Housing SEPP welcomed to help alleviate housing crisis
Property Council of Australia has welcomed the NSW Government’s release of the draft Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which is the latest in a range of policies introduced to help alleviate the escalating housing affordability crisis across NSW.
Acting NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, Lauren Conceicao said the objective of this policy is a positive step forward, however the devil will be in the detail.
“We want to ensure that the SEPP simplifies housing policy and does not introduce building controls and development standards that render these types of developments unfeasible for developers,” Ms Conceicao said.
“As we know from studies and the NSW Productivity Commission’s White Paper, age-appropriate housing solutions for older Australian’s will become increasingly critical and we are pleased the NSW Government is making positive changes in this area.
“Getting the seniors SEPP right is critical in getting much needed purpose-built housing for the increasing ageing population in NSW and we need to ensure the policy delivers the necessary levers to increase this type of housing across Sydney and regional NSW.”
Ms Conceicao said it was also great to see a new definition for ‘co-living’ also being introduced, which will make it permissible wherever apartments are currently allowed
“We welcome the introduction of co-living as another diverse housing option and are hopeful this option will provide more affordable and appropriate rental options for young people,” Ms Conceicao said.
“The Policy unfortunately does not permit co-living in Low Density Residential zones, which covers 80,000ha in Greater Sydney. This greatly limits the potential of the policy to provide affordable rental options in accessible areas close to transport, services and jobs.
“Overall, the proposed Housing SEPP provides a good foundation to simplify housing policy and we will continue to work with the NSW Government on unpacking what this means in practice and enhancing the delivery of housing supply across the state.”
Media contact: Aidan Green | M 0491 030 028 | E [email protected]