Proposed Changes Could Create More Housing Opportunities In Cowra

Published on 14 August 2026

Proposed Changes Could Create More Housing Opportunities In Cowra

Cowra Council is proposing changes to local planning rules that could create more opportunities for landowners to subdivide land in parts of East and West Cowra.

The changes are part of Council's long-term planning for housing and aim to provide more housing choice for current and future residents.

Mayor Paul Smith said the proposals are about removing barriers that have limited subdivision opportunities for more than a decade.

"Cowra is growing and we need to plan for future housing needs," Mayor Smith said.

"These proposed changes would make it easier for landowners in certain areas to explore subdivision opportunities that aren't currently allowed.

"This is about creating opportunities for the future while maintaining the large lot lifestyle that people value in these areas."

If approved, the changes would:

• Allow some land in West Cowra to be divided into blocks as small as 4,000 square metres without needing to connect to Council's sewer network.

• Allow some land in East Cowra to be divided into blocks as small as two hectares without needing to connect to Council's water network.

The proposals only apply to specific areas.

•  The West Cowra Growth Area, zoned R5 Large Lot Residential. It is defined generally by Cowra Road to the north, Airport Road to the west, Hartley Street to the East, and Boundary Road to the south. Maps of the West Cowra Growth Area are included in the relevant sections of the Planning Proposal.  
• The East Cowra Growth Area, zoned R5 Large Lot Residential. It is defined generally by Elouera Road to the north, Camp Lane to the east, Darbys Falls Road to south and Mid Western Highway to the West.  Maps of the East Cowra Growth Area are included in the relevant sections of the Planning Proposal. 

The existing zoning of the land would not change. These areas would remain large lot residential neighbourhoods, helping to maintain their current character and lifestyle.

Mayor Smith said the proposals support the goals of the Cowra Housing Strategy 2025, which identified the need for more housing options across the shire.

"We're not proposing higher-density development or major changes to these areas," he said.

"We're simply looking at ways to provide greater flexibility and create more opportunities for housing over time."

The proposals are still in the early stages and no decisions have been made.

Before any changes can be approved, the proposals will be reviewed by NSW Government agencies and then placed on public exhibition, giving residents and landowners an opportunity to learn more and provide feedback.

All community submissions will be considered before the proposals are presented to Council for a final decision.

Council encourages residents to take part in the consultation process when the proposals go on public exhibition.

ENDS

Draft-Planning-Proposal-to-remove-service-restriction-and-reduce-Minimum-Lot-Size-East-Cowra-Growth-Area-June-2026.pdf(PDF, 6MB)

Draft-Planning-Proposal-to-remove-service-restriction-and-reduce-Minimum-Lot-Size-West-Cowra-Growth-Area-June-2026.pdf(PDF, 10MB)