FAQs

These controls come from studies completed in 2021 and the NSW Government’s Gateway Determination, which requires these changes to be exhibited before the planning controls can be finalised.

Council began this process in 2021 with the Biodiversity and Foreshore Scenic Character Studies. Community consultation in 2022–23 shaped the initial controls. The controls were then developed and reported to Council in 2024–25 where support was given for the changes to be sent to the State Government for a Gateway Determination. The NSW Government has since issued the Gateway Determination giving the green light for the proposed planning controls to be placed on public exhibition.

The proposed planning controls have been in development long before the Low and Mid‑Rise Housing reform was announced by the NSW Government. The focus of the Planning Proposal around environmental and scenic character protection helps Council to manage the impacts of those reforms by still protecting environmentally sensitive foreshore areas.

No. Housing growth is expected in well‑connected, well‑serviced areas (particularly around train stations) under the State’s housing reforms. The proposed controls seek to ensure sensitive foreshore and biodiversity areas maintain their ecological and scenic value while growth occurs in more suitable areas.

These areas have high biodiversity, mature tree canopy, steep landscapes and high scenic value. The NSW Government required that Council consult on these lot size changes as part of the Gateway. Larger lots help ensure development remains safe, environmentally responsible and respectful of foreshore character.

However, Oatley Train Station is identified by the NSW Low and Mid Rise Housing reform, which means properties within 800m walking distance to the station can use the NSW Government’s planning controls to provide more housing supply.

Most of the proposed controls remain unchanged from the earlier consultation rounds. The changes from the previous consultation have been made in response to feedback we have heard from the community. These include no changes to existing larger lot size controls, increasing the landscaped area and reducing the amount of floor space that can be built. These changes are proposed to reduce the bulky appearance of new developments and to provide better environmental outcomes through the redevelopment process.

Council is offering one‑on‑one appointments with planners so residents can speak directly with staff about their specific property or concerns. Use the booking form on the Project Page.

Most residents will see no change to what they can do compared with current rules. The changes will apply to new developments. Where changes are proposed, they relate to:

• Additional consideration of biodiversity presence
• 5% increase in landscape area requirements
• 9% reduction in the floor space of a new house
• 16.7% reduction in the floor space of a new duplex

All feedback will be reviewed by Council and addressed before the Planning Proposal is finalised and returned to the NSW Government.

No. A Planning Proposal cannot be finalised without public exhibition. The NSW Government’s Gateway approval allows the proposal to be shown to the community, it does not lock in the final outcome. However, the NSW Government may make changes without Council’s input at the finalisation stage.