James Packer's Crown Resorts has won approval for his $2 billion Sydney casino at Barangaroo after the NSW independent Planning Assessment Commission sanctioned the controversial resort, which is expected to open in early 2021.

Mr Packer, who owns 53 per cent of Crown, has described the development of the Sydney casino as his biggest priority and one he hopes will improve the performance of its Australian business as part of a radical three-way split of Crown designed to drive stronger shareholder returns.