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 Airport based on a range of operational scenarios, including the potential addition of a second parallel runway.
Using the ANEC map 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 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 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.
The changes apply to eligible land in the local government areas of Wollondilly, Camden, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith.
Secondary dwellings will not be permitted in areas expected to experience higher levels of aircraft noise.
For more information on the planning framework for the Aerotropolis visit NSW Planning.
Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:
“Western Sydney is at the centre of Sydney’s future growth, and the Minns Labor Government is making sure local families share in the benefits that come with it.
“The new airport is creating jobs, investment and opportunity, and these changes will help more people live close to where those opportunities are emerging.
“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering practical reforms that support housing supply while backing the long-term success of Western Sydney.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever available to deliver more homes across NSW and give people more housing options close to family, jobs and transport.
“We’ve already delivered major reforms to speed up planning, increase housing supply and make it easier to build more homes in the right locations, and these changes are another practical step forward.
“Allowing small secondary dwellings in suitable areas around the new airport is a commonsense approach that will help create more affordable and flexible housing options for families, while supporting the long-term growth of Western Sydney.
“Whether it’s young people trying to stay close to home, older parents wanting to live near family, or homeowners looking for greater flexibility, these reforms will help communities grow alongside the investment coming to Western Sydney.”
Member for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan said:
“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.”
