If you live in NSW, you'll have heard of the NSW government's Transport-Oriented Development or TOD planning reforms. These groundbreaking changes are reshaping urban landscapes, offering residents a new way to live, work, and play. Let's explore what these reforms mean for apartment living and how they're revolutionising the way we think about housing and transportation.
What is Transport-Oriented Development (TOD)?
The Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program aims to address the housing crisis by delivering much-needed housing around 39 transport hubs. Housing in these areas will benefit from an expedited assessment pathway for faster approvals. TOD is a planning approach that prioritises the integration of transportation infrastructure with residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. At its core, TOD aims to create vibrant, walkable communities where residents have easy access to public transit options, such as trains, buses, and light rail, as well as essential amenities like shops, cafes, parks, and cultural attractions. By clustering development around transit nodes, TOD minimises reliance on private cars, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes sustainable urban growth.
Where does TOD apply?
In Part 1 of the program, the spotlight is on 8 accelerated precincts aimed at developing infrastructure and capacity for 47,800 new homes over the course of 15 years. The NSW Government will rezone land within 1,200 meters of 8 rail and metro stations – Bankstown, Bays West, Bella Vista, Crows Nest, Homebush, Hornsby, Kellyville, and Macquarie Park – to facilitate the creation of more new and affordable homes.
Part 2 of the program will concentrate on precincts with existing infrastructure, situated within 400 meters of 31 stations, aiming to accommodate 138,000 new homes over a span of 15 years. Through a new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), newly established planning controls will facilitate expedited delivery of additional housing close to employment opportunities and amenities, allowing for homes of up to 6 storeys.
These 31 locations include Adamstown, Ashfield, Banksia, Berala, Booragul, Canterbury, Corrimal, Croydon, Dapto, Dulwich Hill, Gordon, Gosford, Hamilton, Killara, Kogarah, Kotara, Lidcombe, Lindfield, Marrickville, Morisset, Newcastle Interchange, North Strathfield, North Wollongong, Rockdale, Roseville, St Marys, Teralba, Tuggerah, Turrella, Wiley Park, and Wyong stations. 6 further stations were added in April 2024, Cardiff, Woy Woy, Belmore, Lakemba, Cockle Creek and Punchbowl, bringing to a total of 37 locations.
Types of Developments Allowed under TOD
To support increased housing density, new planning controls will increase maximum building heights to 22 m for residential flat buildings and 24 m for shop-top housing in Transport Oriented Development locations. maximum floor-space ratio of 2.5:1 will apply, unless local plans specify higher or no ratios. Minimum lot sizes are not established, but a minimum lot width of 21 m at the front building line is required. New controls will promote active street frontages in local employment zones. Developments over 2,000 m² must provide 2% of the gross floor area as affordable housing, managed by a community housing provider, with this requirement increasing over time. Under TOD, there will be no changes to parking. The Apartment Design Guide will continue to be the principal guide for apartment development.
The Benefits of TOD in Apartment Living
Convenient Access to Transit:
For apartment dwellers, proximity to transit hubs is a game-changer. TOD developments are strategically located within walking distance of train stations, bus stops, and other transportation nodes, allowing residents to enjoy seamless connectivity to employment centers, educational institutions, entertainment precincts, and beyond. With shorter commute times and fewer transportation hassles, TOD residents can reclaim valuable time for work, leisure, and social activities.
Lifestyle Amenities at Your Doorstep: In addition to excellent transportation links, TOD neighbourhoods boast a diverse array of lifestyle amenities within easy reach. From bustling retail precincts and gourmet dining options to tranquil green spaces and recreational facilities, TOD developments cater to residents' every need and preference. Whether you crave a morning coffee, a leisurely stroll, or a night out on the town, everything is just steps away from your apartment door.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Living:
TOD promotes environmentally sustainable living by encouraging alternative modes of transportation and reducing car dependency. By fostering compact, mixed-use communities, TOD developments minimize urban sprawl, preserve green spaces, and promote energy efficiency. With access to public transit options, residents can reduce their carbon footprint, alleviate traffic congestion, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
Community Engagement and Social Interaction:
TOD fosters a strong sense of community and social interaction among residents. By design, TOD developments feature pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, public gathering spaces, and vibrant urban plazas where neighbours can connect, interact, and forge meaningful relationships. Whether it's a neighbourhood block party, a farmers' market, or a cultural festival, TOD communities offer ample opportunities for residents to come together and celebrate shared experiences.
The new development standards for Transport Oriented Development (TOD) locations will significantly benefit urban communities by supporting increased housing density, enhancing building designs, and ensuring affordable housing availability. These changes will create vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods that are both functional and attractive, promoting a higher quality of life for residents.
Equally important in ensuring this higher quality of life is having an experienced strata manager who can offer guidance based on first-hand experience and help owners make informed decisions about their community. Compass Strata is ready to partner with communities to navigate the challenges that come with apartment living. Contact Compass Strata today to learn how we can support your strata management needs and drive your investment forward.
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