A Concept Development Application (DA) for a 9-storey mixed-use project at 9 Burroway Road, Wentworth Point, is now on public exhibition from 31 January 2025 to 27 February 2025. Landcom has lodged the State Significant Development Application (SSD-72816207) to seek approval for residential apartments, affordable housing, commercial spaces, and public open areas, including a foreshore promenade and public plaza.
The proposal includes 412 residential apartments, with 61 designated as affordable housing. It aims to enhance public connectivity, activate the foreshore, and support urban growth. However, the development exceeds building height limits and includes commercial uses in a residential zone, requiring planning variations.
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders can review the application and provide feedback on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s website.
Artist impression by SJB
Overview of the Proposed Development
The development covers 42,800 sqm of total floor space and includes:
- 412 apartments, with 15% allocated for affordable housing
- 2,500 sqm of commercial space, including shops, cafes, and potential office spaces
- A 25m-wide foreshore promenade, improving access to Homebush Bay
- A public plaza and through-site pedestrian link, connecting Burroway Road, Ridge Road, and Wentworth Point High School
- Above-ground parking across three levels, integrated into the building design
- New green spaces, tree canopy cover, and improved pedestrian access
This Concept DA establishes the overall development parameters. Future detailed designs will require additional approvals.
Key Planning Issues and Variations
Building Height Exceedance
The Parramatta Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2023 sets a maximum height limit of 19m and 25m. The Housing SEPP (2021) bonus provisions allow for 30% additional height, increasing limits to 24.7m and 32.5m.
Despite this, the proposal exceeds the maximum allowable height by up to 10.68m, with buildings reaching RL36.05m and RL37.75m. The Clause 4.6 variation request argues that this height increase:
- Creates a consistent built form with surrounding developments
- Improves residential amenity, especially for affordable housing units
- Enhances the public domain by activating retail and public spaces
Approval depends on whether the Department of Planning finds these height increases acceptable.
Commercial Uses in Residential Zones
The site includes R4 High-Density Residential and E1 Local Centre zones under the Parramatta LEP 2023.
- Commercial premises (shops, cafes, and offices) are allowed in the E1 zone
- These uses are prohibited in the R4 zone
The proposal places commercial space within both zoning areas, meaning some shops and cafes do not comply with planning controls. The developer argues that ground-floor retail is essential for:
- Creating a vibrant, activated streetscape
- Supporting population growth and local businesses
- Enhancing public safety by increasing street-level activity
Clause 4.38(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act) allows approval of developments even if they partly breach zoning rules. The Department of Planning will determine whether this commercial component can proceed.
Traffic and Vehicle Access Concerns
The plan consolidates all vehicle access via Ridge Road, next to Wentworth Point High School.
The State Design Review Panel (SDRP) raised concerns about:
- Potential traffic congestion and pedestrian safety risks
- Conflicts between school-related traffic and residential vehicle movements
In response, the applicant provided traffic management plans and turning circle diagrams. However, alternative vehicle access points were not included. The Department of Planning will assess if these changes sufficiently address safety concerns.
Artist impression by SJB
Community Impact and Public Benefits
The proposal seeks to transform Wentworth Point by:
- Delivering more housing, including affordable units
- Creating public open spaces, such as a foreshore promenade and plaza
- Improving pedestrian connectivity between the high school, foreshore, and transport links
- Generating jobs, with an estimated 70 operational roles in retail and 512 construction jobs
Despite these benefits, some residents oppose the height variations and increased density. Concerns also include potential traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.
How to Have Your Say
The Concept Development Application (SSD-72816207) is on public exhibition from 31 January 2025 to 27 February 2025.
🔎 To review the proposal and submit feedback, visit the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website and search for Application Number SSD-72816207.
💬 Public submissions allow residents, businesses, and community groups to provide feedback on the proposal.
Key Dates:
- Exhibition Period: 31 January 2025 – 27 February 2025
- Final Determination Expected: Mid-2025
The Department of Planning will review all submissions before making a final decision.
Project Team
- Developer: Landcom
- Urban Planner (Statement of Environmental Effects Author): FPD Planning
- Architect: SJB
- Landscape Architect: Environmental Partnership
- Traffic and Transport Consultant: GTA Consultants
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Heritage Consultant: Urbis
- Acoustic Consultant: Arup
- Contamination Consultant: Geosyntec
- Community Engagement Consultant: Urbis
The public exhibition period provides a critical opportunity for community feedback, allowing residents to have their say on the future of Wentworth Point.
For more information, search SSD-72816207 on the NSW Department of Planning’s website.
