Properties within the Castle Hill North precinct, which is bounded by Castle and Pennant streets, Maurice Hughes Reserve, Gilham St and Garthowen Cres, were rezoned for medium and high-density development — ranging from three to 20 storeys high.

A planning proposal, which was first submitted by The Hills Shire Council to the Planning Department in 2015, sought to implement changes to land zoning and increase residential development densities.

“The proposal will facilitate up to 3,283 additional dwellings and 6,045 additional people,” the report said.

The proposal aimed to make the new high-density precinct a “liveable transit centre … with well connected pedestrian network, active street frontages, open space and parking”.

The majority of the precinct will range from four to 12 storeys in height, including several development sites surrounding Castle Hill Primary School.

A total of 73 public submissions were made over the planning proposal, with a high number concerned with proposed locations for playing fields to be developed in Glenhaven and the rezoning of land next to the primary school — currently parking space — for high-density development.

“Key issues raised in relation to the exhibited playing fields include consideration of alternative sites; lack of consultation; proximity to Castle Hill; traffic congestion and

parking,” a council report said.

“Objection has been raised with respect to the general density and height of buildings being sought through the proposal.

“Specific concerns were raised with respect to building heights proposed within Garthowen Crescent due to traffic and heritage impacts and objection to building heights adjoining Castle Hill Public School due to privacy and overlooking concerns.”

Despite approval during a council meeting last week, Liberal councillor Mike Thomas raised concerns around the “future-proofing” of the proposal.

“Higher densities can be put in around this particular site,” Cr Thomas said, while declaring the proposal could be undercooked.

“If you don’t put density here it is going to have to be put elsewhere and we will fail to quarantine our residential areas from high density.

“In my role as a councillor I am mindful that if our centres do not carry the densities it will put our residential areas at risk.”

While Labor councillor Ryan Tracey called for a traffic review to be conducted before the proposal was approved.

Deputy mayor and Liberal councillor Alan Haselden said the proposal provides certainty for a pivotal point in the future of Castle Hill.

“Residents have accepted that the nation and the Hills Shire in particular is growing,” Cr Haselden said.

“It is inevitable that Castle Hill will be a dramatically changed landscape.

“This is our statement of intent and if there is a reasonable case in the future who is to say that these heights won’t change.”

Cr Haselden said the proposal was a “decade-long plan for the future of Castle Hill.

“We have seen the affect of uncertainty in the Showground precinct and this plan will give residents a degree of certainty,” he said.

The proposal will be assessed by the Planning Department before it is determined whether gazettal will be granted.

Several current development proposals have been submitted for the precinct, including a proposal for several