Planning a city is no easy task
THE final planning package to unlock the potential of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is a step closer to completion, with proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) now on public exhibition.
The changes include large reductions to the size of the Aerotropolis’ open space network and environment and recreation zone, responding directly to community feedback and following a comprehensive review of open space needs.
“Planning a new city is an incredibly complex task, and this process proves that nothing is finalised without community consultation,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve listened to the community and the recommendations of the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan, and reduced the amount of land earmarked for open space or an environment and recreation zoning.
“We will still achieve our vision for a Western Parkland City under these proposed changes, while allowing landowners to continue using their property as they do now. This means fewer properties needing to be acquired while still ensuring 95 per cent of homes in the Aerotropolis will be within five-minutes’ walk of open space.”
The revised open space network will see 16 per cent of land in the initial precincts (869 hectares) acquired for parks and public spaces.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the vision included an exciting network of green spaces.
“The future Aerotropolis won’t just be a great place to work and do business, it will also be home to some of Sydney’s best parks,” Mr Ayres said.
“The feedback from the community has created a better balanced Aerotropolis plan, that will create more jobs closer to where people live and ensure a green network of parks in the parkland city.”
Under the proposed SEPP amendments, the environment and recreation zone at Wianamatta-South Creek will be reduced by a third and a rural zoning re-applied.
Previously permitted land uses would also be reintroduced in the Aerotropolis and the Government will consider options for the future of Luddenham.
The public exhibition includes proposed changes to the Aerotropolis SEPP; the draft Phase 2 Development Control Plan; and the Luddenham Village Discussion Paper. Submissions will be accepted from 8 October until 5 November 2021.
These accompany the ‘Responding to the Issues’ report, which outlines the Government’s response to Professor Ryan’s recommendations and Precinct Plan submissions; the Open Space Needs Study and Community Guidelines on Existing Use Rights and Permissible Land Uses.
For more information, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis