A planning proposal, draft Development Control Plan (DCP) amendments and a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with respect to land at 346-350 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill are now on public exhibition.
Council previously resolved that the planning proposal should not proceed to Gateway Determination. However, the Proponent subsequently lodged a Rezoning Review application and the Sydney Central City Planning Panel overturned Council's decision. A Gateway Determination was then issued by the Department of Planning and Environment allowing the planning proposal to proceed. Delegation for making of the Local Environmental Plan has not been issued to Council under the Gateway Determination.
In recognition of the planning proposal proceeding, Council resolved to progress with an associated draft DCP and draft VPA to ensure that appropriate development controls and an infrastructure mechanism would be in place, if the rezoning proceeds to finalisation. The planning proposal, draft DCP and draft VPA are now on public exhibition concurrently.
The planning proposal seeks to enable the development of 247 independent living units, within 14 buildings ranging in height between three (3) to six (6) storeys. The planning proposal would amend The Hills Local Environmental Plan 2019 to:
- Include 'Seniors Living' as an additional permitted use on the site under Schedule 1 of LEP 2019 and associated Additional Permitted Uses Map;
- Amend the Maximum Height of Buildings applicable to the site from nine (9) metres to part 0 metres, 9 metres, 15 metres, 18 metres and 22 metres; and
- Apply a Floor Space Ratio control of 0.83:1 to the site.
A draft Development Control Plan (DCP) has been prepared in association with the planning proposal to guide built form outcomes on the site. A new site-specific section of the DCP will establish controls relating to setbacks, landscaping, built form design, parking and vehicular access, public domain, pedestrian amenity, solar access and overshadowing.
A draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) will secure infrastructure contributions though both the delivery of works and monetary contributions. Monetary contributions will be allocated towards local infrastructure items, including upgrades to Pioneer Place Reserve. The developer will also provide a footpath along Palisander Place and a 60m deceleration lane at the entry of the site from Old Northern Road.
The planning proposal, draft Development Control Plan and draft Voluntary Planning Agreement are now on public exhibition and available for inspection on Council's website under Have Your Say (www.thehills.nsw.gov.au).
PUBLIC EXHIBITION PERIOD: 20 February 2023 to 20 March 2023
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 5pm 20 March 2023
