Locals seeking affordable homes could soon benefit from a major initiative on the Northern Beaches. A new planning proposal is being prepared for the NSW Government that will set out updated requirements for developers to contribute to affordable housing.
Here’s what’s proposed: most new residential developments within nine town centres impacted by the NSW Low and Mid Rise Housing Reforms will need to contribute 3% toward affordable housing, while new higher density housing in the rest of the Northern Beaches will have a lower 2% rate, including a delayed commencement of 2 years from when the planning proposal is finalised.
Frenchs Forest, currently has a 10% rate, and will see the contribution drop to 3% to be consistent with other town centres impacted by the Low and Mid Rise Housing Reforms . There will be no change to the requirement that the future Frenchs Forest town centre site owned by NSW Government provide 15% of new housing as affordable housing.
These are real world changes that will result in real solutions for families, essential workers, and anyone struggling to keep up with rising housing costs in the area. The goal is to make sure more people can access safe, reasonably priced rental homes close to everything they need - schools, jobs and loved ones. By shaking up the way contributions work Council hopes to boost the supply of affordable rentals for people from all walks of life.
The planning proposal will be sent to the NSW Government for review in November 2025 for endorsement for exhibition. If it gets the green light, residents will have a chance to share their thoughts in 2026. After that, the Council will look at all the feedback and hopefully lock in the final changes later that year, setting a new course for affordable and key worker housing in the Northern Beaches.
A Quick Look Back
The Council’s Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme was first endorsed in 2022 and focused on spots being “up-zoned,” like Frenchs Forest. But more recent changes in state planning laws have led to lots of new development being permissible, particularly in nine town centres throughout the northern beaches without any affordable housing requirements.
Seeing the need for more accessible options, the Council decided in June 2024 to explore a flat contribution rate for all new developments, not just those that are rezoned. After commissioning one of the most comprehensive urban economics studies undertaken in Sydney for affordable housing, this new proposal aims to make things fairer for everyone looking for a place to call home.
For more information visit Affordable Housing page.