27 March 2024
Item No: ELPP008/24
Draft Westmead South Master Plan and Planning Proposal
Directorate: Environment and Planning
Responsible Officer: Strategic Planner
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of a Council initiated Planning Proposal for Westmead South.
In 2022, the former Department of Planning and Environment (now Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure) released the Westmead 2036 Place Strategy (WPS) which provided a vision for the Westmead Precinct to be Australia’s premier Health and Innovation District. Westmead South is one of seven (7) sub-precincts identified within the WPS and is described as ‘a walkable residential neighbourhood, transformed by the proposed Metro Station to increase connectivity, offering housing choice and diversity, with an urban village at its heart’.
The Westmead South Planning Proposal (WSPP) seeks to facilitate and implement the identified opportunities for the precinct in the WPS through the following amendments to Cumberland Local Environmental Plan (CLEP) 2021:
· Amended Land Zoning Map.
· Amended Floor Space Ratio Map.
· Amended Height of Building Map.
· Amended Lot Size Map.
· Amend Heritage Map and associated Heritage Inventory Sheets.
· Amend Key Sites Map to identify sites subject to Affordable Housing Contributions.
· Introduce Incentive Floor Space Ratio Map and LEP Clause.
· Introduce Incentive Height of Buildings Map and LEP Clause.
· Introduce an Affordable Housing LEP Clause.
Council has undertaken early engagement with the community in accordance with the Council Meeting resolution from the 17 February 2021 Council Meeting (Min. 1022/Item C02/21-681) and Council’s Planning Proposal Notification Policy, with feedback received considered in the preparation of the Planning Proposal. Council has also undertaken technical studies to inform the draft masterplan and proposed changes to CLEP 2021.
The form and content of the Planning Proposal complies with the LEP Plan Making Guidelines (August 2023) issued by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
It is recommended that the Cumberland Local Planning Panel support the Planning Proposal for the Westmead South Precinct.
Report:
Background
In February 2021, Cumberland City Council (Council) endorsed that planning for the Westmead South Precinct be included in Council’s strategic planning work program to support implementation of Cumberland 2030: Our Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).
Separate to the above, in 2022, the former Department of Planning and Environment (now Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure) (DPHI) released the Westmead Place Strategy (WPS), which provided a vision for the Westmead Precinct to be Australia’s premier Health and Innovation District. Westmead South is one of 7 sub-precincts identified within the WPS and is described as ‘a walkable residential neighbourhood, transformed by the proposed Metro Station to increase connectivity, offering housing choice and diversity, with an urban village at its heart’.
To support the implementation of the above Strategy, planning work for the Westmead South precinct began in 2022, with a concept land use plan released for public comment in the Phase 1 community engagement from October to November 2022. Further planning work after the Phase 1 community engagement, including 11 technical studies and Phase 2 community engagement from October to December 2023, has been undertaken to prepare the Planning Proposal in line with the LEP Plan Making Guidelines.
This Planning Proposal applies to the Westmead South Precinct as outlined in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Land to which this Planning Proposal applies
Planning Work Undertaken
Planning work has been undertaken in accordance with the LEP Plan Making Guideline to inform the Planning Proposal and ensure consistency with the objectives and descriptions for Westmead South in the WPS and Cumberland LSPS. This work ensures that the proposed building heights, floor space, setbacks, dwelling yield and population increase are feasible, accounted for in infrastructure delivery, and appropriate for the context of the precinct.
