February 2025 Update – NSW Government announces which suburbs are affected in the Northern Beaches – Newport not included

Where do these changes apply in Northern Beaches local
government area?
In Northern Beaches local government area, the second stage of the Low and Mid-Rise
Policy will apply to all residential zones within 800 metres walking distance to the
following town centres or train stations:
 Balgowlah Stockland shopping centre
 Dee Why town centre
 Forestville town centre
 Forestway shopping centre
 Frenchs Forest Precinct (Warringah Road)
 Manly town centre
 Manly Vale town centre
 Mona Vale town centre
 Warringah Mall shopping centre

Read full details here

NRA President Gavin Butler makes the following comment following the announcement.

This is great news for Newport (and Avalon)  in that we do not have our building heights increased beyond the current allowed under the Newport Masterplan for Newport which on Barrenjoey Rd with appropriate setback can go to 3 storey (11.5 metres). Under the Minns government proposals, and allowed elsewhere, would have allowed up to 6 storeys in Newport town centre and within 400m of the town centre and up to 3 storeys  within 800m of the town centre.

The NRA presumes the lack of movement forward by developers around Robertson Rd precinct has been attributed to the uncertainty in buildings heights that may have been allowed under the original Minns government announcements and welcomes the clarification of these planning controls.

The NRA welcomes these announcements which currently confirms the Newport Masterplan as the primary determinate of building heights, setbacks and format.

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The State Gov’t announced in December 2023 significant proposals which could dump significant development in Pittwater including Newport – (Click on the update highlight below)

Update from 27th February 2024 Council Meeting and view here their comments re their submission to the State Gov’t which we support and believe they are reflecting our communities views

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Key changes proposed for the Northern Beaches

  • Allowing two dwellings on the same lot, also known as dual occupancy, in all R2 low density residential zones across the Northern Beaches on properties with an area of greater than 450sqm and width of 12m.
  • Allowing many properties over 500sqm within 800m walking distance of most of our village and town centres to develop medium density housing. Specifically, in R2 low density zones residential areas within 800m walking distance of land zoned E2 Commercial Centre, E1 Local Centre, or MU1 Mixed Use, the changes would allow terraces and manor houses on properties with an area of 500sqm, and townhouses on areas of 600sqm. 
  • Allowing Residential Flat Buildings and shop top housing up to 21 metres (7 storeys) in R3 medium density residential zones that are within 400m walking distance of most of our village and town centres – land zoned E2 Commercial Centre, E1 Local Centre, or MU1 Mixed Use. 
  • Allowing Residential Flat Buildings up to 16 metres (5 storeys) in R3 medium density residential zones that are between 400m and 800m walking distance of most of our village and town centres – land zoned E2 Commercial Centre, E1 Local Centre, or MU1 Mixed Use

Under these proposed changes, apartment blocks within 400m of Narrabeen Town Centre, Warriewood Square, Mona
Vale Town Centre, Newport and Avalon Beach Villages could permit six storey and 21m apartment towers.
Apartment blocks within 400m and 800m of those locations will become 16m apartment towers. The
changes represent a near doubling of current heights.

The Gov’t plans are on public exhibition until 23rd February 2024. Please familiarise yourself with the details and, if you agree this is not the future you, as a resident, want for Pittwater – and Newport, in particular – make a submission;

write to our State member and the Premier and all Ministers associated with Local Government, Planning, the Environment. 

Do these proposals not set out to destroy the natural beauty and healthy coastal environment, which have always been the attraction for families to want to live here?

Read the proposals here

Newport Centre Land Zoning Map

Rory Amon press release re proposals

Check all Newport Planning zones and explanations

Northern Beaches Council response to proposed reforms

NRA Submission – read here

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Make a submission

Some ideas re objections from members

Click here to make your submission

Addresses for your 2024 councillors

‘Sue Heins’ <sue.heins@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au>;

 ‘Michael Gencher’ <michaelgencher@gmail.com>;

 ‘Miranda Korzy’ <miranda.korzy@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au>; Karina.Page@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

 ‘Michael Regan’ <michael.regan@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au>;

Georgia.Ryburn@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Bianca.Crvelin@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Candy.Bingham@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

David.Walton@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Jose.Menano-Pires@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Kristyn.Glanville@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Ruth.Robins@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Sarah.Grattan@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

Stuart.Sprott@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au;

‘Vincent De Luca OAM’ <Vincent.DeLuca@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au>;