Urbanism Managing Director, Wesley Folitarik, today welcomed the Minns Government's release of the long-awaited Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning in Sydney's Northwest.
"The release of the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning gives developers and the broader community certainty over plans for this much-needed growth precinct. These plans have been promised to our clients for over 18 months, and after much delay, it's a welcome relief for our clients who can now soon progress with their projects and deliver much-needed housing close to the Sydney Metro"
Wesley Folitarik, Managing Director, Urbanism
As a town planning consultancy deeply familiar with the Hills District and the opportunities the rezoning will bring.
This announcement of the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning builds on the earlier rezoning for the Metro station precinct will launch the redevelopment of the Cherrybrook precinct and surrounding areas. The goal is to align future growth with essential infrastructure, including the Sydney Metro Northwest. For landowners, residents, and developers, this news brings both opportunities and questions. This article will explain what rezoning means, what to expect next, and how we can help you navigate the path ahead.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has placed the draft Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Proposal on public exhibition until 5pm, 5 December 2025.
What is Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning and What Does It Mean for Cherrybrook?
In simple terms, rezoning is the process of changing the planning controls that apply to a parcel of land. These controls are outlined in a council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and determine how land can be used and developed.
The Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning will likely update these controls to allow for a greater mix of housing types, support local businesses, and improve public spaces. Here are some of the key planning controls that are typically adjusted during a rezoning process:
- Permitted Land Uses: Rezoning can change the types of activities allowed on a property. This could mean allowing high-density housing or apartments in areas previously zoned for single-family homes. It can also introduce new zones for mixed-use developments, combining shops and cafes with residential living.
- Building Heights and Floor Space Ratios (FSR): The maximum height of buildings and the total floor area allowed relative to the site size (FSR) are proposed to be increased to accommodate more growth, particularly around the Cherrybrook Metro Station town.
- Subdivision Potential: The new zoning may alter the minimum lot sizes required for subdivision, creating opportunities for landowners to create new parcels of land for development.
- Development Pathways: Rezoning clarifies the pathway for future development applications (DAs). It sets the strategic framework that Council will use to assess DAs for new residential proposals.
- Developer Contributions: With growth comes the need for more infrastructure. Rezoning is linked to developer contributions plans, which require developers to help fund local upgrades like parks, roads, and community centres. Local Contributions Plans will be prepared to detail and refine the local infrastructure items as outlined in the draft Infrastructure Schedule to establish plans for both Hornsby Council and The Hills Shire Council.
- Infrastructure and Services: The process is designed to ensure that new development is supported by adequate infrastructure, including transport, water, and power.
- Heritage and Environment: Important local heritage items and environmental assets, such as significant trees and bushland, are identified and protected through specific planning controls.
How We Can Help You Navigate the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Changes
Whether you are a long-time resident, a landowner, or a small developer, the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning presents a unique opportunity. Understanding the complexities of the planning system is key to making informed decisions. Our team can provide expert guidance on:
- Site Due Diligence: We can assess your property’s potential under the new controls and identify any constraints or opportunities.
- Development Feasibility: Our analysis can help you understand the financial viability of a potential development project, from a simple subdivision to a multi-unit housing complex.
- Rezoning Submissions: We can help you prepare effective submissions to the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning during the public exhibition period.
- Development Application (DA) Strategy: We can develop a clear strategy for preparing and lodging a DA that aligns with the new LEP and DCP controls.
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement: We can help you engage constructively with councils, state agencies, and the community throughout the planning process.
If you own land within the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning area, or if you are a developer looking to invest in a site with the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning area, get in touch with us now on (02) 9053 7373.
More information on the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning can be found here.
