Urban Digest

State Supports Landcom-Led Affordable Housing in Schofields

July 15, 2025

Street-level view of a modern six-storey residential apartment building with balconies, landscaped entry, and people walking along the footpath.

The NSW Government has approved a 63-apartment affordable housing development in Schofields, giving the green light to new housing in one of Western Sydney’s fastest-growing areas. Link Wentworth submitted the application on behalf of Landcom. The project will deliver affordable rental homes for at least 15 years under the State Significant Development pathway.

Proposal Overview

The approved development features a six-storey residential flat building with a basement level. It will offer 36 one-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom apartments. A total of 31 basement parking spaces will support residents, while communal areas include over 600 square metres of landscaped open space and a 62-square-metre indoor community room.

All apartments will operate as affordable housing and be managed by Link Wentworth, a registered community housing provider. The design includes passive solar elements, deep soil planting zones, and provision for future electric vehicle charging. A Green Travel Plan will also encourage residents to use walking, cycling and public transport.

Site Location Plan by Become

Background of the Proposal

The site is located within the Alex Avenue Precinct of the North West Growth Area. It also forms part of Landcom’s Schofields Demonstration Precinct, which aims to deliver compact housing with access to transport and green infrastructure.

Landcom consolidated several lots in 2025 to support this development. The 2,339 square metre parcel was already cleared and remediated under a previous subdivision approval. Today, it sits within a growing neighbourhood near low-rise townhouses and apartment buildings.

The site is well-connected. Schofields Station is less than 800 metres away, and future parks, schools and services are planned within walking distance. Blacktown Council has earmarked the surrounding area for urban renewal and new infrastructure delivery.

Design

The building wraps around a central green spine in a C-shaped layout. This configuration improves ventilation and sunlight penetration. Three articulated blocks create breaks in the form, reducing the building’s bulk and contributing to a more human-scale streetscape.

Landcom and its consultants selected materials to reflect local character. Brick grounds the lower levels, while lighter cladding softens the upper storeys. Street-facing balconies encourage passive surveillance and activate the public domain.

The landscaping design draws on Darug Country themes. Cumberland Plain Woodland species, shaded lawns and a raised vegetable garden support both biodiversity and social connection. These features also help the project achieve its long-term canopy target.

The building includes two lift cores, allowing for efficient circulation and natural cross-ventilation. The plan also supports adaptable apartments and exceeds minimum energy and water efficiency requirements.

Artist impression by Become

Community Submissions

The public exhibition ran from 14 November to 11 December 2024. During that time, 29 submissions were received. These included 22 objections from local residents, one submission in support, and written feedback from five state agencies. Blacktown City Council also submitted an objection.

Most resident objections focused on building height, traffic impacts, parking supply, and pressure on local infrastructure. Some also expressed concern that 100 percent affordable housing could affect safety and change the character of the neighbourhood.

Blacktown Council raised questions about stormwater management, basement setbacks, waste collection, and deep soil planting compliance. State agencies, including Transport for NSW and Sydney Water, offered technical advice but did not object to the proposal.

In response, the applicant revised the plans. Link Wentworth increased the affordable housing commitment to 100 percent, up from the initial 49 dwellings. They also updated drainage and traffic reports to address concerns.

Why the Development Was Approved

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approved the project because it supports state priorities for well-located affordable housing. The development aligns with strategic housing and transport goals for the North West Growth Area. It places new dwellings close to rail, schools, jobs and community infrastructure.

The Department found that the building design offered strong residential amenity. It also concluded that privacy, overshadowing and noise impacts had been appropriately addressed. Conditions of consent were included to manage potential effects on neighbouring properties.

By responding to resident feedback and increasing the supply of affordable housing, the proposal demonstrated its alignment with the public interest. It also supports state housing targets, which include delivering 377,000 new homes across Greater Sydney by 2029.