Town planning · Strathfield NSW
Town planning in Strathfield. Use the current DCP.
Strathfield contains established residential and heritage areas alongside significant rail and road corridors and transport-linked housing catchments. We provide practical planning advice, Preliminary Planning Reports, DA and SEE services, and CD Planning Assessments to accompany applications to Building Certifiers.
NSW housing reforms
Low and Mid-Rise Housing in Strathfield
The NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, under Chapter 6 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, allows additional residential development types in qualifying locations near nominated centres. Eligibility generally requires 800 metres walking distance along an accessible route from the station entrance or mapped town-centre boundary—not an 800-metre radius. The actual zoning, exclusions and operative statutory requirements must also be assessed.
Indicative NSW Government map
Use the interactive map to screen potential LMR Housing areas. Mapping alone is not a statutory site determination; individual land constraints and walking routes require confirmation.
View the NSW LMR Housing mapNominated stations and centres
2 nominated Strathfield LMR locations
The following are identified on the NSW Government's nominated-centre list within or shared with this local government area. Inclusion of a station or shopping centre does not guarantee that a property qualifies for the policy.
Current local planning framework
Strathfield Local Environmental Plan 2012 and Strathfield Consolidated DCP 2005, amended 2026
Strathfield LEP 2012 commenced on 29 March 2013. The Strathfield Consolidated DCP 2005 remains in force as amended; its new General Residential DCP provisions took effect on 1 September 2026, replacing designated former residential parts. For current proposals, use the amended DCP and applicable Housing SEPP rather than an outdated copy of the 2005 chapters.
State SEPPs, land application maps, statutory exclusions, savings provisions and site conditions can materially affect the approval pathway and design response.
Council-specific planning matters
Homebush, Flemington and the Parramatta Road corridor
LMR Housing is nominated around Flemington and Homebush stations, not throughout all Strathfield suburbs. Established heritage streetscapes, urban transport corridors, industrial interfaces and lot-access constraints may require specialist assessment or design changes.
We recommend establishing key planning and infrastructure risks before an architect / building designer prepares detailed plans.
Early site assessment
Issues to investigate before design
Residential controls
Operative September 2026 DCP amendment and relevant transitions.
Rail and road impacts
Noise, vibration and access.
Heritage and trees
Neighbourhood character, conservation and landscaping.
Stormwater
Low-side discharge, lot slope and drainage easements.
Recent operative local change: Strathfield's General Residential DCP amendment took effect on 1 September 2026. See Council's current planning controls.
Our consultancy services
How Planning Approvals can assist in Strathfield
Preliminary Planning Reports (PPRs)
Assess site potential, operative controls, key constraints and likely approval pathways before detailed design. Learn about planning advice and PPRs.
Housing and site feasibility
Check zoning, LMR Housing eligibility, separate precinct provisions and other material statutory design issues.
DA planning and SEE
Prepare Statements of Environmental Effects, review consultant reports and design plans, and assist with DA compilation and lodgement where engaged. Explore Development Applications.
CD Planning Assessments
Provide assessments of relevant Codes SEPP provisions to accompany CDC applications submitted to Building Certifiers. Explore CD Planning Assessments.
Planning Approvals prepares planning assessments but does not issue CDCs. A Building Certifier determines independently whether the statutory requirements are met and a CDC may be issued. Housing SEPP permissibility does not automatically create a CDC pathway. Find a Certifier through the NSW Government register.
In-house energy assessments
BASIX and Accredited NatHERS
Planning Approvals provides in-house BASIX services and thermal assessments by an Accredited NatHERS Assessor. These include BASIX certification, NatHERS ratings and design advice regarding glazing, insulation and building materials. Learn about BASIX and NatHERS.
Our process
Resolve the planning pathway early.
Site constraints are best identified before substantial design expenditure.
Identify site controls
Check zoning, LEP/DCP, State policies and property constraints.
Assess feasibility
Consider the development type, statutory requirements and design challenges.
Prepare documentation
Deliver agreed PPR, SEE or CD Planning Assessment with next-step recommendations.
Common questions
Planning questions in Strathfield.
Which LEP and DCP apply to my site?
Strathfield Local Environmental Plan 2012 and Strathfield Consolidated DCP 2005, amended 2026 are the starting point, subject to relevant State planning instruments, site-specific land application mapping and any transitional controls.
Does proximity to a nominated centre guarantee LMR Housing eligibility?
No. The precise pedestrian walking-distance route, zoning, exclusions and statutory requirements must be verified on a property-specific basis.
What should I check before producing detailed design plans?
Operative September 2026 DCP amendment and relevant transitions. Noise, vibration and access. A Preliminary Planning Report can identify other material issues.
Can you prepare a Statement of Environmental Effects or DA planning assessment?
Yes. We provide planning consultancy, SEE preparation and assistance with consultant documentation, DA compilation and lodgement as agreed.
Can Planning Approvals issue a CDC?
No. We prepare CD Planning Assessments for applications to Building Certifiers, who make the statutory certification determination.
Official planning reference sources:
Strathfield · Project enquiry
Planning a project in Strathfield?
Provide the site address and a description of the proposal. We can discuss an appropriate initial planning assessment.