Homes NSW to Deliver 86 Affordable Dwellings in Lane Cove North

Homes NSW to Deliver 86 Affordable Dwellings in Lane Cove North

June 18, 2025

Architectural rendering of a landscaped courtyard surrounded by five-storey apartment buildings with balconies, trees, and people enjoying outdoor space.

A five-storey affordable housing development has been approved for Lane Cove North, adding 86 new dwellings in a growing renewal precinct. The project, led by Homes NSW, will deliver a mix of social and affordable apartments across a consolidated site on Mowbray Road and Mindarie Street. Located near schools, parks, and public transport, the project supports housing diversity and addresses long-standing demand in northern Sydney.

Proposal Overview

The project involves demolishing seven unoccupied dwellings and constructing a five-storey residential flat building with 43 social housing and 43 affordable housing apartments. The design includes communal open spaces at ground and podium levels. It also features 42 basement car parking spaces.

The tenure mix ensures a 50:50 split between social and affordable housing. The apartments will be a combination of one- and two-bedroom dwellings. Residents will have access to landscaped areas and a multipurpose room. Vehicle access is provided via Hatfield Street.

Background of the Proposal

The 4,199sqm site sits within the Mowbray Precinct, an urban renewal area in Lane Cove LGA. It falls under the R4 High Density Residential zone in the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009. Existing five-storey apartment buildings border the site to the east and west.

Mindarie Park is directly south of the site. Mowbray Public School lies to the north. Buses provide connections to Chatswood and Sydney CBD. Local shops are accessible along Mowbray Road.

The site’s topography and stormwater constraints influenced the design. An overland flow path crosses the southern edge, requiring integrated stormwater and flood mitigation.

Planning Framework & Compliance

The Department assessed the project as State Significant Development under the Planning Systems SEPP 2021. The proposal also complies with eligibility criteria under the Housing SEPP.

Although the site permits greater height and floor space, the proposal remains within a modest envelope. The design aligns with the Apartment Design Guide and Housing SEPP standards. One minor non-compliance on the western boundary setback was addressed by installing additional privacy screening.

The development provides 42% deep soil zones and increases the overall tree canopy. While the Lane Cove DCP includes design expectations, the Housing SEPP overrides those provisions. The landscape plan offsets the loss of 81 trees by planting 143 new ones.

Design

DKO Architecture designed a five-storey structure with articulated façades and materials that blend with the surrounding built form. Key materials include masonry, render, and metal cladding. The upper levels step back to reduce bulk and scale, and window treatments enhance privacy and visual interest.

Communal open spaces at the ground and podium levels feature landscaping, shaded seating, and gathering areas. Land and Form prepared the landscape design, which responds to ecological context and meets ADG soil depth standards.

The project achieves a 7-star NatHERS rating. Sustainability features include passive solar design, energy-efficient fixtures, and rainwater harvesting.

Artist impression by DKO

Community Submissions and Response

The exhibition period in late 2024 attracted 96 submissions. Of these, 88 came from the public and two from Lane Cove Council. Council raised concerns about solar access, the lack of three-bedroom units, and variations from the DCP. These included side setbacks and fifth-storey design. Council also highlighted the need to align with Housing SEPP provisions, ensure waste and traffic design compliance, and retain trees. Although the Housing SEPP overrides local controls, Council recommended improvements to support amenity and compliance.

Community submissions expressed concern about the lack of on-site amenities, building height and density, overshadowing, and local traffic impacts. Some submissions also raised issues about privacy, safety, and access to sunlight. A few requested referral to the Independent Planning Commission.

Homes NSW responded by refining the western façade and adding privacy screens. They also updated their flood and landscape plans in line with feedback.

Why the Project Was Approved

The Department approved the project because it aligns with state and local housing strategies. It uses land zoned for high-density housing and complies with height and floor space controls. The design offers quality housing with minor and well-justified variations. It addresses privacy and overshadowing impacts through design features. It also responds to housing demand in a high-need area. The proposal met flood and landscape requirements and includes strong sustainability measures. Its location provides access to public transport, schools, and shops.