FAQs

Why is Council reviewing the planning approach for Chatswood CBD?

Council needs to review its planning approach in response to recent changes to NSW Government housing policies.
The Government recently amended the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) to allow more Build-to-Rent developments in commercial centres to help address the current housing shortage.
Under Council’s existing Local Environment Plan, residential developments are only allowed in the outer areas of the CBD, not in the commercial core. NSW Government policies can override Council’s LEP requirements.
Council therefore needs to consider the potential impacts and opportunities of new residential developments and ensure these are managed appropriately.
Council also needs to consider the inter-relationship between commercial and residential land uses to maintain the Chatswood CBD as an important commercial centre.

What issues does the Discussion Paper explore?

The Discussion Paper explores issues around the management of residential and mixed-use development proposals in the Chatswood commercial core.
It does not propose new planning controls across the whole Chatswood CBD but does explore how residential and mixed-use development proposals in the commercial core can be managed.
It raises issues such as affordable housing, active transport, open space, active streetscapes and quality urban design.

How much new housing do we need to provide?

The NSW Government has set Council a target to deliver 3,400 new homes by 2029 under the National Housing Accord. These homes need to be in areas with existing infrastructure capacity such as transport and water services.
Council is on track to meet this target and so any new proposals for more residential developments will provide additional housing supply.

What about current office space in the CBD?

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic landscape has changed across many metropolitan areas, including Chatswood, with many people still working from home or in a hybrid environment.
As a result, there is less demand for office space and more demand for housing.
Council’s Local Environment Plan reinforces Chatswood CBD as a commercial centre and Council needs to maintain this focus to ensure ongoing opportunities for employment and economic growth.

What opportunities and challenges could there be?

The Discussion Paper looks at a range of challenges and opportunities that might come with more residential and mixed-use development in Chatswood CBD.
Challenges include potential impacts on traffic, infrastructure and local facilities, as well as the need to maintain the prestige of Chatswood CBD as a key business and jobs centre.
Opportunities include the potential to create a more balanced and liveable environment with convenient access to work, shopping, amenities and public transport, as well as the potential to support local businesses, cultural activities and a night-time economy.

What feedback is Council looking for?

Council is seeking stakeholder views on the mix of land uses in the Chatswood CBD, including how best to achieve the right balance of employment and housing needs.
The Discussion Paper poses a series of questions which can prompt community feedback on things like employment trends and office needs, housing demand and residential needs, and funding options for infrastructure upgrades.
Council is not seeking feedback on specific sites, development applications or planning proposals. Any such proposals will be subject to a separate consultation process.

What will happen next?

This Discussion Paper provides a formal process to collect information that can help shape future decisions involving the Chatswood CBD.
All feedback received during the Discussion Paper feedback period will be included in a report and considered by Council.
Discussion Paper feedback will inform any next steps in the process.
The Discussion Paper may not result in any changes to Council’s current policies and plans, but it will help Council remain in touch with emerging trends and may help inform future decision making.
If any changes are proposed to Council plans and polices then further community and business consultation will take place.