The planning work undertaken included the procurement of 11 technical studies which support the proposed changes to CLEP 2021 and CDCP 2021 as follows:
|
Technical Study |
Key Considerations that informed the Planning Proposal |
|
Urban Design Study |
· Planning Proposal will generate over 6,600 dwellings and a non-residential GFA of 44,620m2. · Provision of a new local park with potential for additional and expanded through site links. · Increased building height and density close to Westmead Train Station and the Westmead Metro Station. |
|
Economic Feasibility Assessment |
· Densities in the proposed masterplan should be adopted to ensure feasibility. · Affordable housing contributions should be up to 5%. |
|
Community Needs and Social Infrastructure Assessment |
· Identified the community facilities and open space infrastructure that would be generated by the planning proposal population based on benchmarking. |
|
Acoustic and Air Quality Impact Assessment |
· A noise impact assessment shall be submitted with each Development Application for any new mixed use, residential, or noise-sensitive development that is adjacent to a busy road or rail corridor. · An air quality assessment shall be submitted with each Development Application for any new residential, mixed use, or air quality-sensitive development, that is adjacent to a busy road or rail corridor. |
|
Traffic and Transport Study |
· Maximum parking requirements should be adopted due to the impact they have on reducing congestion in the precinct. · Dedicated Active Transport paths should be provided throughout the precinct. |
|
Heritage Impact Statement |
· Sightlines and a transition in building heights should be maintained in proximity to heritage items. · A new Heritage Conservation Area should be established bound by Toohey Avenue, Gowrie Crescent, MJ Bennet Reserve, the south side of Nolan Crescent, Hawkesbury Road and Austral Avenue. |
|
Flood Risk Assessment |
· Site-specific flood assessments shall be undertaken for development in the flood prone areas to avoid impacts on neighbouring and downstream properties. |
|
Ecologically Sustainable Development Strategy |
· Ecologically Sustainable Development and resilience initiatives should be adopted for the precinct and within individual development sites. |
|
First Nations Connecting with Country Framework |
· Connecting with Country design principles should be integrated into the Westmead South Masterplan. |
|
Infrastructure |
· Identified the impacts the Planning Proposal would have on utility provision in the area and identified potential upgrades to utility networks to deal with the increased number of dwellings and population. · Infrastructure Delivery Schedule was compiled to identify required infrastructure and potential means for delivery of that infrastructure. |
|
Smart Cities Strategy |
· Smart technologies have been recommended for adoption within the precinct. |
Table 1: Technical Studies
The above planning work undertaken has resulted in the development of a Master Plan for Westmead South, as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Proposed Westmead South Master Plan
Proposed CLEP 2021 amendments
Zoning, Floor Space Ratio, Height of Buildings and Minimum Lot Size
The proposed zoning, floor space ratio, height of buildings and minimum lot size maps for the precinct are provided in Figures 3 to 6.
Figure 3: Proposed Zoning
Figure 4: Proposed Height of Building
Figure 5: Proposed Floor Space Ratio
Figure 6: Proposed Lot Size Map
Affordable Housing
This Planning Proposal seeks to introduce a LEP clause to require contributions for affordable housing to be made in accordance with an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme. Sites subject to the provision and the scheme will be shown as Affordable Housing Key Sites on the LEP Key Site Map (Figure 7) and are identified as areas A0, A2, A3, B2 and B4 in the Masterplan in Figure 2.
The intent of this provision is that development for residential purposes on the nominated sites have access to increased height and density if they provide affordable housing within their development. The proposed rate is 5% for areas A0, A2 and A3, and 1% for areas B2 and B4, of the total residential gross floor area.
Figure 7: Proposed Affordable Housing Key Sites Map
Proposed Incentive Height of Building
This Planning Proposal seeks to introduce an incentive Height of Building LEP clause and associated map where either a community facility, recreation area, public car park, public land or affordable housing in accordance with the proposed Affordable Housing LEP Clause and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme are provided, as shown in Table 2 and Figure 8.
|
Masterplan Area |
Item Delivered |
Proposed Incentive Height |
|
A0 |
Affordable Housing |
25 storeys / 83m |
|
A2 |
Affordable Housing and Community Facility |
20 storeys / 67m |
|
A3 |
Affordable Housing |
25 storeys / 67m |
|
B2 |
Affordable Housing and Public Land |
15 storeys / 51m |
|
B4 |
Affordable Housing |
15 storeys / 51m |
|
G3 |
Community Facility |
12 storeys / 42m |
|
B1 |
Recreation Area |
25 storeys / 83m |
|
B3 |
Public Car Park |
20 storeys / 67m |
|
D1 |
Public Land |
8 storeys/ 28m |
|
D3 |
Public Land |
8 storeys/ 28m |
|
F2 |
Laneway |
8 storeys / 29m |
Table 2: Proposed Incentive Building Heights
Considerations that informed the proposed incentive building heights included the need to provide community facilities, recreation areas, public car parking, public land and affordable housing within the Westmead South precinct, providing economically feasible building heights, precedent height studies undertaken, aligning with proposed incentive floor space ratios, and providing a transition down to lower density areas.
