Step 1 · Original controls
16 and 25 storeys
Approximately 350 dwellings — the baseline residents bought, rented and moved in under.
Timeline
How Block H escalated
Start with the simple timeline of 14 key moments. Switch to the full evidence record to see every sourced step, or open the resident-action history at the bottom of the page.
Last updated · 3 August 2026
The escalation
From 16 + 25 storeys to two 50-storey towers and 1,200 dwellings
What residents bought into
16 + 25 storeys
What was later pushed
40 + 40 storeys
What is now being pushed
50 + 50 storeys
1,200 dwellings
Source: City of Parramatta — Block H page; NSW Planning Portal — SSD-99885210 · Redrawn from official records.
- Step 2 · December 2016
Applicant starts DCP amendment process
The first step toward changing the planning controls on Block H.
- Step 3 · 2018
Residents begin formally objecting
Local concerns about scale and infrastructure are raised on the public record.
- Step 4 · October–November 2020
Council exhibition receives 763 submissions — 491 opposed
The City of Parramatta-led DCP/VPA exhibition (19 Oct–16 Nov 2020) draws majority opposition on the public record.
- Step 5 · September 2022
Council vote on Block H
A Prociv/Darley refusal motion lapsed. The carried Noack/Siviero motion (10–4) sought further information so Council could later consider public exhibition of a revised scheme.
- Step 6 · January 2023
Department withdraws delegated power from Council
Council is told it no longer has delegated DCP-making power for the site.
- Step 7 · November 2023 – February 2024
DPHI exhibits the 2023 DCP amendment
The State exhibits the amendment proposing approximately 997 dwellings and ≈40-storey towers.
- Step 8 · December 2023
Council vote — stronger objection lost, process motion carried
A Darley/Prociv amendment to forward a stronger objection lost 4–10. The carried Noack/Siviero motion (10–4) was a process/VPA motion — DCP changes to wait until the Planning Agreement was signed; CEO authorised to progress the VPA if DPE supported.
- Step 9 · 20 December 2024
Council becomes the relevant authority for DCP amendments
The Planning Secretary issued a new delegation making the City of Parramatta Council the relevant planning authority for proposed amendments to the Homebush Bay West DCP — returning responsibility for assessing and determining DCP amendments to Council. This is not the SSD process.
- Step 10 · October 2025
HDA recommends SSD pathway
The Housing Delivery Authority recommends the project be assessed as State Significant Development.
- Step 11 · 21 October 2025
Proposal declared SSD — the State becomes consent authority
The Planning Minister declared the current Block H proposal State Significant Development. The NSW Government — not Council — is now the consent authority for the development application, SSD-99885210.
- Step 12 · November 2025
Scoping / PDA material lodged
Applicant scoping and pre-development material describes 1,200 dwellings and two 50-storey towers.
- Step 13 · Current
Prepare EIS
The applicant is preparing the Environmental Impact Statement. This is not final approval.
- Step 14 · Next
Official SSD exhibition
When the EIS is exhibited on the NSW Planning Portal, residents can lodge formal submissions.