The Hornsby Shire Council has endorsed a submission to the New South Wales Government outlining concerns regarding the proposed Transport Oriented Development (TOD) rezoning for the Hornsby Town Centre.
The submission comes in response to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) exhibition of the proposed rezoning for the Hornsby ‘Accelerated Precinct’, which is open for public comment until 23 August 2024.
At a general meeting on 14 August, Council voted unanimously to proceed with a submission outlining that while the proposed rezoning is “broadly consistent” with Council’s own adopted Hornsby Town Centre (HTC) Masterplan, it appears deficient in providing certainty that essential supporting infrastructure will be delivered for future residents, workers and visitors.
The submission will outline key areas of concern, recommending the New South Wales Government:
- Commit State Government funding to deliver improvements such as upgrades to the Hornsby transport interchange, road improvements and open space provision
- Require that increases in height and density only be possible where properties are consolidated to support appropriate good design and provision of public benefits such as pedestrian links, parks, a new library and public parking
- Commit to the delivery of employment opportunities on State Government lands
- Support Council’s strategy to deliver affordable housing by committing to the provision of at least ten per cent affordable housing on public land
Hornsby Shire Council’s General Manager, Steven Head, said that he looks forward to meeting with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to emphasise Council’s concerns.
“We’re pleased that the proposed rezoning aligns well with the vision of our Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan,” Mr Head said.
“Our submission simply intends to highlight some of the issues that should be addressed to best suit Hornsby Shire and that may have been overlooked.
“I am confident that we can have an open and productive conversation with DPHI to find the best possible outcomes for our community.”
Image: Andrey_Popov/shutterstock.com