Figure 8: Proposed Incentive Height of Building Map
Proposed Incentive Floor Space
This Planning Proposal seeks to introduce an incentive Height of Building LEP clause and associated map where either a community facility, recreation area, public car park, public land, or affordable housing in accordance with the proposed Affordable Housing LEP Clause and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme are provided, as shown in Table 3 and Figure 9.
|
Masterplan Area |
Item Delivered |
Proposed Floor Space Ratio |
|
A0 |
Affordable Housing |
5.9:1 |
|
A2 |
Affordable Housing and/or Community Facility |
4.5:1 |
|
A3 |
Affordable Housing |
4.2:1 |
|
B2 |
Affordable Housing and or/Public Land |
3.6:1 |
|
B4 |
Affordable Housing |
3.2:1 |
|
G3 |
Community Facility |
2.4:1 |
|
B1 |
Recreation Area |
3.6:1 |
|
B3 |
Public Car Park |
3.6:1 |
|
D1 |
Public Land |
2.5:1 |
|
D3 |
Public Land |
2.5:1 |
|
F2 |
Laneway |
3.2:1 |
Table 3: Proposed Incentive Floor Space
Considerations that informed the proposed floor space ratios included the need to provide community facilities, recreation areas, public car parking, public land and affordable housing within Westmead South, providing economically feasible building areas, precedent height studies undertaken, aligning with proposed incentive height of building controls, and providing a transition down to lower density areas.
Figure 9: Proposed Incentive Floor Space Ratios
Heritage
A Heritage Impact Assessment was undertaken for this Planning Proposal. It identified existing and proposed heritage items (including those identified in Stage 2 of the Cumberland Heritage Planning Proposal, PP-2023-158), identified proposed Heritage Conservation Areas, outlined the potential impacts the proposed built form may have on those heritage items and conservation areas, and included recommendations for proposed built form to ensure the integrity of the heritage items/conservation areas was maintained.
Proposed heritage Items identified for possible inclusion in this Planning Proposal and their status are outlined in Table 4.
|
Address |
Significance |
Pursue listing in this Planning Proposal |
Reason for not Pursuing |
|
30 Alexandra Avenue |
Post War Bungalow |
No |
Limited heritage value considering proposed high density in proximity. |
|
18 Austral Avenue |
Inter War Bungalow |
Yes |
N/A |
|
45-51 Austral Avenue |
Austral Avenue Housing Commission Group |
No |
Peer Review recommended the items not be listed. |
|
33 Grand Avenue |
Post War Austerity Style House |
No |
Peer Review recommended the items not be listed. |
|
4 Cotswold Street |
Inter War Bungalow |
No |
Peer Review recommended the items not be listed. |
|
41 Hawkesbury Road |
Deskford’ Victorian Gothic Residence |
Yes – increase to curtilage to include existing green space |
N/A |
|
74 Hawkesbury Road |
The Oakes Centre |
No |
Limited heritage value considering proposed high density in proximity and objections received. |
|
75 Hawkesbury Road |
St Barnabas Anglican Church |
Yes – with reduced curtilage to the built form of the church only |
N/A |
|
152-156 Hawkesbury Road |
Group of Post War Bungalows |
No |
Peer Review recommended the items not be listed and owner objections received. |
|
74 Houison Street |
Inter War Bungalow |
No |
Objection received. |
|
14 Ralph Street |
Sacred Heart Primary School |
No |
Peer Review recommended the items not be listed and objections received. |
Table 4: Proposed Heritage Items
Proposed Heritage Conservation Areas/Special Character Area identified for inclusion in this Planning Proposal and their status are outlined in Table 5.
|
Address |
Significance |
Pursue Heritage Conservation Area in Planning Proposal |
|
Moree Avenue and Grand Avenue – Toohey’s Palm Estate |
Extension of existing Toohey’s Palm Estate Heritage Conservation Area to include verges. |
Yes |
|
Westmead Estate Conservation Area/Special Character Area |
Historic, associative, aesthetic, social, representative and rarity values.
