UPDATE-NSW Planning Reforms Affecting the Northern Beaches effective February 28, 2025

Grant Matterson LJ Hooker Narrabeen

Grant Matterson

Mar 06, 2025

In today’s post you will find-

UPDATE-NSW Planning Reforms Affecting the Northern Beaches
Property Values- Recent Local Sales dated Friday 7th March
Furlough House Retirement Village - 100-year plus history

Hey everyone,

Hope you're having a great week!

The NSW Government has introduced planning reforms effective February 28, 2025, impacting residential areas within 800m of 171 town centres and transport hubs.

It will apply to 9 areas across the Northern Beaches

The reforms apply to residential zones within 800m of:

Balgowlah Stockland Shopping Centre
Dee Why Town Centre
Forestville Town Centre
Forestway Shopping Centre
Frenchs Forest Precinct (Warringah Road)
Manly Town Centre
Manly Vale Town Centre
Mona Vale Town Centre
Warringah Mall Shopping Centre
Note: Warriewood, Narrabeen, Newport, and Belrose are excluded.

New Building Heights & Dwelling Types

R3 Zones (Medium Density):
- Within 400m: 6-storey (22m) residential flats or (24m) shop-top apartments.
- 400m–800m: 4-storey (17.5m) apartments.
R1 & R2 Zones (General/Low Density, within 800m):
- Residential flats up to 9.5m (2-3 storeys) on lots ≥500sqm.
- Multi-dwelling housing (townhouses, terraces, manor houses) up to 9.5m now permitted—previously restricted in former Pittwater/Warringah areas.

Key Changes to Development Rules

Non-Discretionary Standards: New state-wide rules for height, floor space, and lot size override local controls. Councils cannot refuse compliant applications (e.g., a 6-storey building in Mona Vale, previously limited to 2 storeys).
Assessment: Councils remain the approving authority.

Affordable Housing & Infrastructure

No mandatory affordable housing contributions; Council’s policy doesn’t apply.
Unclear if NSW bonus provisions (e.g., 30% height increase for 15% affordable housing) will apply.
No plans announced for additional infrastructure or services to support growth.

Exclusions

Reforms exclude employment/mixed-use zones, high-risk land, and heritage sites.

For maps and details, visit the NSW Planning website. Contact me to discuss how this affects your property!

For the full story and links click here-

Let’s take a look at the latest recent sales in the area

Recent Local Sales dated Friday 7th March 2025

Click on the Links to View Local Recent Sales

Click here for FREE Market Estimate of Value on your Home or (Simply send me a text to 0438 261 600 with your detials)

Furlough House Narrabeen

Furlough House Retirement Village on Ocean St Narrabeen

Here’s a place you’ve driven past many times, and probably didn’t know it’s 100-year history in Narrabeen.

History

Established in 1918, it was the first patriotic establishment in Australia offering rest and respite to ex-servicemen and their families in times of worry and strife. The peaceful situation of the complex facing the ocean – and within reach of Narrabeen Lagoon – ensured its enduring charm and popularity. Although it has grown and changed since the early days Furlough House still retains the promise of respite and relaxation envisaged by the early founders who have endeavoured over the years to maintain the integrity of the early concept behind the inauguration concept.

Furlough House has moved from being short term assistance for wives and families who enjoyed a much-needed break away from their immediate worries and concerns – and has now developed into a larger complex of 81 Units in several apartment blocks and cottages in a very pleasant garden setting. The units are for the benefit of retired ex-servicemen and women, and immediate families, who appreciate the benefits of self-care, independence and peaceful retirement. The mutual bond of Service life, in all its aspects, is appreciated by residents and strengthens a feeling of community camaraderie.