What are Housing Investigation Areas?

Published Date
21/06/2022
News Topic
Council
HIA

Randwick Council's Comprehensive Planning Proposal proposes to amend our Local Environment Plan (LEP) includes five new Housing Investigation Areas (HIAs) where zoning, density and building heights will change to deliver a projected 574 new dwellings over the next five years.

Note: We understand that some people have legitimate concerns about increasing population and densities. Council shares these concerns and we have been vocal in objecting to NSW State Government housing targets. Yet we are under direction from the NSW State Government to meet housing targets of 4,464 new dwellings in the next 6-10 years. To limit the impact of these housing targets, our draft LEP proposes additional housing is located in areas close to public transport, jobs and shops. We have put considerable research and consultation into the LEP review process and we would like to hear your thoughts and views prior to making a final decision.

What is a housing investigation area?

A HIA is an area in Randwick City where new housing will meet the growing population and needs of the local economy. The HIAs will support local town centres and key employment hubs such as UNSW and Randwick Hospitals, by providing new housing within convenient walking distance. The proposed changes to zoning, density and maximum building heights in these areas are projected to deliver around 574 net new dwellings in the short term.

Where are the HIAs?

The areas Council is looking at to create new housing are Kensington North, West Randwick, Arthur Street, Magill Street and Kingsford South.  These areas were chosen due to their proximity to frequent public transport services (light rail and bus corridors), the Randwick Strategic Centre, that consists of significant employment and infrastructure services at the UNSW, Randwick Hospitals campus, Royal Randwick Racecourse, Randwick TAFE and the three key local town centres of Randwick Junction, Kensington and Kingsford.

The five HIA areas that are being considered as part of our draft LEP.

Why are we looking to increase housing in some areas?

The NSW State Government has imposed a housing target on Council to create another 4,464 new dwellings in the next 6-10 years. While Council objects to this overall housing target, we are required to plan new housing for our community. We would like to hear your views on the proposed changes that relate to the five HIAs.

How can you find out if your house is affected?

You can use our interactive map to see if your house is affected and read our Housing Investigation Area fact sheet here.

Want to know more about the draft LEP?

Come to one of our pop-up sessions to ask your questions:

How to have your say

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment is the plan-making authority for the finalisation of this Planning Proposal.

Submissions on the draft LEP close at 5pm on Tuesday 12 July 2022.

If you would like to speak with a planning officer about the LEP changes, call our dedicated enquiry line on 9093 6995.

For an overview of all the proposed changes to the Local Environment Plan, see our overview summary sheet.

Last Updated: 1 July 2022
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