A proposal to allow thousands of new homes to be built at Appin has been greenlit.
The 1284-hectare site, owned by developers Walker Corporation, now includes zoning for 12,900 homes.
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, who signed off on the proposal, said the rezoning of land at Appin will provide for the much-needed additional homes while reserving more than a third of the site for environmental and koala protection.
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"The combination of planning requirements and the reformed $1 billion Housing and Productivity Infrastructure Contributions Scheme which we passed in Parliament last week and will come into effect from October 1 will mean that the infrastructure the area needs to support those homes will be delivered in a timely manner," he said.
"The rezoning is consistent with, and is an important step, in implementing the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan and the advice and recommendations of the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer with respect to local koala habitat protection."
The rezoning means the developers will now complete a masterplan for the site before submitting additional plans to build the homes.
The land at Appin was considered a priority for fast-track assessment as part of a NSW government effort to open up more space for housing.
Concerns raised about the proposal during public submissions had included claims the koala bushland would be further diminished; that a diminished bushland buffer zone would cause noise, pollution, vibration and dangerous emissions; increased traffic volumes; and smaller land holders in the area not being allowed similar provisions to enable residential development.
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A Walker spokesperson said after lodging their original planning proposal back in 2014, they welcomed the government announcing that the Appin region is set to provide "critical and affordable housing".
"Over 33 per cent of the site will be dedicated for conservation lands which is the largest conservation dedication plan in the Sydney basin," the spokesperson said.
"Appin will remain surrounded by pristine and protected natural vegetation, hills, valleys and gorges.
"The ability to plan and deliver community infrastructure, transport connectivity, retail villages and schools can be carefully provided on a large scale masterplanned project like Appin.
"With great connectivity to the Wollongong and Campbelltown CBDs, the future families of Appin will be well served by universities, hospitals and the Illawarra's beautiful beaches."
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