- Open space reduced by 622 hectares
- Property Council welcomes reduction in open space
- Calls for removal of architectural design competitions
Proposed amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis have been announced.
The largest change to the SEPP is to reduce the amount of open space in the area from 1,491 hectares to 869 hectares.
The revised plan will lessen the number of properties affected by open space by 42%, and ensure 95% of new homes will be within a 400m radius of open space areas.
The plan will also allow the land uses that were previously permissible in the area prior to the commencement of the Aerotropolis SEPP 2020 to be reintroduced.
The amendments were made in response to recommendations handed down by the Independent Community Commissioner, as well as consultation with stakeholders including landowners, the community, industry, and local council.
The document outlining the proposed changes, the Explanation of Intended Effect, is currently on display to the public for feedback until November 5.
Property Council welcomes changes
The Property Council have embraced the proposed changes to the SEPP, after providing feedback during the consultation process regarding the overprovision of open space.
According to Ross Grove, Western Sydney Regional Director of the Property Council, the revised plan to lessen the open space area will increase the productive use of employment lands.
“The government’s proposal reflect a more realistic and practical vision for the Aerotropolis, and takes into account that employment precincts don’t have the same needs as developments that have higher levels of housing.”
Ross Grove, Regional Director, Property Council
“We note the Phase 2 Development Control Plan is also on exhibition, and we look forward to cautiously combing through this new document, which marks a transformation in expectations away from box-ticking to performance measuring and assessment,” Mr Grove said.
Mr Grove said that while the changes to the SEPP are a step in the right direction, he would like to see the architectural design competitions for sheds and factories removed in exchange for an approach that prioritises function.
Mr Grove also urged for timelines for supporting infrastructure to be brought forward to assist in the development of the area.
“We’re looking forward to seeing delivery timelines for upgrading Elizabeth Drive, along with key decisions regarding major water infrastructure and utilities.
“The hard reality is we don’t know what innovations this precinct will bring, and we need to make sure our planning system is flexible enough to take into account ideas which are outside of the box but still have planning merit,” Mr Grove concluded.
