Understanding the Planning Approval Process in Western Sydney

The Housing Crisis: A Real Challenge

Australia’s housing shortage is a pressing issue. It is not just a theoretical problem; it is visible in our communities. While policies focus on increasing housing supply, density, and affordability, the outcomes often fall short. One of the most significant yet overlooked contributors to this issue is the planning approval process itself.

As a developer and licensed builder actively working on residential and commercial projects across Sydney, I have witnessed how approval delays, discretionary assessments, and inconsistent interpretations of planning controls directly impact housing density, delivery timelines, and overall feasibility. This article aims to highlight why planning approvals need closer examination—not from a policy perspective, but from a practical delivery standpoint.

Planning Policy vs. Planning Reality

At both state and local levels, planning frameworks set clear objectives:

• Increase housing supply

• Encourage density in suitable locations

• Improve approval efficiency by introducing non-discretionary requirements

  
  

However, in practice, development assessment processes often yield the opposite results. Projects that comply with zoning and controls frequently face extended assessment periods, multiple redesigns, or discretionary refusals. The issue lies not in the existence of planning controls but in how they are interpreted and applied.

Where Delays Actually Occur

From my experience, approval delays typically occur due to:

• Discretionary interpretations of compliant controls

• Multiple rounds of design amendments without clear benchmarks

• Internal referral processes within councils

• Risk-averse assessment practices

  
  

Each delay adds pressure to feasibility. Holding costs increase, funding conditions change, and construction pricing becomes unpredictable. The end result is slower housing delivery, even when demand is evident and policy support exists.

The Impact on Housing Supply

Approval delays do not merely affect individual projects; they influence market behavior. Prolonged and uncertain approval pathways can:

• Reduce the number of projects that move forward

• Favor large, well-capitalised developers

• Discourage smaller and medium-scale housing delivery

• Ultimately restrict housing supply and diversity

  
  

In essence, delay becomes a hidden planning control.

The Case for Evidence-Based Reform

Much of the current discussion around planning reform is conceptual or policy-driven. What is lacking is empirical, project-level evidence that connects approval timelines to housing delivery outcomes.

This gap has sparked my interest in further research into:

• Approval time variability across councils

• The financial and delivery impacts of discretionary assessments

• How planning systems can better align policy intent with buildable outcomes

  
  

Looking Forward: A Call for Change

Planning systems are crucial in shaping our cities. If housing supply is a genuine priority, we must scrutinise approval processes for delivery effectiveness, not just compliance.

Bridging the gap between planning theory and development reality requires research grounded in real projects, real timelines, and real constraints. It is at this intersection of industry practice and academic inquiry that meaningful reform can emerge.

Conclusion: A Path to Improvement

In conclusion, the planning approval process in Western Sydney plays a vital role in addressing the housing crisis. By understanding the challenges and advocating for evidence-based reforms, we can work towards a more efficient system that supports housing delivery.

As we strive for improvement, let’s remember that the goal is not just to comply with regulations but to create a thriving community where everyone has access to quality housing.

About the Author

Oliver Alameri is a Sydney-based property developer and licensed builder, as well as the director of Buildana. He holds a Master of Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney and is currently pursuing further research into planning approval efficiency and housing delivery outcomes.

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