Auburn consent amended for 30% more floor space and affordable housing

An amended development consent at 234 - 236 Cumberland Road, Auburn, will allow a 30% increase in floor space ratio and building height, with at least 15% of the gross floor area dedicated to affordable housing.

The Cumberland Local Planning Panel approved the amendment to development consent 2020/0080 on 9 September, subject to conditions. It also supported variations to the building-height and landscaping standards under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.

The panel accepted that complying with the building-height and landscaping controls was unreasonable and unnecessary in the circumstances. It also found sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify the variations.

The approval increases development capacity at the Auburn site while setting a minimum affordable-housing allocation. The decision does not specify the underlying development type or the total number of dwellings or rooms.

The panel found that, subject to conditions, the proposal would not have unreasonable impacts on the amenity of neighbouring properties or the locality.

All four panel members voted for the Auburn decision, with none against. The members were Chairperson Michael File, Kerry Kyriacou, Kevin Hoffman and Firas Shawash.

The Auburn matter was one of two unanimous housing-related decisions made by the panel on 9 September. It also approved Development Application DA2026/0221 for demolition of existing structures and construction of a six-storey co-living development with 53 rooms and basement car parking at 14 Kerrs Road, Lidcombe.

For the Lidcombe application, the panel supported variations to minimum lot-size and building-height standards. It said written submissions had either been addressed through the design or did not warrant refusal, and that the development would not have unreasonable impacts on neighbouring properties or the locality subject to conditions.

People who lodged submissions on the Lidcombe application are to be notified of that determination. The Auburn consent is subject to its conditions, including the requirement for at least 15% of gross floor area to be provided as affordable housing.