Hornsby Shire Council this week endorsed a submission to the NSW Government highlighting several key "issues" with a proposed Transport Oriented Development (TOD) rezoning for the Hornsby Town Centre.
The submission comes in response to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's (DPHI) exhibition of the proposed rezoning for the Hornsby "Accelerated Precinct", which is open for public comment until 23 August 2024.
At a General Meeting on Wednesday 14 August, Council voted unanimously to proceed with a submission outlining that while the proposed rezoning is "broadly consistent" with Council's own adopted Hornsby Town Centre (HTC) Masterplan, it appears deficient in providing certainty that essential supporting infrastructure will be delivered for future residents, workers and visitors.
The submission will outline key areas of concern, recommending the NSW Government:
- Commit State Government funding to deliver improvements such as upgrades to the Hornsby transport interchange, road improvements and open space provision.
- Require that increases in height and density only be possible where properties are consolidated to support appropriate good design and provision of public benefits such as pedestrian links, parks, a new library and public parking.
- Commit to the delivery of employment opportunities on State Government lands.
- Support Council's strategy to deliver affordable housing by committing to the provision of at least 10% affordable housing on public land.
Hornsby Shire Council's General Manager Steven Head said he looks forward to meeting with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to emphasise Council's concerns.
"We're pleased that the proposed rezoning aligns well with the vision of our Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan. Our submission simply intends to highlight some of the issues that should be addressed to best suit Hornsby Shire and that may have been overlooked," said Mr Head.
"I am confident that we can have an open and productive conversation with DPHI to find the best possible outcomes for our community."
Also at the meeting, Council:
- Resolved motions to be submitted for consideration at the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference
- Adopted the 2024/25 to 2033/34 Long Term Financial Plan and resolved to write to submitters
- Endorsed a planning agreement to facilitate dedication of land to Council at David Road, Castle Hill
- Resolved to write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces in response to a Ministerial Statement of Expectations Order in the areas of development assessment, planning proposals and strategic planning
- Endorsed Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 amendments for all electric buildings
- Resolved to exhibit the draft Hornsby Affordable Housing Strategy for a period of 28 days
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au
The video recording of the meeting will be available from Friday 16 August.
