MORE than 9,000 homes with bigger backyards are part of a vision that will boost housing supply while creating a green and resilient community in the outer South Western Sydney region. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes says 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 region, with improved standards for backyard sizes to facilitate trees, front gardens and lighter color palettes to help reduce the urban heat island effect,” Stokes said. “This means, for the first time, homes are required to have light colored 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.” Stokes said the DCP would also ensure that neighborhood 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. Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said that 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 9,200 new homes.“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 neighborhoods, complement each other.” To support the implementation of the DCP, the Wilton Housing Complying Development Code Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) is also out for public comment. “We’re also calling on the community to have its say on the EIE to support Wilton having sustainable open spaces,” Stokes said. “Quality public spaces are important for thriving communities and this work will ensure Wilton has leafy streets, trees in every yard and open spaces for everyone to enjoy.” (SD-Agencies) | 