Wollongong City Council recently (5th May) developed their own planning proposals that aim to deliver even more housing than the minimum requirements set out by the TOD controls. This proactive approach also includes provisions for dedicated affordable housing located close to public transport and employment centres.
The NSW Government will now work with Wollongong City Council to progress the strategic plan, with an expected 5,310 new dwellings from their submission.
The proposal includes the following:
- A revised site boundary will avoid most flood-prone areas and allow for increased housing density under Transport Oriented Development (TOD) guidelines.
- Amendments to the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) in the coming months will enable the transformation of North Wollongong with new housing opportunities.
- The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is working with Council to make sure heritage values are maintained and affordable housing is delivered as part of redevelopment in this precinct.
What This Means For Developers
- Development Opportunities: The amendments to the LEP pave the way for more intensive residential development in North Wollongong, creating new opportunities for developers to undertake larger-scale projects.
- Higher Density Projects: The expected 5,310 new dwellings suggests an increase in housing density in North Wollongong, creating a higher demand for multi-story apartment buildings and similar high-density housing solutions.
- Affordable Housing Inclusions: With these additional dwellings it should be expected the need to incorporate affordable housing units within any larger-scale projects, as this is a key priority for the DPHI and Wollongong City Council.
- Design Considerations: Developers will need to carefully consider the design of their projects to ensure they are compatible with the existing urban environment and heritage values in the area.
