Cumberland Council
Cumberland Local Planning Panel - 11 Feb 2026
The panel approved four development applications, all involving Clause 4.6 variations under the Housing SEPP, including secondary dwellings, a co-living development, and amendments to a mixed-use project.
Key decisions
- 23 Maranoa Street, Auburn development approved
DA2025/0645 was approved for conversion of an existing outbuilding into a double garage with storage and bathroom, and construction of a secondary dwelling above the garage at 23 Maranoa Street, Auburn, subject to conditions. The panel supported a Clause 4.6 variation to the parking space requirement under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.
Approves additional housing on the site and allows a parking standard variation. - 385 Blaxcell Street, South Granville development approved
DA2025/0709 was approved for demolition of a garage, shed and awning and construction of a detached secondary dwelling with a single carport at 385 Blaxcell Street, South Granville, subject to conditions. The panel supported a Clause 4.6 variation to Clause 53(2)(b), and added a condition requiring the car parking space to have a minimum width of 2.7m.
Enables a new secondary dwelling while requiring a wider parking space through amended plans. - 72 Newman Street, Merrylands co-living housing approved
DA2025/0550 was approved for demolition of existing structures and construction of a four-storey co-living housing development with 17 single rooms, 2 double rooms and at-grade parking at 72 Newman Street, Merrylands, subject to recommended conditions. The panel supported a Clause 4.6 variation to the minimum lot size standard under Clause 69(1)(b)(ii) of the Housing SEPP.
Approves a higher-density housing project in Merrylands despite a minimum lot size variation. - Merrylands mixed-use development amendment approved
DA2025/0592 was approved to amend DA2020/0791 for a mixed-use development at 298 Merrylands Road, 302 Merrylands Road, 2A Cambridge Street and 2 Cambridge Street, Merrylands. The changes include an additional storey with 8 units, layout changes to units, basement and ground-floor commercial tenancies, and provision of affordable housing, subject to conditions. The panel supported a Clause 4.6 variation to building height and landscaping standards under the Housing SEPP.
Allows a larger mixed-use project with more units and affordable housing in Merrylands.
Important topics
- Repeated support for Clause 4.6 variations
Each application approved at this meeting involved a supported Clause 4.6 request to vary a development standard, including parking, minimum lot size, building height and landscaped area/landscaping requirements.
Residents may see more housing projects approved where applicants justify departures from standard planning controls. - Neighbour amenity considered
For the applications recorded, the panel stated that subject to conditions of consent, the proposals would not have unreasonable impacts on the amenity of neighbouring properties or the locality.
Indicates the panel considered local impacts before granting approval. - Submitters to be notified of determinations
The minutes state that people who lodged submissions for relevant applications are to be notified of the panel's determinations.
Residents who made submissions should receive formal notice of the outcomes.
Resident impacts
- Four development applications were approved across Auburn, South Granville and Merrylands.
- Two approvals relate to secondary dwellings, increasing housing supply on existing residential sites.
- A co-living housing project with 19 rooms was approved at 72 Newman Street, Merrylands.
- An amended mixed-use project in Merrylands can add an extra storey and 8 units, including affordable housing.
- One approval includes a specific condition requiring a parking space width of at least 2.7 metres at 385 Blaxcell Street, South Granville.
Places affected
- 23 Maranoa Street, Auburn
Approved secondary dwelling and garage conversion development. - 385 Blaxcell Street, South Granville
Approved detached secondary dwelling with carport. - 72 Newman Street, Merrylands
Approved four-storey co-living housing development. - 298 Merrylands Road, Merrylands
Part of approved amendment to mixed-use development. - 302 Merrylands Road, Merrylands
Part of approved amendment to mixed-use development. - 2A Cambridge Street, Merrylands
Part of approved amendment to mixed-use development. - 2 Cambridge Street, Merrylands
Part of approved amendment to mixed-use development. - Merrylands
Multiple approved developments were located in Merrylands.
Next steps
- Issue approvals subject to the listed conditions of consent
Following the panel determination - Require amended plans for 385 Blaxcell Street to show a car parking space width of at least 2.7m before a Construction Certificate is issued
Before issue of the Construction Certificate - Notify people who lodged submissions about the relevant application determinations
After the determinations
Extracted minutes text
Cumberland Local Planning Panel Meeting 11 February 2026 Minutes of the Cumberland Local Planning Panel Meeting held via Electronic Determination on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. PRESENT: Michael File Chairperson Angus Gordon Expert Member Kerry Kyriacou Expert Member Gregg Ritchie Community Member IN ATTENDANCE: Jai Shankar Executive Manager City Planning and Development Michael Lawani Coordinator Major Development Assessment Bhavisha Sheth Coordinator Fast Track Development Assessment Faisal Halla Senior Development Planner Godfred Ankrah Development Planner Christine Vu Development Planner Esra Calim Coordinator Planning Operations Caroline Kadayifci Business Support Officer Paulette Maro...