Medium Density Code To Simplify Planning

The release of the NSW Government’s Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code which supports complying development is a good move towards a simpler planning system says the Urban Taskforce.

“Complying codes that establish simple envelopes that protect neighbours for building types that have become accepted in the community are a good way to simplify planning in NSW therefore saving costs to consumers,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson.

“The new code for low rise medium density housing is the latest addition to the complying code approach and it is welcomed by the development industry.”

“Councils may need to amend Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) to zone more areas for medium density housing to achieve if the government’s aspirations for encouraging more of this type of housing across Sydney. The NSW Government will also need to rezone more land generally for all types of housing to be able to accommodate 725,000 new homes over 20 years.”

“We do have some concerns at the level of detail contained in the 210 page Medium Density Design Guide as many council planning officers often take guides as being formal standards required by the state government. The NSW Apartment Design Guide has been interpreted by many councils as a tick the box formal requirement and this is limiting innovation and adding to costs.”

“The Urban Taskforce is concerned that the Regulation of Medium Density Housing requires only a registered architect to design these two storey developments. There are many building designers in NSW who do a good job of designing two storey homes who will now not be able to design these buildings. The 210 page Design Guide should be able to help building designers. This restriction may limit the potential to build the numbers of medium density homes the government wants.”

“The Urban Taskforce encourages the government to expand its use of complying development to the next level by including Mid-Rise Apartments. Apartments up to 6 floors high are under the tree canopy and will include lifts which help seniors who downsize.""