Plan Unveiled to Boost High-Density Housing Areas

A planning proposal relating to the activation of high density residential areas, along with supporting draft amendments to The Hills Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012, is currently on public exhibition until Monday, 20 October 2025.

The planning proposal aims to allow for future development in the R4 High Density Residential zone to include active uses such as shops, restaurants, cafes and business premises, to a limited extent as part of the ground floor of the development. This will provide better access to these day-to-day conveniences for residents within high density residential areas and create more active, safe, vibrant and walkable communities.

In accordance with Council's resolution of 13 May 2025, the planning proposal seeks to amend The Hills Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2019 to:

Introduce a new zone objective for the R4 High Density Residential zone that encourages ground floor activation of developments to improve the walkability and vibrancy of high density residential neighbourhoods.
Permit shops (excluding neighbourhood supermarkets), restaurants or cafes and business premises, with consent, in the R4 High Density Residential zone; and
Introduce a new local provision that applies to non-residential uses as part of mixed-use developments in the R4 High Density Residential zone, restricting such uses to the ground floor of developments and limiting the total gross floor area of individual non-residential uses to 200m².

Draft amendments are also proposed to Part B Section 8 – Shop Top Housing and Mixed Use Development, Part C Section 1 – Parking and other sections of The Hills Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 to ensure that the built form of development in the R4 High Density Residential zone is capable of supporting active uses in a manner sympathetic to residential amenity.

Council received a Gateway Determination for the planning proposal in August 2025. Delegation for making the Local Environmental Plan has been issued to Council under the Gateway Determination.

The planning proposal and supporting material are now on public exhibition and available for inspection on Hills Have Your Say.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION PERIOD: Friday 19 September 2025 to Monday 20 October 2025

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, 20 October 2025 (5PM)

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