Ku-ring-gai Council has adopted a preferred scenario for new development in the Gordon to Roseville rail corridor that will replace the NSW Government’s Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) planning controls.
In May last year, the Government implemented the TOD planning policy for areas within 400 metres of Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon stations.
The current TOD planning controls allow for buildings of up to six to nine storeys with affordable housing.
In response – and in cooperation with the NSW Government – Council prepared an alternate preferred scenario to the TOD based on planning principles to preserve important built heritage and the natural environment.
The preferred scenario was developed through community feedback received after the Council consulted with the community on alternative solutions to the TOD.
Mayor Christine Kay said the preferred scenario would help deliver new housing in a way that responded to community concerns and Ku-ring-gai’s unique area.
“The scenario has several advantages compared with the NSW Government’s TOD policy,” Mayor Kay said.
“It provides greater protection for heritage and trees, improves transitions between different building heights and has incentives to encourage the revitalisation of centres.”
The Mayor said the preferred scenario would now be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for approval.
“If approved by the Minister, the preferred scenario will replace the current TOD planning controls,” she said.
Mayor Kay said the Council was awaiting a ‘speedy decision’ on its new housing alternative, with over 20 large development proposals already being submitted for the rail corridor.
“Most of these State Significant Developments as they are called are not aligned to our preferred scenario and do not reflect the holistic and balanced approach to new housing development that we are seeking,” she said.
“This is critically important to ensure Ku-ring-gai’s heritage and the environment are protected.
“In the meantime I urge the community to continue providing feedback and comments to the Department on State Significant and other TOD development applications during the public exhibition period.”
