There won’t be a sea of grey roofs in Wilton – future homes built in the growing suburb will be required to have light coloured rooftops.
More than 9000 homes are expected to be built in the region with the state government promising that each house will have bigger backyards. Planning and Public Spaces minister Rob Stokes said the final Wilton Development Control Plan (DCP) balances the need for housing to support growth in the area as well as ensuring its green future.
“Wilton will change the face of development in the Macarthur, with improved standards for backyard sizes to facilitate trees, front gardens and lighter colour palettes to help reduce the urban heat island effect,” he said. “This means, for the first time, homes are required to have light coloured roofs. We are determined to help to keep the temperatures of our homes and streets cooler in the summer months, especially in Sydney’s western and south-western suburbs.”
Mr Stokes said the DCP would also ensure that neighbourhood plans and subsequent development applications are in accordance with biodiversity principles, and would provide a ‘sensitive urban interface’ with important koala habitat and koala corridors in the Wilton Growth Area.
Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith said the DCP provided detailed planning and design controls, primarily for low density residential developments in south-east Wilton and north Wilton, to help deliver up to 9200 new homes.
“Wilton is situated in a beautiful part of south-western Sydney which is why it’s experiencing growth – people want to live here,” Mr Smith said. “Our aim is to make Wilton more than liveable – we want it to be resilient. A place where the natural environment, new homes, and even entire neighbourhoods, complement each other.”
Wollondilly Council has also welcomed the release of the DCP by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Mayor Robert Khan said, in a win for Wollondilly and future Wilton residents, the Wilton DCP incorporates green building design, more trees, and protections for the local koala population and habitat, while enhancing the natural beauty and landscape of Wilton and its surrounds.
“This plan will help ensure that Wilton is a great place to live for future communities,” he said. “Our Council has fought hard for strong planning provisions that will realise our vision for Wilton to be a vibrant and sustainable community that will represent outstanding planning in Australia. Our new town in Wilton is here now and growing every day as new families move in. We are focussed on creating vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities in Wilton and are advocating strongly for the fast-tracking of NSW Government planned infrastructure including public transport, schools, health and recreational facilities.”
The DCP provides the detailed planning and design controls which will guide the development.
“Wilton will have the community and the environment at its heart, offering a fantastic lifestyle,” Cr Kahn said. “Design requirements including extensive tree coverage will support active, healthy lifestyles and promote the wellbeing of future residents.”
The Wilton Growth Area Development Control Plan (DCP) can be viewed on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website. The NSW Government has also released the draft Wilton Complying Development Code for public feedback, available at: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/onexhibition.
Original article available to read via the Wollondilly Advertiser.
