planning · Cumberland Council
Lidcombe neighbours’ concerns considered as 53-room co-living project approved
The Cumberland Local Planning Panel approved a six-storey development at 14 Kerrs Road after finding written submissions had been addressed or did not warrant refusal.
Written concerns from people affected by a proposed six-storey, 53-room co-living development at 14 Kerrs Road, Lidcombe, have been considered by the Cumberland Local Planning Panel, which approved the project subject to conditions.
The panel approved Development Application DA2026/0221 for demolition of the existing structures and construction of the co-living housing development with basement car parking. All four panel members voted for the application and none voted against it.
The panel said matters raised in written submissions had either been addressed through the design or, where they had not been specifically addressed, were not of sufficient weight to warrant refusal.
It also found that, subject to the recommended conditions, the proposal would not have unreasonable impacts on the amenity of neighbouring properties or the locality.
The approval includes variations to two planning controls. The panel supported a variation to the minimum lot-size standard under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 and a variation to the building-height standard under the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan 2021.
It accepted the applicant’s written requests for both variations, finding that compliance with the standards was unreasonable and unnecessary in the circumstances and that sufficient environmental planning grounds justified the departures.
People who lodged submissions on the application are to be notified of the determination. They should review the final conditions and approved documentation to see how the issues they raised were addressed.
The same panel also unanimously approved an amendment to development consent 2020/0080 at 234 - 236 Cumberland Road, Auburn. The amendment allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height, with at least 15 per cent of gross floor area dedicated to affordable housing.
Both decisions were made by the Cumberland Local Planning Panel on 9 September 2026 and are subject to conditions of consent.
Reference minutes
Cumberland Council, Cumberland Local Planning Panel meeting, 9 September 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- DA2026/0221 was approved for 14 Kerrs Road, Lidcombe.
- The approved development will have six storeys, 53 co-living rooms and basement car parking.
- The panel found written submission issues were addressed by the design or did not warrant refusal.
- The panel found the proposal would not have unreasonable impacts on neighbouring properties or the locality, subject to conditions.
- The panel supported variations to minimum lot-size and building-height standards.
- All four panel members voted for the Lidcombe application, with none against.
Why it matters
- People who lodged submissions on the Lidcombe application should review the final conditions and approved documentation to understand how their concerns were addressed. The approved project relies on variations to minimum lot-size and building-height standards.