UDIA NSW welcomes the recently announced amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) which is a positive step toward tackling the housing and affordability crisis in NSW.
As our population continues to grow beyond the 8 million mark as noted in the ABS Census, it even more critical to lift the supply of housing across the entire housing continuum in NSW, providing housing typologies and tenures for all income brackets and stages of life.
“UDIA has long advocated for changes in the affordable, seniors and build to rent housing space and it is great to see many of those changes will now be enacted,” said Steve Mann, CEO UDIA NSW.
“The changes announced by Deputy Secretary of Planning Policy at the Department of Planning and Environment, Brett Whitworth, also reflect feedback from our stakeholders following the introduction of the Housing SEPP in November 2021,” Mr Mann added.
The specific changes introduced on July 1 include:
- Expanding the area where infill affordable housing bonuses apply from 400 to 800 metres from business and mixed-use zones in the regions.
- Extending the infill affordable housing floorspace bonuses to also apply to shop-top housing.
- Removing the requirement for build-to-rent housing in B3 commercial zones to be readily convertible to another use. Lowering the State Significant Development threshold for build-to-rent housing from $100 million to $50 million in Greater Sydney and $30 million elsewhere.
- Simplifying the minimum lot standards for co-living housing to provide greater consistency.
- Creating a self-assessment pathway for the Aboriginal Housing Office to self-assess developments of up to 60 homes.
- Allowing all seniors living, including independent living unit developments, in R2 Low Density Residential zones.
In the announcement it was confirmed that the DPE is now reviewing the provisions relating to group homes, supportive accommodation, caravan parks, affordable housing and manufactured home estates. It will also continue to monitor the operation of the SEPP and identify necessary changes to support the delivery of diverse and affordable housing and ensure the new and amended provisions are functioning as intended.
UDIA NSW is encouraged that Government has listened to stakeholders and made positive changes to support housing in NSW. We look forward to working with government to support improvements to the group homes, supportive accommodation, caravan parks, affordable housing and manufactured home estates.
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Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane 0416 295 898 or dlane@udiansw.com.au