The buildings were constructed in response to the Westmead Housing Commission Competition held in June 1944. |
Yes, with various options provided for consideration by the Panel and Council |
Table 5: Proposed Heritage Conservation Areas/Special Character Areas
Regarding the Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area/Special Character Area, four options have been identified for consideration by the Panel and Council. These options are outlined in Table for the Heritage Conservation Area boundary/Special Character Area are presented, with a preferred option to be considered by the Panel and Council. The options are as follows:
· Option 1 – Establish a Heritage Conservation Area in accordance with the technical recommendation of the Heritage Consultants and Council staff, in accordance with area K in Figure 10, and also shown on the planning map in Figure 11.
Figure 10: Options 1 and 2 – Proposed Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area / Special Character Area
Figure 11: Option 1 – Proposed Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area Map
· Option 2 – Establish a Special Character Area in accordance with area K in Figure 10, as an alternative to the area identified for a Heritage Conservation Area in Option 1. The identification of this option is in response to landholder and stakeholder feedback.
· Option 3 – This is a reduced Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area bounded by Church Avenue, Nolan Crescent and the laneway behind the Oakes Centre, as demonstrated in Figure 12. It is noted however, that in line with the precedent Council resolution on the Heritage Planning Proposal, lots within the recommended conservation area that had objections on them may be removed from consideration in the Conservation area. Therefore, a reduced Heritage Conservation Area boundary is presented in Option 4.
Figure 12: Option 3 – Reduced Heritage Conservation Area Map
· Option 4 – This is a reduced Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area boundary which does not include any lots that have objections on them, but that still contains contiguous properties with contributory attributes that reflect the intent of the original proposed Heritage Conservation Area. These properties are also owned by Homes NSW. The proposed area is demonstrated in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Option 4 – Church Avenue Heritage Conservation Area Map
The Urban Design Report took the findings of the Heritage Impact Assessment and the existing environmental heritage into account in its analysis of the area and subsequent built form recommendations.
Proposed amendments to CLEP 2021 and CDCP 2021 regarding building height, built form considerations and setbacks reflect recommendations from the assessment.
Strategic Merit Assessment
Assessment of the proposed changes to CLEP 2021 against the State and Local Planning Framework has been undertaken to ensure there is strategic merit for the amendments and to ensure consistency with relevant State and Council strategies, policies and plans.
The Planning Proposal is considered consistent with a number of policies and strategies as outlined in Table 6, and further detailed in the Planning Proposal.
|
Policy or Strategy |
Consideration |
|
Greater Sydney Region Plan – A Metropolis of Three Cities (2018) |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with the Directions and Objectives of the Plan. |
|
Central City District Plan |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with the Directions and Planning Priorities of the Plan. |
|
Future Transport Strategy |
The Planning Proposal implements and gives effect to Directions and Responses in the Strategy. |
|
Westmead 2036 Place Strategy |
The Planning Proposal implements and gives effect to the Sub-Precinct description, key place outcomes, land use outcomes, land use and built form principles, Objectives, Planning Priorities and Actions identified for Westmead South in the Strategy. |
|
Westmead Place-based Transport Strategy |
The Planning Proposal seeks to implement and support the opportunities and Strategic Directions identified in the Strategy. |
|
Cumberland 2030: Our Local Strategic Planning Statement |
The Planning Proposal implements opportunities and strategic considerations identified for the Westmead South Precinct. |
|
Cumberland Community Strategic Plan 2017-27 |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with Strategic Goals and Objectives in the Plan. |
|
Cumberland Local Housing Strategy 2020 |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with the Priorities, Objectives and Actions identified for Westmead South in the Strategy. |
|
Cumberland Affordable Housing Strategy 2020 |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with the Priorities and Actions in the Strategy. |
|
Cumberland Employment and Innovation Lands Strategy 2019 |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with the Planning Principles and Key Focus Areas identified in the Strategy. |
|
State Environmental Planning Policies: · Planning Systems 2021 · Biodiversity. and Conservation 2021. · Resilience and Hazards 2021. · Transport and Infrastructure 2021. · Industry and Employment 2021. · Exempt and Complying Development Codes 2008. · Sustainable Buildings 2022. · Housing 2021. |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with the SEPP’s. |
|
Sec 9.1 Ministerial Directions · Implementation of Regional Plans · 1.3 Approval and Referral Requirements · 1.4 Site Specific Provisions · 1.7 Implementation of Greater Parramatta Priority Growth Area Interim Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plan. · 1.19 Implementation of the Westmead Place Strategy · 3.2 Heritage Conservation · 3.7 Public Bushland · 4.1 Flooding · 4.4 Remediation of Contaminated Land · 4.5 Acid Sulfate Soils · 5.1 Integrating Land Use and Transport · 5.2 Reserving Land for Public Purposes · 6.1 Residential Zones · 7.1 Employment Zones |
The Planning Proposal is consistent with most relevant directions.
