"Good and bad": John and Dean Cassidy expect the land their business has occupied for 21 years to be sold. Picture: Mike Sea.
PROPERTY owners say Seven Hills has stagnated for years as they have waited for confirmation on how they could invest in their land and businesses.
But with the release of Blacktown Council's Draft Local Environmental Plan last week, came a long-term plan for their properties.
Robert Gilbert is the co-owner of Complete Car Care, just off the Prospect Highway.
He and neighbouring land owners have big plans for their lots now that they have been zoned for a mix of business and high-density residential.
"We have wanted to develop our lots for a while but we can't afford the development fees," Mr Gilbert said.
"So we are trying to get together as a group of landowners to develop."
"This property is our retirement investment," another co-owner, Lee Gilbert, added.
The Gilberts picture residential units up to six storeys high with cafes and shops on the ground level.
The new town centre would be built around Seven Hills train station, adding convenience.
But there is a downside for some business owners.
Mechanic John Cassidy has run his workshop on Best Road for 21 years and planned to one day hand the reins to his son and partner Dean.
"It's good news but it's also bad," he said of the new land zones.
"It's bad because (the landlord) will want to sell my land and I'm going to have to buy another place.
"But everyone around here has been waiting years for it; it's going to help the economy."
Fish and chip shop owner Aris Purwanto welcomed any investment stimulated by new land zones in Seven Hills.
"Last year was worse than the year before," he said of the local economy.
"(More units) would be a good thing: good for my business."