The state government altered plans for a proposed housing development in Sydney’s inner west in ways that would allow a property developer whose general manager has made significant political donations to build at least another 600 apartments and probably many more.

The changes to the so-called Rhodes East planned precinct on the Parramatta River were favoured by Liberal Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti, the recipient of at least one of those donations.

Under previous plans released by the Department of Planning and Environment in September 2017 following more than a year's consultation, residents could see proposed building heights encompassing 3600 apartments east of Rhodes railway station.

An artist's impression of the 2017 Rhodes East priority precinct proposal by the NSW government.

But changed plans released in December 2018 included no suggested building heights or floor space ratios, while the scheme was expanded to add 600 apartments on land controlled by developer Billbergia west of Rhodes Station.