Suitable justification for inconsistencies identified has been provided as allowed in the directions.
|
Table 6: Strategic Merit Assessment
Draft Westmead South Master Plan
A Draft Westmead South Master Plan has been prepared as part of this Planning Proposal. The Draft Master Plan identifies the vision and principles, 5 key moves and 5 priorities for the precinct. It also includes actions to be implemented to achieve the vision of Westmead South. It is intended to be a Council Land Use Strategy that provides guidance in managing the growth of the precinct while delivering desired amenity and built form outcomes.
The Precinct priorities, associated example principles and actions are provided in Table 7.
|
Principle |
Action |
Timeframe |
|
Priority 1: Evolved Diverse and Affordable Housing |
||
|
Provide housing choice close to job opportunities |
Explore incentive controls to facilitate affordable housing. |
0-2 years |
|
Priority 2: Evolved Open Space and Public Domain |
||
|
Create additional open spaces where appropriate to support the proposed growth |
Provide a new local park along Alexandra Avenue. |
7+ years |
|
Priority 3: Evolved Transport and Access |
||
|
Create a network of active transport links and improved road function to connect Westmead South internally and externally with the surroundings |
Provide a designated cycle path along Amos Street linking the future cycle path along Hawkesbury Road to the existing ones in Mays Hill Precinct and Parramatta Park. |
7+ years |
|
Priority 4: Evolved Infrastructure and Facilities |
||
|
Provide the desired community facilities in right locations |
Provide a commuter car park close to the Metro Station as part of future development. |
3-7 years |
|
Priority 5: Key Places |
||
|
Progress the planning and delivery of Key Places in Westmead South |
Collaborate with the relevant stakeholders/landowners to explore the opportunities realising the nominated designs. |
Ongoing |
Table 7: Draft Westmead South Master Plan - Selected Priorities
Draft Westmead South Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme
A draft Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme (AHCS) under State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) has been prepared to support the proposed Affordable Housing LEP Clause.
The Draft Westmead South AHCS sets out how, where, and at what rate development contributions will be collected by Council for affordable housing. It includes the evidence base supporting the need for affordable housing and provides operational details including how to calculate contributions and in what form contributions are to be made. Key details of the Scheme are:
· It applies to areas A0, A2, A3, B2 and B4 in the Masterplan in Figure 2.
· For areas A0, A2 and A3 the affordable housing contribution rate will be:
Ø 0% of the total residential gross floor area for development applications lodged within the first 12 months of the gazettal of the Westmead South Planning Proposal,
Ø 3% of the total residential gross floor area for development applications lodged within 13-24 months of the gazettal of the Westmead South Planning Proposal, or
Ø 5% of the total residential gross floor area for development applications lodged from 25 months after the gazettal of the Westmead South Planning Proposal.
· For areas B2 and B4 in the Draft Master Plan, the affordable housing contribution rate will be 1% of the total residential gross floor area from the date of gazettal of the Westmead South Planning Proposal.
· The minimum gross floor area of a dwelling for dedication is 50 square metres.
· There are two (2) possible ways to make the contribution:
1. Dedication of affordable housing dwellings on site or ‘In-kind’ contribution – build and dedicate the required affordable housing dwellings at no cost to Council, or
2. Monetary contribution ‘in-lieu’ of affordable housing units – a monetary contribution that is equivalent to the required ‘in-kind’ affordable housing.
