planning ยท Cumberland Council
Panel approves changes to approved aged care project at 535 Merrylands Road
The Cumberland Local Planning Panel has signed off on a modification to the approved Merrylands aged care facility, allowing a higher lift overrun and relocation of the electrical switch room.
An approved aged care development at 535 Merrylands Road, Merrylands, can proceed with design changes after the Cumberland Local Planning Panel approved a modification application on 11 March.
The panel backed Modification Application No. MOD2025/0347 for the Section 4.55(2) changes, which involve increasing the height of the lift overrun and relocating the electrical switch room for the already approved facility. The decision was recorded in the panel's public minutes.
In its reasons, the panel said the development, as modified, remained substantially the same as the one originally granted consent. It also found that, subject to the recommended conditions, the changes would not have unreasonable impacts on the amenity of neighbouring properties or the locality.
For nearby residents, the practical change is limited to minor built form and service layout changes within the approved project. The minutes do not indicate any broader redesign of the facility, and the panel found the modification acceptable subject to conditions in Council's assessment report.
The application was approved unanimously, with Michael Leavey, Garry Chapman, Wayne Carter and Michael Northey voting in favour and no votes against.
The next step is for the modification approval to take effect subject to the conditions attached to Council's assessment report.
Reference minutes
Source: Cumberland Local Planning Panel meeting of 11 March 2026, as recorded in the public minutes.
Key facts from the minutes
- Modification Application No. MOD2025/0347 was approved by the Cumberland Local Planning Panel on 11 March 2026.
- The modification relates to the approved aged care facility at 535 Merrylands Road, Merrylands NSW 2160.
- The approved changes are an increase to the height of the lift overrun and relocation of the electrical switch room.
- The panel said the development, as modified, was substantially the same development for which consent was originally granted.
- The panel found the proposal would not have unreasonable impacts on the amenity of neighbouring properties or the locality, subject to conditions.
- The vote was unanimous, with four panel members voting in favour and none against.
Why it matters
- Residents near the site may see minor changes to the approved aged care facility, but the panel found no unreasonable amenity impacts on neighbouring properties or the locality.