Changes to NSW planning sees mixed response
Housing supply is at the heart of the changes being drafted to the NSW Planning Bill 2013, according to minister for planning and infrastructure, Brad Hazzard.
Due to the changes, the bill will not be introduced into parliament this week as expected, Hazzard announced, causing some anger from the industry.
“This legislation, when passed, will be the backbone of the planning system in NSW for the next 30 or more years so it is critical that we get it right,” he said.
“Whilst returning local government and communities to the centre of the planning system we must cut red tape that blocks increasing housing supply ensuring the dream of owning your own home is a reality for NSW families."
Changes currently being implemented include:
· Allowing councils to modify the State-wide codes to better reflect their local area
· Code assessable development will only apply in nominated growth areas (forexample around the North West and South West train lines or areas nominated bycouncils)
· The target for code assessable developments has been removed entirely
· Councils will be made to prepare Neighbourhood Impact Statements if they intendto implement code assessable development
· The full range of current land zonings will remain as they are
· Appeal rights will remain as they are
· Local and State heritage protections will continue
However, the decision to postpone the planning act is actually putting the housing industry, along with the economy and job creation, into jeopardy warns the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW.
UDIA NSW chief executive Stephen Albin said it is a "scare-campaign" that is disappointing.
“We have a serious housing shortage in this state and are struggling to meet demand," Albin said.
“How can this delay be presented as being in the community’s interest?”
He spoke in favour of the formely proposed planning system, saying that it would have adderessed issues such as delays and difficulties when delivering affordable housing stock.