Urban Digest

Carlingford High-Rise SSD Seeks Approval for 136 Apartments

January 23, 2026

Architectural drawing of the proposed development at 241-245 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford.

Carlingford is set to push the boundaries of mixed-use, high-density development in Sydney’s middle ring, with a major State Significant Development (SSD) application now on public exhibition for 241-245 Pennant Hills Road. The $90.58 million proposal from Triple Eight Corporation would deliver 136 apartments—25 of them affordable—across an 18-storey tower and a lower-rise row building. The scheme also includes retail, commercial space, a childcare centre, and a gym. Its scale and prominent triangular site at the edge of Carlingford’s evolving town centre set it apart. The project attempts to bridge the gap between established suburban housing and the emerging high-rise precinct to the east.

Site and Building Breakdown

The proposal covers a 6,331sqm site, though yield calculations are based on a reduced 5,765sqm due to a future road widening reservation. Two main built elements define the scheme: an 18-storey tower with 118 apartments (including 25 affordable units managed by Link Wentworth for 15 years), three commercial tenancies, and a 98-place childcare centre; and a three-to-four storey row building with 18 apartments, three commercial tenancies, and a gym. The project provides 263 car spaces over three basement levels, 14 bicycle spaces, 2,680sqm of communal open space, and 1,522sqm of publicly accessible land. The total gross floor area is 16,203sqm, including a 465sqm winter garden allowance. Construction is expected to take up to two years.

Rezoning and Planning History

The site’s planning history is shaped by a 2022 planning proposal (PP-2022-376) determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel. This upzoning allowed building heights up to 49m and a maximum FSR of 2.1:1, with requirements for at least 1,970sqm of commercial space and a site-specific DCP. The indicative concept at that time envisaged a 14-storey mixed-use scheme. The current SSD application seeks additional height and floor space under the Housing SEPP, leveraging a 30% uplift for affordable housing. The design has evolved through collaboration with Parramatta Council’s urban design team, focusing on transitioning built form from the high-rise east to the lower-density west and incorporating a landscaped pedestrian link through the site. A future road widening reservation along Pennant Hills Road also affects the site, with Transport for NSW yet to confirm acquisition timing.

Transitioning Urban Form

A central challenge for the scheme is whether its built form can mediate between Carlingford’s emerging high-density core and the established medium-density neighbourhood to the west. The proposal’s two-part massing—a tall tower and a lower row building separated by a landscaped pedestrian link—aims to provide this transition, as required by the site’s planning controls and urban design studies. The scheme claims to minimise overshadowing of the adjacent K-13 Memorial Park and neighbouring properties, and to provide generous setbacks: 6m to the west, 4m or more to Felton Road, and over 6m to Pennant Hills Road on average. The application will be scrutinised for the real-world impact of its height, bulk, and overshadowing, particularly given the 18-storey tower’s prominence and the site’s role as a ‘pivot point’ in the local urban fabric.

Traffic and Access Arrangements

Vehicle access is proposed exclusively from Felton Road, in line with Transport for NSW requirements to avoid new driveways on Pennant Hills Road. The scheme provides 263 car spaces and 14 bicycle spaces across three basement levels, with dedicated parking for residential, commercial, childcare, and gym uses. The traffic report, prepared by Traffic Solutions, addresses local impacts and access arrangements. However, questions remain about the adequacy of parking, the effect on Felton Road’s cul-de-sac, and the interface with future road widening. The proposal also includes a pedestrian link between Felton Road and Pennant Hills Road, intended to improve connectivity and activate ground-floor commercial spaces.

Affordable Housing Delivery

The project relies on provisions in the Housing SEPP to deliver 25 affordable rental apartments—15% of total dwellings—managed by Link Wentworth for at least 15 years. This affordable component enables the scheme’s additional height and floor space and is exempt from local and state infrastructure contributions. The application includes documentation from Link Wentworth confirming their role. Assessment will focus on the enforceability of the affordable housing commitment, the integration of affordable and market housing, and the long-term management arrangements.

Infrastructure Contributions

No planning agreements are in place or required. The scheme triggers local and state infrastructure contributions for the non-affordable residential and commercial components, with estimates of $2.18 million for residential and $61,830 for commercial, plus a $1.11 million state contribution. Affordable housing units are exempt from these levies. The application notes that the site’s recent upzoning and the affordable housing provision satisfy key planning requirements.

Application Process

The application is on public exhibition with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Submissions from the community, agencies, and stakeholders will inform the department’s assessment before a determination by the Minister for Planning or their delegate.