Penrith and Liverpool Secondary Dwellings: Airport Checks

Penrith and Liverpool secondary dwellings need a property-level check where airport controls apply. Being in either local government area doesn’t establish eligibility for the May 2026 change.

The NSW Government announcement of 19 May 2026 describes secondary dwellings up to 85 square metres on eligible ANEC 20–25 land, with aircraft noise attenuation. It names parts of Wollondilly, Camden, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith. This is targeted permission, not an approval for every property in those council areas.

Start with the property, not the council boundary

Use the street address and title details when contacting the council or planner. Ask whether the proposal falls within the airport provisions, what other controls affect it and which assessment route is available.

If you own more than one adjoining lot, describe which land will contain the dwelling and access. Don’t assume advice for a neighbour, another address in the estate or an earlier subdivision applies to your proposal.

Separate permission from the practical build

A favourable planning answer doesn’t price wastewater connections, foundations or delivery access. Provide the same site information to the designer and supplier so their quotation reflects the property that was assessed.

For a prefabricated dwelling, ask for the proposed delivery and lifting arrangement. For an on-site build, discuss storage and trade access. Either format needs a workable construction plan alongside the approval documents.

Prepare a useful council enquiry

Attach a simple sketch and list the questions you need answered. Ask which matters the council can clarify at that stage and which require a formal application or specialist report. Informal advice helps with planning but isn’t itself a development consent.

Keep the response with its date and assumptions. If the design changes from a small studio to a larger self-contained dwelling, return to the adviser rather than relying on an answer given for a different project.

We have removed an earlier unsupported estimate of the number of residents benefiting from the reform. The council names in the government release establish the geographic scope; they don’t quantify how many individual properties can proceed.

Questions to resolve before proceeding

Does the announcement approve my design?

No. Obtain advice on the current rules and the proposed building for your property. The announcement explains the policy change; it isn’t a site approval or a construction specification.

Where should I start?

Read our NSW approval overview, then take your address, title details and project brief to the relevant practitioner. Ask for the source and date of the rules used in their assessment.

By The Granny Flat Guide Team. Last updated October 2026. About our research · Project budget calculator