed changes was on exhibition for public feedback between 9 July and 23 August 2024.
To see the EIE, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
What happens next
We’ve worked in close consultation with Strathfield Council, the City of Canada Bay Council and other government agencies to prepare this draft rezoning proposal.
Your submissions will now be reviewed and analysed and taken into consideration in finalising the plan, expected in quarter 4, 2024.
What has happened
In 2015, we consulted with the community on the Homebush precinct during the development of the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, which covers the land along the length of Parramatta Road from Granville to Camperdown.
We have been working with local councils to implement the strategy and support development along the corridor, including in Homebush.
For more information read the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy.
Frequently asked questions
The delivery of new community infrastructure and open space to support growth in Homebush is an important component of this draft rezoning proposal. We will include a schedule of required new community infrastructure to support new homes in the area alongside the proposal. We also propose a developer contribution plan to help the council deliver new infrastructure and open space within the precinct.
We propose that any 'accelerated precinct' under the Transport Oriented Development Program, including Homebush, be excluded from:
- planning controls introduced under the Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy
- changes to create low- and mid-rise housing recently introduced by the NSW Government
- low-risk concurrence and referrals.
In addition, we are developing an alternative design excellence pathway for proponents as a well as a new temporary state-significant development category for residential development that is valued above $60 million. This threshold will complement existing state-significant development thresholds.