Deputy director general for planning and infrastructure Richard Pearson says the changes should help the growing population in NSW: "Providing more retail space helps put downward pressure on prices and lowers the cost of living."
By rezoning Penrith Panthers, the Narellan town centre and the Orange Grove factory outlet, proposals for new shops can now be lodged with a view to stores opening next year.
The retail spaces are hoped to create half the new jobs that the Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney is aiming for.Nevertheless, applications for development need to be approved at each stage before construction can begin.
Posted by Craig Francis