Local Infrastructure Considerations
Analysis has been undertaken to identify local infrastructure requirements to support the Planning Proposal at Westmead South. These items are identified in Table 8. There are a range of mechanisms that could be used to fund this infrastructure, including current or new contribution plans, grants, developer works or through Council’s capital works program.
|
Open Space and Social Infrastructure |
Streetscape and Public Domain |
Traffic and Access |
Stormwater and Flooding |
Smart City Infrastructure |
|
Sydney Smith Park upgrade |
Oakes Centre Plaza upgrade |
Cycleways within the precinct |
Water Sensitive Urban Design Street Tree Pits |
Smart Poles |
|
MJ Bennett Reserve upgrade |
Street tree planting within the precinct |
Footpath improvements within the precinct |
Bio-retention basin |
Smart Lighting |
|
Austral Avenue Reserve upgrade |
Traffic calming measures on certain streets in the precinct |
Bridge Road/Grand Avenue four-lane cross section |
Water Sensitive Urban Design Infiltration Swales |
Smart CCTV |
Table 8: Proposed Local Infrastructure to Support Westmead South
Proposed Amendments to Cumberland Development Control Plan
|
Clause |
Key Controls |
|
3.1 Lot Consolidation and Minimum Street Frontage |
· The minimum site frontage for residential flat buildings and shop-top housing is 24m, excluding development along the Great Western Highway. · The minimum lot frontage for all development fronting the Great Western Highway shall be 45m. |
|
3.2 Tower Slenderness and Orientation |
· All building frontages for a tower with a length over 30m should be designed with the following features as a minimum: § Expressed as two vertical forms. § Designed with a clear ‘break’ / indentation of a minimum 3m width and 3m depth. § Include a stepped height difference of a minimum two residential storeys. |
|
3.3 Residential Flat Building and Mixed Use Development |
· Development shall be set back 6m from all street frontages. This set back shall be used for landscaping unless otherwise specified for public access. · Development shall provide a ‘street wall’ of 4-storeys for both residential flat buildings and mixed-use development. |
|
3.4 Dwelling Houses and Low-Rise Medium Density Development |
· Deliver a minimum 6m front setback for all new development. This may be varied to align with neighbouring buildings if there is a clearly different front setback character on both sides of development. · A minimum 30% of the front setback (i.e., front yard) is to consist of soft landscaping. |
|
3.7 Key Infrastructure |
· Through-site links are to be delivered as part of future development through dedication to Council. Any development application that includes the alteration or non-provision of the through-site link locations must provide written justification outlining the reason, impact and benefit of the alteration or non-provision. |
Table 9: Key Controls from Draft Westmead South Development Control Plan
Amendments to the existing Development Control Plan Part F4-2 Mays Hill, Finlayson and Sherwood Transitway Precinct, are also proposed in support of this Planning Proposal. The amendments have been prepared to be in line with the urban design masterplan for Westmead South, the changes proposed to CLEP 2021 under this Planning Proposal, and to reflect the vision and actions of the Draft Westmead South Masterplan Strategy. Key controls from the Draft DCP are outlined in Table 10.
|
Clause |
Key Controls |
|
2.5 Building Height |
· Maximum Street wall height of 5 storeys. · Upper-level setback of a minimum 3m. |
|
2.6 Building Setbacks |
· Landscape buffer within the front setback is required for lots between Bernard Street and Anderson Street, fronting the Great Western Highway |
Table 10: Key controls for the Mays Hill, Finlayson and Sherwood Transitway Precinct DCP
Early Consultation
Early consultation on proposed heritage items and conservation areas in Westmead South began with the Early Engagement for the Stage 2 Cumberland Heritage Planning Proposal (PP-2023-158). Consultation occurred from June 2021 to August 2021 and during this time 97 submissions were received regarding proposed heritage items and heritage conservation areas in Westmead South. Proposed heritage items and conservation areas in Westmead South were included for consideration in this Planning Proposal.
Early consultation on the proposed planning controls for Westmead South was undertaken in two phases – Phase 1 between October and November 2022 and Phase 2 between October and December 2023. These represent pre-Gateway consultation in accordance with the Council Meeting resolution from the 17 February 2021 Council Meeting (Min. 1022/Item C02/21-681) and Council’s Planning Proposal Notification Policy.
During the Phase 1 engagement, a total of 169 independent submissions were received across a range of themes as follows:
· Heritage – Feedback related to the proposed Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area / Special Character Area and proposed Heritage Items within Westmead South.
· Parks – Feedback related to existing parks and the proposed expansion and/or upgrades to existing parks in Westmead South.
· Transport – Feedback related to existing roads, public transport, and current and proposed active transport links in Westmead South.
