NSW Government gives green light to housing supply with new planning rules

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Thursday, 15 June 2023

NSW Government gives green light to housing supply with new planning rules

The Property Council of Australia has backed the move by the NSW Government to allow residential developments access to the State Significant Development planning pathway with a major boost to gross floor space ratios and height bonuses if they accommodate affordable housing.

Property Council’s Acting NSW Executive Director Anita Hugo said the measure, which applies to projects that allocate a minimum of 15 per cent of total gross floor space to affordable housing, would boost overall housing supply in an incredibly tight market.

“The Government’s new planning rules are a big endorsement of the density agenda and will play an important role in addressing our housing affordability crisis,” Ms Hugo said.

“It’s good to see the Minns Government has rejected inclusionary zoning and embraced significant GFA and height bonuses, which will ultimately grow the housing pie rather than cut it up.”

Ms Hugo said it was vital government resource the department to deliver timely assessment of projects.

“The change to planning rules will see a positive increase in applications so government should ensure that projects that apply under the SSD pathway don’t become stuck in the system by directing more resources to speedy assessment.”

Ms Hugo said the government should consider a range of other planning measures to deliver on our commitments under the National Housing Accord.

“Under the National Housing Accord, we’ve been tasked with delivering a massive 314,000 new homes over the next five years,” she said.

“Prioritising measures which enable industry to deliver more density is exactly the approach we need from this new government.

“To accelerate supply and truly tackle this housing crisis, the NSW Government should create a new planning instrument to support delivery of sustainable development around key transport hubs.

“The previous government did an admirable job providing growth-enabling infrastructure such as metros and light rail, but more needs to be done to deliver on the housing potential of these investments.

“A specific Transport Oriented Development SEPP would provide the perfect mechanism for Government to release greater uplift around transport stations across Greater Sydney and the regions.”

ENDS

Media contact: Aidan Green | 04910 300 28 | [email protected]