The Land and Environment Court has today dismissed a claim lodged by the City of Ryde that the NSW Govern ment's Medium Density Code be ruled invalid.
The City of Ryde commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court on behalf of residents over the NSW Government's Medium Density Housing Code, alleging the government failed to consider certain en vironmental issues it was legally required to undertake before implementing the code.
In his judgement handed down today, Justice Brian Preston SC, chief judge of the court, dismissed Council's claim and ruled that the Medium Density Housing Code was vali d.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, acknowledged the decision of the court.
"While it is a disappointing outcome, the City of Ryde respects the court's decision," Clr Laxale.
"However, ou r community does not respect the NSW Government's contin ue d targeting of Ryde with over development. Coupled with the Priority Precinc t program, the City of Ryde still maintains that the Medium Density Housing Code will have dire consequences for our entire community.
"The code is yet another example of NSW Gove rnment intervention with the intention of overdeveloping Ryde. First it was Priority Precincts, cramming 15000 dwellings into Macquarie Park, and now the c ode will lead to planning chaos in our quietest streets.
"If implemented, the code will completely c hange the character of our City as it will mean the number of sites capable of being developed for medium density housing would have increased substantially.
"Overnight, the City of Ryde could be transformed from predominantly low -density neighbourhoods with the required supporting infrastructure in place to medium density neighbourhoods outstripping available infrastructure and putting untold strain on our local natural areas. It is these serious concerns that led Council to commence legal proceedings against the NSW Government and the code.
"The code could also result in an additional 60,000 residents in these neighbourhoods - five times higher than the targets set by the Greater Sydney Commission. "
Clr Laxale said Council would lobby new NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes for the City of Ryde to be permanently exempt f rom the Medium Density Housing Code.
"We will continue our campaign for the NSW Government to give us a complete exemption from the Medium Density Housing Code and support Council in its efforts to continue its work in successfully delivering diverse a nd affordable h ousing supply for the community," Clr Laxale said.
"I was particularly heartened to read that the new Planning Minister is not wedded to particular government policies currently in place. I will request a meeting wit h him to work through t he situation created by the NSW Govern ment's planning laws and help shape policies that will deliver appropriate development and infrastructure while maintaining our City's great character."
Following today's decision by the Land and Environment Court, the City of Ryde will continue to undertake its review of the R yde Local Environment Plan, which is due to be completed by July 2020.
