Parramatta build-to-rent tower conditionally approved

The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved a proposal to construction a $113 million, 34-storey build-to-rent tower in Parramatta designed b Rothelowman.

Proposal was submitted to the NSW planning department for assessment in April 2023. City of Parramatta objected to the proposal, which led to it being assessed by the Independent Planning Commission.

The project dubbed "Novus on Harris" proposes 210 rental apartments, retail and commercial areas, and three basement levels.

A three-member panel, chaired by architect Wendy Lewin, determined to grant consent to the project.

"The Commission find that the project is strategically justified for its contribution to housing supply and diversity," the members said in their statement of reasons report.

To address some of the community concerns, the commission also imposed some conditions including, requiring the proponents to improve flood safety for future occupants, provide "Juliet balconies to studio apartments smaller than the minimum size set by the NSW Apartment Design Guide; and ensure that the building is managed a build-to-rent-accommodation for the life of the development.