Ingleside: Plans released for 3000 new residents to move in

A proposal that would lead to 980 new homes — and 3000 more residents — in a rural part of Sydney’s northern beaches has been released for public comment.

Plans to allow close to 1000 new homes — and about 3000 more people — on the northern beaches have been revealed by planning authorities.

And about 40 per cent of those dwellings would be low rise townhouses and apartments, according to the draft Ingleside Place Strategy released by the NSW Government on Tuesday.

The plans for what Planning Minister Rob Stokes described as a “modest new village nestled in a bushland escarpment”, are a cut down version of a redevelopment proposal that was released in 2016 which made room for 3400 homes.

An image included in the draft Ingleside Place Strategy showing indicative medium density housing that may be built in the redevelopment precinct. Picture: Cox Architecture

That proposal was scrapped in 2018 after serious concerns were raised by the NSW Rural Fire Service about the risks associated with bushfires sweeping into the area. There were fears that residents would not be able to evacuate quickly enough during a major bushfire and the suburb would be severely affected by ember attack.

The new proposal includes a shopping centre, parks, sports and public open space, It does not include a new school.

Plans show that 980 new homes — which would add to 130 existing dwellings in the precinct — would be built in a 180-hectare “urban release” area in a pocket south of Mona Vale Rd and north of Powderworks Rd.

An artist’s impression of the proposed town centre that was part of the original 2016 Ingleside development plan. That plan was scrapped in 2018. Picture: Supplied

The housing mix includes homes on larger lots, between 1500 sqm and 2-hectares. There will also be 100 “affordable” homes.

The rest of the precinct, north of Mona Vale Rd, and bounded on the west and north west by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Garigal National Park to the south west, would keep its existing agricultural/residential character. But

the strategy stated that Northern Beaches Council would be reviewing its existing planning controls, appropriate uses and development opportunities in that area as part of a proposed new Northern Beaches Local Environmental Plan.

Part of the 2016 draft plan of the new Ingleside development that included 3,400 new homes, a new school, community centre and town centre. The plan was dropped in 2018. Picture: Supplied

A consultant’s report into what community infrastructure would be needed included a child care centre with up to 100 places; up to three playgrounds; a community centre and; playing fields totalling 3-hectares.

Mr Stokes said that ensuring the proposed new community’s safety from bushfires and protecting the environment were at the centre of the draft plan.

A map showing the "urban release" area included in the 2021 draft Ingleside Place Strategy. Picture: NSW Government

“We’ve been working closely with Northern Beaches Council, NSW Police, Rural Fire Service and the community to get the planning right for this beautiful part of Sydney.

“We’ve listened to concerns raised by the Rural Fire Service about bushfires and we’ve put the safety of residents and homes at the centre of this new plan.”

An overview map included in the draft Ingleside Place Strategy showing the five proposed 'character areas' within and near the redevelopment precinct. Picture: NSW Government

Mr Stokes said there would need to be a “small number of land acquisitions within the precinct” to build some community infrastructure such as road widening and water management.

“The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is working with Northern Beaches Council to ensure this is kept to a minimum.”

Mayor Michael Regan said reducing the scale of the redevelopment was the only option for the safety of the current and future Ingleside community.

“We have seen all too recently the devastating impacts of bushfire and we have to make sure we don’t put people and homes in harm’s way.”

Mr Regan urged residents to review all the information and provide their feedback to the government.

“We will also be considering the revised plans and especially the provision for infrastructure needed to support any growth in this area.”

The draft strategy is open for public comment until July 6.

For more information and to have your say visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ingleside