newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie could gain up to 160 new homes, including 69 affordable dwellings, under a state-led rezoning proposal for Garden Suburb now on public exhibition.
The proposal applies to a 38-hectare busland site at 9A, 69 and 82 Myall Road, Garden Suburb, about 20 minutes south-west of Newcastle CBD. It seeks to amend planning controls in the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2014 so land previously assessed as suitable for residential development can transition from a deferred matter zoning to contemporary zonings.
Under the plan, the site would be rezoned for residential and environmental conservation purposes, allowing a mix of housing types while retaining native bushland. About 28 hectares, or 70 per cent of the site, would be preserved as an environmental conservation zone.
Building heights would range from one to three storeys to allow a variety of housing types, while the minimum lot size in residential zones would be 450 square metres, in line with surrounding development.
The NSW Government is assessing the proposal under its social and affordable housing rezoning pathway, introduced in May 2024 to accelerate rezonings involving the state’s housing agencies and speed up the delivery of more social and affordable homes. Landcom lodged the proposal with the Department as a state-assessed rezoning proposal under that accelerated pathway.
The rezoning is intended to increase housing choice in an established area close to schools, shops, jobs and open space, and aligns with the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 and the Hunter Region Plan 2041.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said Lake Macquarie was growing and needed more well-located, affordable homes. “The Garden Suburb proposal is a great example of how we’re using accelerated rezoning pathways to deliver homes faster, while protecting bushland and creating vibrant communities,” he said.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the proposal was aimed at matching the region’s growth with the homes people needed. “This proposal is about delivering more housing choice for local families, young people and essential workers, close to jobs, schools and the services they rely on every day,” she said.
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said the rezoning would enable more homes close to schools, shops and open space while preserving bushland. Landcom chief executive Alex Wendler said the proposal showed the agency’s commitment to delivering well-located, high-quality homes, including affordable housing, in communities supported by existing services and infrastructure.
Exhibition documents include an Explanation of Intended Effect outlining the intended outcomes of the proposal and supporting technical studies. The Department is responsible for exhibiting the documents, gathering feedback and assessing the proposal.
The proposal is on exhibition until Monday, 20 April, with the rezoning expected to be finalised by mid-2026.
Site plans and details here: https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-exhibition/garden-suburb-project
