The State Government has been drip-feeding information on their top-down (bypassing council) housing density changes, with a public feedback process to commence early December.
What I discovered yesterday is that their definition of a ‘well-located area’ (for greater housing density) includes E1 local centres with frequently needed goods and services such as full line supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. So that will probably include places such as North Turramurra, St Ives North, West Pymble, East Lindfield and Eastern Road.
3-6 storey apartments will be allowed as shop top housing as well as in existing R3 Medium Density Zones.
Terraces, townhouses and manor houses will be allowed in existing R2 Low Density Zones that are within 800m walk of the local centre (shops).
Everywhere beyond 800m will allow for two homes on one lot.
High level information is available on the Department of Planning website. https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/diverse-and-well-located-homes
And their original 28 Nov announcement is here. https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-planning-rules-fast-track-low-and-mid-rise-housing
At this stage, I see council’s role as to make residents aware of the proposal (once the full details have been released in the coming fortnight), to help residents understand the implications of the proposal, and to encourage residents to participate in the State Government’s public feedback process.
Separately, councils across NSW will also be lobbying for appropriate infrastructure funding to support the increasing population. Because behind the scenes there are serious road, stormwater, transport, and other bottlenecks associated with this change. [Admittedly, the densification will occur over a few decades so there will hopefully be time to ramp up.]
More information to come once the State Gov gives us the details.
