smh.com.au
NSW Approves $209 Million Build-to-Rent Tower, Bypassing Local Council
A $209 million, 43-story tower including 272 build-to-rent apartments, 10 affordable units, and 84 serviced apartments in Sydney's St Leonards was approved, reflecting NSW's expedited housing development plan bypassing local councils, causing controversy.
- What is the immediate impact of the St Leonards tower approval on housing development in NSW?
- A $209 million project to build a 43-story tower with 272 build-to-rent apartments, 10 affordable units, and 84 serviced apartments in St Leonards, Sydney, has been approved. This approval, granted under new planning controls, streamlines the process for similar developments and is expected to expedite future projects. The project is located near the Crows Nest metro station, an area recently rezoned to encourage denser housing.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of streamlining housing approvals and bypassing local councils?
- This St. Leonards project exemplifies the NSW government's strategy to expedite housing development, potentially leading to faster construction of similar projects across the state. The streamlining of approvals could significantly increase housing supply but might also lead to less local oversight and potential conflicts over infrastructure needs and community impacts. Further projects leveraging affordable housing incentives will now avoid delays caused by referrals to the Independent Planning Commission, potentially accelerating construction even further.
- How does this project illustrate the conflict between state government housing policy and local council concerns?
- The approval reflects the NSW government's initiative to accelerate housing development by bypassing local councils. This approach, while lauded by developers, faces opposition from councils concerned about increased strain on infrastructure and reduced rate revenue from build-to-rent projects. A separate, smaller affordable housing project in Crows Nest is facing opposition from the local council and is under review by the Independent Planning Commission, highlighting ongoing tensions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the approval of the St Leonards project positively, emphasizing the government's efficiency and the project's benefits. The headline and initial paragraphs focus on the approval and the speed of the process. The concerns of local councils are presented later, downplaying their significance. The use of quotes from the Planning Minister and Premier reinforces this positive framing. The repeated mention of the project's size and cost ($209 million) adds to this positive framing implicitly suggesting this is a beneficial project.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but certain phrases reveal a pro-development bias. Phrases such as "streamlined planning process," "speed up the delivery of good projects," and "a big step forward" present the government's actions in a positive light. The description of council opposition as "slowing the delivery of affordable housing" frames their concerns negatively. More neutral alternatives could include: "expediting the approval process", "accelerate the development of housing projects", and "concerns regarding the impact on affordable housing".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the approval of the St Leonards project and the government's streamlining of the approval process. It mentions opposition from local councils but doesn't delve into the specifics of their arguments against the projects, or provide alternative perspectives on the impact of build-to-rent developments on local communities. The potential negative impacts of increased density and the displacement of existing residents are not explored in detail. Omitting these perspectives creates an incomplete picture of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the debate as solely between the government's efforts to increase housing supply and the opposition of local councils. It simplifies a complex issue by neglecting other stakeholders' views and the potential negative impacts of rapid development. This framing could lead readers to believe there's only a straightforward choice between increased housing and local council obstructionism.
Sustainable Development Goals
The approval of the 43-storey tower with 272 build-to-rent dwellings and 10 affordable housing units contributes to increased housing supply in Sydney, addressing the challenge of providing sustainable housing in urban areas. The project is also located near public transport, promoting sustainable urban development. The streamlining of the planning process aims to accelerate housing delivery, contributing to more efficient urban development.