Urban Digest

$270m Lindfield TOD Site Approved for 377 Apartments

February 20, 2026

An architectural drawing sheet from the project plans.

A 377-apartment development in Lindfield has received State Significant Development approval, marking one of the larger housing proposals to proceed under the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development reforms in Ku-ring-gai. The project at 9–21 Beaconsfield Parade was approved with conditions by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure under delegated authority from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

The decision follows assessment of the proposal against the Housing SEPP’s transport-oriented development and infill affordable housing provisions, and consideration of submissions from Council, state agencies and the community.

Project Overview

The approved scheme, lodged by Deicorp Projects (Lindfield) Pty Ltd, comprises three residential flat buildings ranging from nine to ten storeys. The development will deliver 377 apartments, including 56 affordable dwellings.

Of the affordable housing component, 11 per cent of gross floor area will be managed as affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. A further two per cent will be retained in perpetuity. St George Community Housing is identified as the registered community housing provider.

The development includes two basement levels with 523 car parking spaces and associated services. Landscaping works will provide communal open space, including rooftop and ground-level areas. The proposal requires the removal of 169 trees and retention of selected significant vegetation, including one mature eucalypt hybrid classified as Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest vegetation. A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report waiver was issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The estimated development cost is approximately $270 million. The Environmental Impact Statement identifies approximately 90 construction jobs and 12 ongoing operational roles.

Strategic and Policy Context

The 13,386 square metre site is located approximately 350 metres walking distance from Lindfield Railway Station and within proximity of Pacific Highway bus services. It falls within a Tier 2 Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct introduced by the NSW Government in May 2024.

The application relies on two key mechanisms under the Housing SEPP. Chapter 5 (Transport Oriented Development) establishes base height and floor space ratio controls of 22 metres and 2.5:1 for sites within 400 metres of identified stations. Chapter 2 (Infill Affordable Housing) enables height and floor space incentives of up to 30 per cent where affordable housing is provided.

The proposal utilises these provisions to achieve a building height of up to 29.9 metres and an increased floor space ratio. Minor exceedances relate to rooftop elements and lift overruns. The Department accepted these variations under Clause 4.6, noting compliance with the intent of the controls.

Although Ku-ring-gai Council adopted new planning controls in November 2025, the Department’s assessment notes these do not apply due to savings provisions relevant to the timing of the SSD application.

Planning and Design Development

SEARs for the application were issued on 27 March 2025. The proponent engaged with the Department during the scoping phase and sought input from the State Design Review Panel in April 2025. Community engagement was undertaken prior to lodgement.

The design adopts a three-building configuration. Building 1 contains all affordable dwellings and 69 market apartments. Buildings 2 and 3 contain market apartments. The built form responds to the site’s 9.25-metre cross fall, stepping across the slope and incorporating internal communal open space at podium and upper levels.

Setbacks of six to nine metres are provided to site boundaries. The existing 10-metre-wide street verges on Beaconsfield Parade are retained, maintaining the established streetscape character.

The proposal includes indoor communal facilities and rooftop gardens. Deep soil planting areas total approximately 2,542 square metres within an overall landscaped area of 4,490 square metres.

Heritage Considerations

Five dwellings within the site are identified as contributory items within the Frances Street Heritage Conservation Area. These inter-war bungalows were assessed as having aesthetic significance and contributing to the character of the conservation area.

The Department’s assessment concluded that demolition of these dwellings is acceptable in the strategic context of the TOD precinct. Conditions of consent require archival recording, a Heritage Interpretation Plan and protection of nearby listed heritage items, including dwellings at 31 and 14 Beaconsfield Parade.

Community and Stakeholder Response

The Department’s exhibition process received 13 objections, one comment and seven letters of support.

Key concerns raised included building height and bulk, compatibility with local character, tree removal, traffic, overshadowing and impacts on the heritage conservation area. Support submissions referenced proximity to public transport and the provision of affordable housing.

Ku-ring-gai Council objected to the proposal, citing concerns regarding consistency with the desired future character, heritage impacts, landscape impacts and variations to Apartment Design Guide standards.

State agencies, including Transport for NSW and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, raised no objections subject to standard conditions.

Determination and Conditions

The Director, Affordable Housing Assessments, determined that the proposal is in the public interest when balanced against identified impacts. The approval is subject to detailed conditions relating to: