A significant development proposal has been formally submitted for a key site in Mount Ousley, promising to add new housing options near a major transport hub. A developer has lodged plans with Wollongong City Council to construct seven two-storey townhouses on Mount Ousley Road, positioned just five properties east of the upgraded Mount Ousley interchange.
Details of the Proposed Development
The application, which entered a period of public exhibition until December 16, 2025, seeks approval to demolish the existing dwelling, pool, and other structures on the lot. In their place, the plan outlines the construction of seven modern townhouses. Each home is designed to feature four bedrooms, with all but one including a two-car garage. A single visitor parking space is also proposed for the site.
In a Statement of Environmental Effects supporting the application, the developer argues the project represents "an appropriate and efficient use of well-located land" that aligns with the evolving character of Mount Ousley. The statement emphasises the development will "deliver housing choice close to services and transport" without creating unacceptable environmental, social, or economic impacts.
Addressing Parking Provisions and Transport Links
The proposal acknowledges that its parking provisions fall short of the requirements in Wollongong's Development Control Plan, which would mandate one additional residential space and another visitor spot. The application justifies this shortfall by citing the challenging slope of the land, arguing that providing the extra spaces would be "disproportionate and undesirable."
Critically, the submission leans heavily on the site's exceptional transport connectivity to justify the parking approach. It references local transport data indicating a "reduced reliance on car parking" in the area, attributed to higher-than-average public transport use, and increased cycling and walking rates. This trend is linked to the proximity of both the University of Wollongong and TAFE NSW Illawarra campuses.
The application also highlights the recent reinstatement of a pedestrian bridge as part of the interchange upgrade, suggesting it will encourage a "modal shift" away from private vehicles. "This infrastructure will significantly reduce car dependency for residents of the site," the statement claims, positioning the development to uniquely leverage this public investment due to its immediate adjacency to the improved access corridor.
Next Steps and Community Input
With the development application now publicly available for scrutiny, local residents and stakeholders have the opportunity to review the detailed plans and provide formal feedback to Wollongong City Council. The council's assessment will need to balance the demand for new, well-located housing against local planning controls and community expectations regarding parking and density.
The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for similar infill developments along major transport corridors in the Illawarra region. The decision will ultimately determine whether this prominent parcel of land on Mount Ousley Road transitions from a single residential lot into a modern, medium-density complex of seven townhouses.
