--- title: "Developers Eye Off Sydney’s Station Suburbs as Rezoning Looms" url: https://australianproperty.network/analysis/legislation-policy/planning-regulations/developers-eye-off-sydneys-station-suburbs-as-rezoning-looms/ date: 2025-08-18 modified: 2025-08-18 author: "APN News" description: "Sydney's Upper North Shore is facing significant transformation due to NSW government rezoning around train stations, aiming to deliver 138,000 new homes across the state over 15 years. This initiative allows for six-storey apartment blocks in suburbs like Roseville and Lindfield, prompting some homeowners to collectively sell to developers. Colliers notes the economic incentive driving these sales, but Ku-ring-gai Council's legal challenge has created uncertainty. The council is developing alternative plans to balance housing targets with heritage preservation, considering options up to 45-storey buildings in some areas. This situation presents both opportunities and challenges for Australian property professionals, requiring careful navigation of rezoning regulations, community concerns, and potential development sites. The outcome of the council's proposal, due in May, will significantly shape the future of the Upper North Shore." categories: - "Planning Regulations" tags: - "APN News" - "DA" - "Development Application" - "Heritage conservation" - "Housing Density" - "Ku-ring-gai" - "New South Wales" - "Planning Risk" - "Rezoning" - "Sydney" - "Upper North Shore" - "Urban Development" image: https://australianproperty.network/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Developers-eye-Sydney-Station-1024x558.webp word_count: 908 --- # Developers Eye Off Sydney’s Station Suburbs as Rezoning Looms ## Developers Eye Off Sydney's Station Suburbs as Rezoning Looms Developers are actively pursuing opportunities in Sydney's upper north shore suburbs, following the New South Wales government's rezoning of land around 39 train and metro stations in the previous year. This rezoning initiative aims to increase housing density and is anticipated to significantly alter the character of town centres in the area, according to the ABC. The rezoning is projected to deliver 138,000 homes across Sydney and regional New South Wales over a 15-year period, as reported by the ABC. The changes are expected to result in the construction of six-storey apartment buildings in suburbs such as Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon, areas currently characterised by heritage homes. The ABC reports that some residents are consolidating their properties for sale to developers, while others express concerns about the potential loss of neighbourhood character. Ku-ring-gai Council's legal challenge against the New South Wales government's rezoning has been temporarily suspended. The council is now tasked with developing an alternative plan to balance housing targets with the preservation of heritage and tree canopy, according to the ABC. ### Land Sales and Development Applications The rezoning has spurred increased sales activity, with neighbours combining their properties to capitalise on development opportunities, according to the ABC. While not all developers are expected to proceed with their purchase options, several have already lodged Development Applications (DAs) for apartment projects on sites currently occupied by detached houses. Specifically, the ABC reports that DAs have been submitted for the consolidation of three homes on Reid Street and two on Woodside Avenue in Lindfield, planned for redevelopment into 89 apartments. Additionally, nine homes on Lord Street and Roseville Avenue in Roseville are slated for a 267-apartment development. Guillaume Volz, national director of residential at Colliers, stated that the new zoning and housing targets, allowing for buildings up to six storeys, have motivated homeowners to sell, according to the ABC. Volz noted that the potential economic returns have provided a sufficient catalyst for these sales. However, he also acknowledged that Ku-ring-gai Council's legal action has created uncertainty for both developers and the community. The council has until May to propose alternative zoning plans that meet the required housing targets, as part of court-directed mediation, according to the ABC. This situation presents both opportunities and risks for developers. The potential for increased density offers significant development potential, but the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the final zoning outcomes necessitates careful due diligence and risk assessment. ### Heritage Concerns and Alternative Planning Scenarios A significant portion of the rezoned land was previously designated as heritage conservation areas by Ku-ring-gai Council, according to the ABC. However, only properties with individual heritage listings are protected from development. Janine Kitson, vice president of Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment, expressed concern that the construction of six-to-eight storey buildings next to heritage-listed properties like Eryldene could diminish their heritage value. The ABC reports that owners of heritage-listed homes have expressed concerns about being isolated by surrounding apartment developments. Kitson also voiced concerns about the loss of trees and green space, arguing that the area risks becoming dominated by concrete and hard surfaces. In response to these concerns, Ku-ring-gai Council has developed four alternative planning scenarios aimed at protecting between 30% and 100% of heritage neighbourhoods while still intensifying housing density around town centres, according to the ABC. Depending on the chosen scenario, apartment buildings of up to 45 storeys could be constructed in Gordon to meet housing targets. Lindfield resident Andrew Sweeney, a founding member of Support Lindfield, suggested concentrating apartment development between the North Shore railway line and the Pacific Highway between Gordon and Lindfield stations, where existing apartments are already present, according to the ABC. Turramurra resident Parsia Abedini supports the rezoning, arguing that the area is fortunate to have existing infrastructure and needs to increase housing supply. A spokesperson for Ku-ring-gai Council stated that the council has received over 500 submissions on the alternative planning scenarios, according to the ABC. The preferred rezoning scenario is scheduled to be revealed in March and will be placed on public exhibition. The council and the planning department have until May to implement a new proposal, as directed by the court mediation. The situation in Ku-ring-gai highlights the complexities of balancing housing needs with heritage preservation and community concerns. For property professionals, this case underscores the importance of thorough community engagement, understanding local planning instruments, and assessing the potential for planning delays or legal challenges when pursuing development opportunities in areas undergoing rezoning. This article is based on a report from [www.abc.net.au](http://www.abc.net.au) titled "Developers circle Sydney suburbs slated for rezoning around train and metro stations". You can find the original article here: [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-25/nsw-developers-sydney-suburbs-rezoning-train-metro-housing/104949442](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-25/nsw-developers-sydney-suburbs-rezoning-train-metro-housing/104949442) **Suggested Research for The Masterful Fellow™:** Given the community's concerns about heritage and tree canopy loss, how can developers and planners create high-density housing that demonstrably enhances, rather than diminishes, the existing character and environmental assets of the upper north shore? #### Disclaimer The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. The Australian Property Network (APN) is not a licensed financial advisor. The content is based on data from third-party sources and is provided without any warranty as to its accuracy, currency, or completeness. Property values can go down as well as up. Before making any property or investment decisions, you should conduct your own research and consider seeking independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.