A planning proposal to reclassify and rezone a portion of land at Woodchester Close Reserve (No. 148, 11Z Woodchester Close, Castle Hill) is currently on public exhibition until Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
The planning proposal would not result in any physical changes to Woodchester Close Reserve and would not result in any reduction of land that is currently utilised for public open space. The planning proposal seeks to correct a historic boundary misalignment by reclassifying and rezoning a portion of Council-owned land to enable the sale and transfer of approximately 178m2 of land.
The existing fence line and landscaping works of 3 adjoining privately-owned residential properties currently encroaches into Woodchester Close Reserve. The encroachment is the likely outcome of a survey error, undertaken when the properties were originally developed in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The proposal will enable the existing uses to lawfully continue on these privately-owned residential properties without encroaching onto Council-owned land.
In accordance with Council's resolution on 9 December 2025, the planning proposal seeks to amend The Hills Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2019 to:
- Reclassify the areas of Woodchester Close Reserve which are subject to the encroachment from "Community" to "Operational"; and
- Rezone these areas from RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential.
Council received a Gateway Determination for the planning proposal on 13 February 2026. Delegation for making the Local Environmental Plan has not been issued to Council under the Gateway Determination. In accordance with Condition 1(b) of the Gateway, Council will also consider whether to amend the maximum building height control for the subject land, consistent with the 9m maximum building height of adjoining residential properties.
Following the completion of the public exhibition period, a public hearing will also be held with respect to the reclassification and notification of this will be given on Council's webpage 21 days prior to the date of the public hearing.
The planning proposal and supporting material are now on public exhibition and available for inspection on Hills Have Your Say.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION PERIOD: Wednesday, 6 May 2026 to Wednesday 3 June 2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at 5pm
