Independent Living Units (ILUs) are a type of residential accomodation for older persons. They are apartments or villas for seniors and people with disability. Residents can live independently.

The NSW State Environmetal Planning Policy (SEPP) Housing 2021 made changes to planning rules for seniors housing, to it meets industry standards and community expectations. The Housing SEPP also inlcudes a floor space bonus, to encourage seniors housing developments in areas planned for higher density.

It is rental housing that is available for rent at a lower price than usual market rent. Rent is discounted or based on income, typically less than 30% of a renter’s gross income. Eligibility criteria apply, and affordable housing must be managed by registered community housing providers (CHPs). 

Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), some developments are considered state significant because they are important to NSW for economic, environmental and/or social reasons. The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) pathway requires developers to more comprehensively assess their proposals and engage with the community and government agencies. The application is submitted to teh NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for assessment and determination. This includes preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlines information on the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the project.