The NSW Government is fast-tracking thousands of homes in five suburbs.

The state government has announced plans to expedite the construction of thousands of homes in five suburbs through a controversial pilot program. 

Out of the 100 projects submitted by developers to the Rezoning Pathways Pilot, only five have been selected to move forward. 

These developments will result in a total of 5,803 homes, with nearly 30 per cent designated as social and affordable housing.

Initially introduced by the former Perrottet government in December last year, the pilot program allows developers to directly apply to the government for rezoning, bypassing the involvement of councils and local communities. 

Critics argue that this approach sidelines councils and undermines community engagement.

To be eligible for the program, proposed developments were required to commit to constructing over 1,000 homes in metropolitan areas or 300 homes in regional areas. 

After an eight-month selection process, the government revealed that the majority of the homes will be built on the outskirts of Western Sydney, with major projects in Schofields (1,800 homes) and Glenmore Park (1,585 homes). 

Other areas where land will be rezoned include Warrawong in the Illawarra, Kanwal in the Central Coast, and Wagga Wagga in the Riverina.

NSW Premier Chris Minns says there is an immense need to address Sydney's housing issues by reducing urban sprawl and creating more densely populated inner-city suburbs. However, no inner-city proposals were chosen under this pilot program.

While the announcement has generated controversy, with community groups and councils expressing concerns about the program's lack of transparency, the government intends to continue working with councils and developers. 

Developers have until September 14 to submit planning proposals for their projects to proceed.

The Rezoning Pathways Pilot has been criticised as prioritising developer interests over communities, but the Department of Planning and Environment assures that councils will be closely involved as the projects progress.