Sydney Planning Panels Vote on Thousands of New Homes Near Metro Rail

The NSW government will release revised housing targets for Parramatta and Auburn this month, setting the stage for council votes on rezoning applications that could unlock 4200 new homes by 2029.

The decisions arrive as median dwelling prices across Greater Sydney climbed to $1.08 million in the June quarter, up 6.4 per cent from a year earlier, while rental vacancy rates in Western Sydney dipped below 1.8 per cent. Transport planners have tied the targets to the Metro West line, which is due to open its first stations in 2030, forcing immediate choices on density around future stops.

Station precinct planning in Parramatta and Auburn

Parramatta City Council is scheduled to consider amendments to its local environmental plan along Church Street and Macquarie Street before the end of July. The changes would allow buildings up to 25 storeys within 400 metres of the planned Metro West station. Auburn, meanwhile, faces a separate review of the Western Sydney Housing Acceleration Fund sites near Auburn Road and the rail line, where state agencies have flagged 1800 additional units if height limits are lifted.

Both areas sit inside the 47 federal seats that cover Sydney and form the core of the state government’s push to meet its 377,000-home pipeline goal by 2029. Local officers have already received 14 rezoning submissions from developers citing the fund’s $150 million allocation for infrastructure upgrades.

Traffic modelling released last week shows peak-hour congestion on Parramatta Road could rise 22 per cent without new bus lanes and pedestrian links tied to the rezonings. The Greater Sydney Commission will review the final figures before the August planning panel meeting.

Next steps for residents and applicants

Property owners in the affected zones can lodge submissions through the NSW Planning Portal until 25 July. Council briefings for ratepayers are listed for 16 July at Parramatta Town Hall and 18 July at Auburn Community Centre. Final determinations are expected by 14 August, after which successful projects can proceed to development applications.