The Minns Labor Government says it’s unlocking more housing choice for Western Sydney families, with planning changes allowing small secondary dwellings such as granny flats and studios in areas around Western Sydney International Airport least affected by aircraft noise.
The change will reverse the ban on secondary dwellings in key locations near the airport, allowing them to build secondary dwellings on their land, helping families stay close together, boosting housing supply and delivering more affordable living options in one of the country’s fastest growing regions.
Amendments to the Western Parkland City State Environmental Planning Policy will apply to land within the Australian Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC) 20-25 contour, which identifies areas expected to experience lower levels of aircraft noise from the new Western Sydney International Airport.
The ANEC is a long-term planning tool that forecasts aircraft noise around Western Sydney International based on a range of operational scenarios, including the potential addition of a second parallel runway.
Using the ANEC map (pictured) for planning decisions will help to make sure development around the airport remains compatible with its safe and efficient operation as Sydney’s first curfew-free airport.
The government says the reforms strike the right balance between supporting the long term operation of Western Sydney International Airport and making sure local communities can benefit from job opportunities being created in the region, and family support networks.
Secondary dwellings will be capped at 85 square metres and required to include aircraft noise attenuation measures such as double-glazed windows.
The changes, which will apply to eligible land in the local government areas of Wollondilly, Camden, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith, will support growing families, multi-generational living, and greater housing flexibility by allowing homeowners to create additional living space close to family, jobs, and transport.
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan welcomed the move.
“I’ve been advocating strongly for these changes because local families have been telling me they want more flexibility to support their children, parents and extended families close to home.
“These reforms will help unlock sensible housing options for our community while ensuring we continue planning responsibly for the future of Western Sydney International airport.”
For more information on the planning framework for the Aerotropolis visit NSW Planning.