The NSW Government has declared eleven housing proposals State Significant Development (SSD), creating capacity for 6,400 new well-located homes, following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).
The proposals were recommended for State Significance following the first meeting of the HDA, which was established by the NSW Government to speed up assessment timeframes, with the option of concurrent rezoning and assessment, rather than being assessed by councils.
The HDA has received over 160 expressions of interest (EOIs) since it invited proposals in mid-January 2025. The inaugural meeting examined the first 28 proposals received.
“These changes that we have implemented are making it easier and faster to increase housing supply near existing infrastructure, critical to delivering thousands of much needed homes for young people, families and workers,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“This new authority that is fast tracking the approval of new homes is a major but necessary change to cut through the red tape and delays that have haunted the NSW planning system for well over a decade.
“This is an important step that is helping to deliver thousands of new homes for those who need them, but we know that work does not stop here to increase housing supply.”
Some applicants submitted proposals that are already well progressed along another, more suitable assessment pathway. These have been advised that they are on the right pathway for their proposal.
The HDA has resolved to meet fortnightly to consider further EOIs in a timely manner.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will now provide clear advice and guidance to HDA applicants on the next steps to take with their development proposal.
In some cases, this advice includes recommending an alternative planning pathway for major housing projects that may require a concurrent rezoning but do not satisfy the criteria of the HDA pathway.
“The Minns Labor Government is reforming the planning system to deliver more market and affordable housing across NSW because everyone having access to a home – either to rent or buy – is a foundation of social and economic participation,” said Mr Scully.
“The Housing Delivery Authority not only encourages new housing proposals by asking for expressions of interest, but it also allows existing proposals to receive fast track consideration by being assessed by the State rather than the local Council.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to streamline the planning system to create more homes. In just the first meeting, we have the potential for 6,400 homes. That is thousands of families, workers and grandparents finding a home.”
High-quality housing projects that have detailed plans submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval and deliver affordable housing were given priority by the HDA, to set a clear benchmark for future EOI submissions.
Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning.
