Hill Shire Council in planning changes for Glenorie, Dural, Nelson

Homeowners in Sydney’s north west are celebrating a major planning law announcement which will enable them to build sizeable second homes on their acreage.

Rural homeowners in Sydney’s north west are a step closer in being able to build a second home as large as three bedrooms on their acreages.

Hills Shire Council has moved to initiate a planning proposal that would allow the size of secondary houses in rural areas to a maximum of 110m² or 20 per cent of the total floor area of the primary home.

Previously landowners, many of whom live on acreages, were restricted to a maximum of 60m² when building a second property.

Annangrove resident Rocco Polistina, who has advocated for the change for years, welcomed the proposal saying it “ticked all the boxes.”

Annangrove resident Rocco Polistina Picture: Simon Bullard

He said the previous 60m² was “too small” and applied more for landowners in suburban areas.

“Imagine a 10 by 6 on five acres,” he said.

Mr Polistina said if the changes are passed, rural landowners would be able to build a small three bedroom home on their land.

“It works in two ways,” he said. “It allows you to help your kids if they get married and need to live on the property.

“It also works for me, when I get a little older. I could move to a smaller property (also on my land) and rent the bigger one for an income.”

Mayor Byrne, Cr Preston, Rocco Polistina and Cr Gangemi

Hills Shire mayor Michelle Byrne said the proposed amendments would provide the community with a greater mix of housing choices.

“Currently, the ruling for secondary dwellings in our rural areas means someone with a very large primary dwelling can build a large secondary dwelling, while those who have a smaller primary dwelling end up being limited to 60m², which is not entirely fair,” Cr Byrne said.

North ward councillor Robyn Preston said the change would give those planning for their retirement more certainty.

“Empty nesters can downsize, remain on their property and receive a passive income if they rent out the original home or they can provide an affordable smaller dwelling for their children or a young family.

“It’s about rural land owners having more choices to remain on their land, especially in their senior years and sharing that space with others who can contribute to maintaining their property.”

The proposed amendment applies to those located in rural zoned land where secondary dwellings are already permitted with consent.

The planning proposal will be decided on in the coming months.

SUBURBS WHERE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT APPLIES

Leets Vale

Maroota

Lower Portland

Sackville North

Cattai

Glenorie

Kenthurst

Maraylya

Annangrove

Nelson

Middle Dural

Dural