The demand for high-performance warehouse solutions in strategic industrial precincts continues to grow. In Western Sydney, Ethos Urban assisted ESR in securing State Significant Development Approval for a 72,000sqm multi-level warehousing and logistics facility.
270 Horsley Road will provide an efficient and modern warehouse and distribution centre in Milperra, strategically located near the South-Western Motorway (M5) to support Sydney’s logistical supply chain.
The development includes nearly 72,000sqm of warehousing gross floor area (GFA) over 2-storeys and across 12 warehouse tenancies. The development also incorporates ancillary offices and end-of-trip (EOT) facilities, heavy vehicle ramps and hardstand areas across two levels, café, on-site parking and associated landscaping.
Ethos Urban was engaged by ESR to lead the planning approvals process for the State Significant Development Application (SSDA). Working alongside SBA Architects and the broader consultant team, Ethos Urban prepared and coordinated the full suite of planning documentation. This included due diligence planning advice, SEARs request scoping report, Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Consultation Outcomes Report and Response to Submissions report.
In parallel, Ethos Urban also prepared and submitted a local development application for site remediation and early works, ensuring an integrated and coordinated approach across approval pathways.
The development required a considered response to a range of planning and urban design challenges. In particular, the scale and context of the building required a high-quality design response along the extensive Horsley Drive frontage, with significant articulation in the façade treatment.
Other issues included noise impacts, traffic generation and site access, visual impact and ensuring the development did not impact on a nearby primary school in terms of student safety and amenity. The interface between the remediation works and the warehouse development required resolution with respect to construction staging and interrelations between the two consent instruments.
The SSDA was granted consent in February 2025.
270 Horsley Road demonstrates how large-scale industrial projects can be successfully integrated into established urban environments when supported by informed planning strategy. Ethos Urban’s early involvement enabled a coordinated approvals process that addressed both operational and community considerations. Our ability to manage complex assessment requirements—while balancing logistical performance with urban amenity—highlights the value of expert planning advice in delivering sustainable industrial growth across Greater Sydney.
