Dee Why town centre Archives

Town centres in Dee Why and across the Northern Beaches, are set for major residential changes under a new policy allowing medium-density housing near key transport and commercial hubs.

Housing Growth Across the Northern Beaches

The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, introduced from July 2024, has reshaped residential zoning across Greater Sydney. It allows housing up to six storeys within 400 metres and up to four storeys within 800 metres of town centres and transport hubs.

Dee Why, Mona Vale, Forestville, and Frenchs Forest are among nine Northern Beaches centres affected. The changes apply to more than 11,000 properties and aim to deliver 112,000 new homes across New South Wales over five years.

Northern Beaches development — *Photo Credit: UDIA NSW*

New Planning Controls and Design Standards

In September 2025, Northern Beaches Council amended its Manly, Warringah, and Pittwater Development Control Plans to preserve local design quality, heritage, and sustainability standards. The updates ensure that new developments reflect neighbourhood character despite broader state planning reforms.

These adjustments maintain requirements for landscaping, site layout, and setbacks while aligning with the new policy’s density goals.

Impact on Dee Why and Other Centres

In Dee Why, medium-density housing such as townhouses, terraces, and apartments will be permitted within walking distance of the town centre. Projects within 800 metres can reach four storeys, while those within 400 metres may rise to six storeys or 24 metres.

This mirrors similar developments in Mona Vale and Forestville, both designated for greater housing diversity under the same policy.

Dee Why housing — *Photo Credit: UDIA NSW*

Infrastructure and Community Concerns

Some community representatives have raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure improvements to support population growth. The Northern Beaches’ population is expected to reach 288,000 by 2036, creating demand for around 12,000 new homes and added pressure on transport and public services.

The council continues to seek a balance between growth and maintaining liveability within established suburbs.

Next Steps for Planning in Dee Why

Northern Beaches Council is preparing to release its amended Development Control Plans for public consultation. These plans will help guide future development applications under the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, shaping how new housing projects in Dee Why and other centres proceed in coming years.

Published 1-Nov-2025

Dee Why has been named as one of several Northern Beaches town centres identified for increased housing development under a state rezoning policy.

Background and Context

The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy is driving changes in residential zoning across Greater Sydney, including Dee Why. Introduced in two stages from July 2024, the policy is designed to support a broader mix of housing near town centres and transport hubs.

The first stage allowed dual occupancies in R2 low-density residential zones across the state. The second stage, which commenced in February 2025, expanded planning controls to encourage townhouses, terraces, apartments, and shop-top housing within walking distance of key centres, including Dee Why.

Caption: Artist’s impression of Dee Why Town Centre revitalisation.
Photo Credit: UDIA NSW

Planning Scope and Area Impact

Dee Why is one of nine nominated Northern Beaches town centres affected by the policy. Under the new rules, housing developments of up to four storeys are permitted within 800 metres of the town centre, while six-storey apartment blocks and shop-top housing up to 24 metres high are allowed within 400 metres.

These changes override existing local council controls and apply to more than 11,000 properties across the Northern Beaches local government area. The NBC anticipates that these reforms will lead to significant alterations in the built form and density of affected suburbs, including Dee Why.

Council Response and Proposed Amendments

In response, NBC is proposing amendments to its existing Manly, Warringah and Pittwater development control plans. The goal is to guide future development applications under the new policy, with added emphasis on site layout, building setbacks, vehicle access, and residential amenity.

The NBC argues that while it acknowledges the need to address housing shortages, local governments must retain some control over planning to manage the character and infrastructure of their communities. The NBC had previously drafted a Local Environment Plan to encourage housing diversity such as dual occupancies, but stated the new state policy would exceed what was initially planned.

NSW Rezoning Policy — Caption: Artist’s impression of Dee Why Town Centre revitalisation.
Photo Credit: UDIA NSW

Infrastructure and Services Concerns

Concerns have been raised by some elected representatives about the absence of supporting infrastructure to accommodate the projected population increase. Criticism has focused on the lack of additional transport, services, and funding provisions alongside the anticipated residential growth.

The Northern Beaches is projected to reach a population of 288,000 by 2036, requiring an estimated 12,000 new homes. The NBC said that without infrastructure upgrades, the expanded housing supply could strain local services.

Next Steps

NBC is set to vote on whether to release its amended development control plans for public consultation. If endorsed, these amendments could influence how development is implemented in Dee Why and other affected areas under the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

Published 20-May-2025

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Town Centres Including Dee Why Set for More Homes Under New Policy