· Land Use and Density – Feedback related to proposed zoning, density and building heights, and the fairness of proposed changes to zoning and density.
· Schools – Feedback related to the existing schools within Westmead South.
· Infrastructure – Feedback related to existing infrastructure within Westmead South.
· General – Feedback that was general in nature including timing of the project and where to find information on the project.
· Other – Feedback that did not fall into any of the above themes.
During the Phase 2 engagement, a total of 270 independent submissions were received across a range of themes as follows:
· Heritage – Feedback related to the proposed Westmead Estate Heritage Conservation Area / Special Character Area and proposed Heritage Items within Westmead South.
· Open Space – Feedback related to existing parks, the proposed expansion and/or upgrades to existing parks, provision of new open spaces and lack of connectivity to parks.
· Traffic and Transport – Feedback related to roads, public transport, congestion and active transport.
· Land Use, Density and Height – Feedback related to proposed zoning, height and density, and the fairness of proposed changes to zoning and density.
· Schools – Feedback related to the provision of schools in Westmead South.
· Local Character – Feedback related to the look and feel of Westmead South.
· General – Feedback that was general in nature or a combination of the themes above.
· Other – Feedback that did not fall into any of the above themes.
Council has considered the submissions received in the development of the masterplan and provided responses to each theme and submission.
Conclusion:
This report provides an overview of the Westmead South Planning Proposal in accordance with the LEP Plan Making Guideline and details the proposed changes to Cumberland Local Environmental Plan 2021 and Cumberland Development Control Plan 2021.
It is considered there is strategic planning merit in the Planning Proposal and its supporting documents, and endorsement is therefore sought from the Panel for submittal of the Westmead South Planning Proposal and its supporting documents to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination.
Consultation:
Early consultation on proposed heritage items and conservation areas in Westmead South began with the Early Engagement for the Stage 2 Cumberland Heritage Planning Proposal (PP-2023-158). Consultation occurred from June 2021 to August 2021 and during this time 97 submissions were received regarding proposed heritage items and heritage conservation areas in Westmead South. Proposed heritage items and conservation areas in Westmead South were included for consideration in this Planning Proposal.
Early consultation on the proposed planning controls for the Westmead South Precinct was undertaken in two phases – Phase 1 between October and November 2022 and Phase 2 between October and December 2023. These represent pre-Gateway consultation in accordance with Council’s Planning Proposal Notification Policy and enabled feedback from the community, State Government departments and Utility authorities. During the Phase 1 engagement a total of 169 independent submissions were received across a range of themes. During the Phase 2 engagement a total of 270 submissions were received.
If this Planning Proposal is supported by Council and the Minister through the Gateway process, formal stakeholder and community consultation, including consultation with public agencies, of the Planning Proposal, Draft Westmead South Masterplan Strategy, Draft Westmead South Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme, and proposed amendments to the Cumberland DCP will be undertaken by Council in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Act and any additional conditions as imposed in a Gateway Determination.
Financial Implications:
There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.
Policy Implications:
The Planning Proposal for Westmead South aligns with State and local strategies and policies.
Should the Planning Proposal be supported by Council and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, this work and supporting documents would become policies of Council.
Communication / Publications:
The outcome of this matter will be notified in accordance with policy requirements. The submitters will also be notified in writing of the outcome.
|
That the Cumberland Local Planning Panel recommend to Council that the Westmead South Planning Proposal and associated documents be endorsed and forwarded to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination. |
Attachments
1. Draft Westmead South Planning Proposal
2. 17 February 2021 Council Meeting Agenda
3. 17 February 2021 Council Meeting Minutes
4. Summary of Recommended Planning Controls
5. Draft Westmead South Masterplan Strategy
6. Proposed Amendments to Cumberland Development Control Plan 2021
7. Draft Westmead South Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme
10. Economic Feasibility Assessment (confidential)
Note: Included in Closed Business Paper in accordance with Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act as the information involves information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
12. Community Needs and Social Infrastructure Assessment
13. Air Quality and Acoustic Assessment
14. Traffic and Transport Study
15. Connecting with Country Report
16. Infrastructure Delivery Plan
17. Ecologically Sustainable Development Strategy
18. Utilities Servicing Strategy
