New planning rules will expedite the approval process for medium density housing across NSW according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
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“The release of a draft policy and Medium Density Housing Code means a greater choice for home buyers looking for alternatives to freestanding homes and apartments,” HIA executive director NSW, David Bare said.
“Increasingly, homeowners are looking towards the middle ground for their housing needs and this means townhouses, terraces and dual occupancies.
“The Medium Density Design Guide will facilitate a higher standard of housing design and ensure development is both appropriate and consistent with community expectations. The design guide will provide a consistent set of rules for anyone designing these types of low rise homes, making it easier for building designers and builders.”
The changes announced by the state government also aim to reduce the time needed for councils to tick off Development Applications (DAs).
“If this code and the changes to the approval process can be supported by councils, industry and the community, a new generation of homebuyers could have a much larger choice of housing types in the future,” Mr Bare said.
“HIA looks forward to reviewing the full details of the new draft planning rules and working with the Department of Planning and Environment to implement these changes.”
The draft design guide is on exhibition until December 12 and Bellingen Shire Council’s Matt Fanning is looking at the new framework.
Matt said the council is broadly supportive of any measure that might stimulate a greater investment in affordable housing in the Shire, however he flags there may yet be ‘devil in the detail’.
“It is important for the council to look at the policy in a local context given that these policies are often developed with metropolitan outcomes in mind and they may not be appropriate in the Bellingen Shire,” he said.
“Because the draft design guide also looks towards making certain forms of medium density housing a form of complying development, this will mean that adjoining owners are not provided with the opportunity to object to the proposed development and it can be approved by a private certifier.
“Although the draft design guide will only allow for development up to two storeys it will be important to fully understand the implications of the proposed policy change in terms of potential adverse impacts to adjoining owners and in terms of the broader benefits to the Shire resulting from an increased choice of housing options.
“Accordingly, it is intended that the draft guide is reported to the November meeting of the council in order that they might consider the implications for Bellingen Shire and make any submission that is deemed necessary.”