Posted: 05.04.2024
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today approved the construction and operation of a $113 million, 34-storey mixed-use building in the City of Parramatta Local Government Area. The Novus Build-To-Rent project (SSD-34919690) is a state significant development for 210 rental apartments, retail and commercial areas, and three basement levels and will be managed as build-to-rent accommodation for the life of the development.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure completed a whole-of-government assessment of the proposed development at 39-43 Hassall Street, Parramatta in December 2023. The Commission is the consent authority for the application because the City of Parramatta Council objected to the proposed development. The three-member Commission Panel, comprising Wendy Lewin (Chair), Richard Pearson and Michael Wright, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and received 18 written submissions. The Panel also sought independent expert advice on the flood-related risks of the proposed development.
The Panel has today, 5 April 2024, determined to grant development consent to the project.
In its Statement of Reasons, the Commission found that the Novus Build-to-Rent development is “strategically justified for its contribution to housing supply and diversity.”
The Commission carefully considered the concerns raised by Council and members of the community, and has imposed conditions of consent to prevent, minimise and manage the issues raised.
These conditions require the Applicant to ensure flood safety for future occupants, including through changes to the design of the building, obtaining independent engineering advice to confirm the building can withstand a probable maximum flood event, and having appropriate evacuation strategies in place during flood events.
The Applicant will also be required to develop a detailed Flood Emergency Response Plan for the prevention, mitigation and management of flooding risks to occupants. These and other conditions are designed to:
All the documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2023/12/novus-build-to-rent-39-43-hassall-street-parramatta
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