The future of Fairfield’s rural lands in Horsley Park and Cecil Park has been affected by the Federal Government's decision to proceed with the Western Sydney International airport at Badgerys Creek and the NSW State Government's planning for expansion of the Western Sydney Employment Lands (including proposed arterial roads through the area).
Following the designation of the Fairfield rural lands as an Urban Investigation Area under the Greater Sydney Region Plan and the Western City District Plan in 2018, Council engaged consultants to undertake a land capability study and identify a number of options for future development.
The options for the future development of Horsley Park and Cecil Park were publicly exhibited between 9 November 2018 to 8 February 2019. Council on 9 April 2019 considered submissions from the community and resolved to endorse a proposed preferred Structure Plan.
Council has now received feedback from the NSW Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) and State agencies highlighting the need for further detailed investigations into a range of infrastructure, environmental and transport planning issues.
The investigation work will be coordinated by a steering committee chaired by the Greater Sydney Commission. Council is seeking funding support from the State Government to further progress planning for the Fairfield Rural Lands Urban Investigation Area.
Planning rules introduced by the NSW State Government under State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) – Western Sydney Aerotropolis includes new restrictions for ‘noise sensitive development’ (including residential development) located under areas of Horsley Park affect by the 20-25 Australian Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC) footprint of the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek as well as aircraft noise insulation requirements (commencing in April 2021) for future residential development located within 13km of the airport.