Revealed: major policy change for nursing home developments in rural Hornsby
The State Government has revealed new restrictions will apply to developers looking to build nursing homes in rural Hornsby and the Hills. Full details here.
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Developers have been banned from building nursing homes in rural areas of the Hornsby Shire and the Hills after a long battle led by the council.
The major reforms made to the State Environmental Planning Policy have just been announced by the NSW Government.
It comes after Hornsby Shire Council made submissions in response to a report by the Greater Sydney Commission into the cumulative impact of senior housing developments in the rural areas of Hornsby Shire and The Hills.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said it was a “win” and explained why nursing homes were unsuitable for rural areas.
“We’ve been saying for years the senior housing developments are simply not appropriate for rural areas,” Cr Ruddock said.
“There are a number of issues, particularly that they are not consistent with the character of the area and they are not well serviced by necessary infrastructure.”
He thanked staff who helped lobby for change across both of the councils.
“We are certainly not opposed to senior housing developments and we strongly support their construction under the correct circumstances.
“You don’t have to look very far to see that they can be done very well, but they have to be in an appropriate location with adequate amenity.
“These are essential developments, particularly as the population continues to age, which makes it all the more important that they be done right.”
While the policy reforms took effect immediately, applications that had already been lodged will continue to be assessed and determined.