The NSW Government’s improved planning system to speed up housing is now being put to use – with the first affordable housing project officially lodged under a new planning pathway.

Landcom has submitted a development application (DA) for 135 new homes at Lachlan’s Line in Macquarie Park, with 100 per cent affordable housing.

The project will help low to moderate income households, that comprise key workers like nurses, cleaners, childcare and retail workers, to secure accommodation close to transport connections, education opportunities and jobs on their doorstep.

The new State Significant Development (SSD) pathway for Social and Affordable Housing is accelerating assessment times and providing height and floorspace incentives for DAs with a capital investment value over $75 million, with at least 10 per cent affordable housing.

The same applies to DAs in Regional NSW over the value of $30 million.

The reforms encourage developers and community housing providers to increase affordable housing within residential projects.

The reforms were introduced in late-2023 after extensive consultation with councils, industry, government agencies and community housing providers.

DAs must still comply with relevant council planning controls and will be subject to thorough assessment and community consultation.

If approved, Landcom, in partnership with Link Wentworth, will deliver the new homes close to key amenities including North Ryde and Macquarie Park metro stations.

For more information, visit  Lachlan's Line or NSW Planning Housing SEPP.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is an important time in history as our planning reforms kick-in and begin to address the housing crisis we inherited.

“Increasing capacity for new housing in well-located areas is our top priority, and this new planning pathway is now helping us assess more quality homes for essential workers faster.

“The state’s planning system was in desperate need of reform to cut the lengthy assessment times that had been preventing us from delivering these homes to people in need.

“I am pleased to see the Minns Government’s reforms in action.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This new planning pathway will help fast-track more affordable housing for low to moderate income households, giving more people the chance to live and work in thriving neighbourhoods close to public transport and jobs.

“Greater Sydney is expanding, along with the number of its key workers, so providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable housing is crucial.

“Everyone deserves to live close to their employment without living outside their means.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“Landcom’s ambitious Lachlan’s Line project demonstrates our commitment to tackling the housing crisis as part of a whole of government effort.

“This new planning pathway is speeding up the assessment of important housing projects which will enable Landcom to deliver more quality homes sooner.

“I look forward to the outcome of our application’s assessment.”

Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said:

“Our partnership with Landcom to deliver this project is a great example of the NSW Government working with the Community Housing Provider sector to unlock land for more affordable housing.

“Accessing the new planning pathway enables this important project to be positioned at the front of the line for the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), to enable these homes to be held for local people.

“It’s a brilliant example of all levels of government working together.”