Mirvac dropped out from the redevelopment of the Showground station precinct in Sydney just over month after the NSW government and Council reached an agreement on minimum apartment sizes and building 5000 new homes in the area. Mirvac said that it will terminate original plans for the Showgrounds precinct due to new planning controls announced by the NSW government back in December. Mirvac entered into options for land in the Showground precinct of the Hills Shire unfortunately the final planning controls were different from the original plans; and as such Mirvac were unable to proceed with the proposed development; explained Mirvac's general manager of residential development NSW; Toby Long. One of the several reasons which affected Mirvac's decision was the requirement of larger minimum sizes for apartments; which was different to the Department of Planning's proposal back in 2015. The Department of Planning consulted with council on the final Showground Precinct plan. Council was insistent that their proposed larger lot sizes would be viable for development; a spokesman for the minister stated. We look forward to council delivering on their commitment to plan for 5000 new dwellings as well as open space on the Showgrounds site. The final plans for the Showground Precinct was released back in December; which outlined 270 hectares of the area for rezoning. The plans were finally negotiated between the Hills Shire Council and Mr Roberts department following prolonged disgreement on both sides. What we don't want is councils anywhere forcing developers into unfeasible lot sizes that will price first-home owners out of the market; Mr Roberts explained. However; Mr Roberts later said that at least 30 per cent of total permissible floor space will be larger apartments. The work on the Showgrounds precinct was meant to lever the construction of the Showground station; which is projected to be finished in 2019. A spokesman stated that the government will collaborate with the council to ensure the project is supported with the right infrastructure. The Showground station is among the 8 new stations being built along the rapid transit link; and is part of stage one of the $20 billion Sydney Metro project.