The NSW Government has reversed a ban on secondary dwellings in lower-noise areas near Western Sydney International Airport, opening the door for granny flats and studios across parts of five local government areas.
The planning changes apply to land within the ANEC 20-25 noise contour – areas forecast to experience lower aircraft noise levels – in Wollondilly, Camden, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith.
Homeowners in eligible zones can now build secondary dwellings up to 85 square metres, provided they include noise attenuation measures such as double-glazed windows.
The amendments to the Western Parkland City State Environmental Planning Policy use the Australian Noise Exposure Concept map, a long-term planning tool that forecasts aircraft noise based on various operational scenarios, including a potential second runway.
Areas expected to experience higher noise levels remain restricted.
“We’ve already delivered major reforms to speed up planning, increase housing supply and make it easier to build more homes in the right locations, and these changes are another practical step forward,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
The changes are designed to support multi-generational living arrangements in a region experiencing significant population growth, allowing families to build additional accommodation for adult children, ageing parents, or extended family members.
Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan said local families had been asking for more flexibility.
“Local families have been telling me they want more flexibility to support their children, parents and extended families close to home,” she said.
The Western Sydney International Airport is scheduled to open later this year as Sydney’s first curfew-free airport.