NSW government to fast-track approvals for medium-density housing

Medium-density housing types such as terrace houses will be easier to build in New South Wales, following changes to the housing code.

Aimed at improving housing affordability and providing more housing choice to meet a diversity of needs, the new Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code will see medium-density housing approved under a “complying development” process.

Complying development approvals are currently for “straightforward” residential, commercial and industrial projects such as detached one- or two-storey houses, fences and swimming pools.

Under the new code, manor houses (single buildings comprising three or four homes), dual-occupancies and terraces houses will also be eligible for a complying development approval.

Sydney is projected to need an additional 725,000 homes by 2036 to accommodate its ballooning population, according to the planning department’s forecasts. Housing minister Anthony Roberts said the new code would facilitate faster housing supply.

“Low-rise, medium density housing is the missing part of the NSW housing stock between traditional free-standing homes and strata-titled apartments,” he said.

The winner of the Missing Middle competition terrace house category, designed by Platform Architects.

The winner of the Missing Middle competition terrace house category, designed by Platform Architects.

Image: Platform Architects

“With the growing and ageing population in NSW, there is a need for a greater variety of houses to suit the range of needs and lifestyles including growing families and empty nesters.”

The new code states that the design of such housing must be consistent with the Medium Density Design Guide, which was developed by the department of planning and environment in consultation with the NSW government architect in 2017.

The design guide sets out design criteria for each low-rise, medium-density housing type and puts forward key design principles related to: “context and neighbourhood character,” “built form and scale,” “density,” “landscape,” “sustainability,” “aesthetics” and “housing diversity and social interaction.” It was informed, in part, by ideas generated from the Missing Middle design competition, held by the government architect’s office in early 2017.

The Australian Institute of Architects NSW executive director Joshua Morrin welcomed the changes to the code, and said that good architectural design of medium density homes would ensure that residents could enjoy good amenity and liveability.

The Dual-occupancy category winner, designed by Youssofzay and Hart Architects.

The Dual-occupancy category winner, designed by Youssofzay and Hart Architects.

Image: Youssofzay and Hart Architects

“Architectural design prioritizes both quality of space and human amenity – qualities which our cities will need all the more as they continue to grow ­– the spaces that we live in need to work harder.

“The smaller homes that will increasingly be part of our cities, highlighting the need for good design principles and requirements, such as those in the Medium Density Design Guide. We need more quality design to future proof the liveability of our communities.”

The new code will come into effect on 6 July 2018.

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