Residential Development Strategy – Stage 3 

During Stage 3, Council investigated and tested the nominated study areas in more detail to determine their potential for redevelopment. Elements of this work included urban design analysis, traffic analysis, considering public comment, economic analysis and analysing demographics. Further information about this is included below.

The studies undertaken led to the deferral, by Council resolution (24th April 2006), of the following additional study areas to enable a staged approach to the RDS work - Merrylands, Carlingford, Winston Hills, Rydalmere (East), North Parramatta and Pendle Hill. The Ermington study area was later deferred during Stage 3 owing to concerns about traffic and transport.

The Stage 3 studies were the basis for the zoning recommendations and development of place-based development planning for the remaining study areas. The first part of this work was presented to Council in November and signalled the start of Stage 4 of the RDS.

Public Comment – Public comment on the residential development strategy study areas was sought during exhibition of Stage 2. The comments received during the exhibition period are now being used to inform the analyses (including the traffic analysis) and urban design work being undertaken.

Urban Design – Council undertook urban design work to help determine which areas within the RDS study areas would be suitable for higher density development. The work will also identify which forms of residential development would be most sustainable and appropriate to the existing and future character of each area. 

Traffic Analysis – Parramatta City Council engageded a traffic consultant to identify whether the areas selected by Council for further investigation for increased densities were constrained from a traffic-circulation perspective.

Economic work – As part of Council’s assessment of the suitability of the study areas for increased housing and population density, Council investigated the economic factors that relate to future development, including demand for retail/commercial services and economic factors which influence the potential for housing redevelopment.  

Demographics – Council undertook a demographic analysis of the housing market, looking at trends in population characteristics that influence the housing market, forecast population and housing activity. The results of this analysis will be used to prepare the RDS proposals.