Planning Permits in Hornsby Shire Council

Hornsby is the northernmost Greater Sydney LGA, including the Berowra Valley and significant bushland reserves. Mix of suburban residential, semi-rural, and bushfire-affected fringe areas.

Key Suburbs

HornsbyPennant HillsCherrybrookBerowraAsquithBeecroftDuralMount ColahHornsby Heights

Area Statistics

152,821

Population

53,450

Dwellings

39

Median Age

Source: ABS Census 2021

Planning Characteristics

Hornsby LEP 2013 with extensive bushfire-prone mapping covering 70%+ of the LGA. Hornsby town centre is the main commercial hub. Stage 2 LMR catchment around Hornsby station. Significant rural-residential and bushland conservation zones.

Common Planning Zones

R2Low Density Residential
R3Medium Density Residential
B2Local Centre (legacy)
RU2Rural Landscape
C2Environmental Conservation
RE1Public Recreation

Common Constraints & Overlays

Planning Scheme

Each NSW council's controls live in two documents: a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) hosted on the NSW Legislation site, and a Development Control Plan (DCP) on the council's own planning page. State-level controls (SEPPs) apply on top — see our SEPPs & overlays guide.

Objecting to a development in Hornsby Shire Council

Worried about a development application in Hornsby Shire Council? While an application is on public notice or exhibition, anyone affected can lodge an objection — a formal submission or representation to the council — putting your planning concerns on the record before the decision is made. Our New South Wales guide walks through your rights, what counts as a valid planning ground, and the timeframes; and if a decision goes the wrong way, how to appeal it at the tribunal.

Not sure if your concerns count? Run the free Objection Grounds Check for an instant read of which are valid planning grounds — then turn it into a formal objection from $99.

Need Planning Help in Hornsby Shire?

For complex matters in Hornsby Shire we refer to a friendly NSW partner consultancy. Or use our AI tools (free Property Snapshot, Planning Report $39) for self-serve analysis.

Talk to a NSW Planner