More time to make submissions on faster housing supply and greener suburbs

The community, councils and industry now have more time to provide feedback and make submissions on the proposed Greenfield Housing Code, which will provide greener homes faster in new development areas.

The details of the proposed Code are set out in an Explanation of Intended Effects, along with a background paper that identifies key ways to encourage the uptake of complying development under the Code.

The public exhibition period has been extended by three weeks, to 7 July 2017.

The Code will reduce red tape, speed up the delivery of new homes in greenfield areas to meet the needs of NSW’s growing population and improve housing affordability.

Complying development allows for faster approvals for new homes and home renovations. It reduces red tape, costs and delays for homeowners, with savings of up to $15,000 for a new home.

Sydney will need an extra 725,000 new homes over the next 20 years to keep pace with demand and many homes will be built in greenfield sites.

Through the proposed Greenfield Housing Code, homes in new release areas could be approved under complying development in 20 days compared to 71 days on average for a development application.

Proposed complying development standards such as building height, setbacks and landscaping have been tailored to suit housing types and lot sizes in new release areas. The Code will also apply to alterations and additions. This will ensure new homes are designed to protect the privacy and amenity of neighbourhoods.

The Code will also ensure new residential suburbs are leafier and more environmentally friendly by giving a free tree to the owners of new homes approved under complying development in Western Sydney greenfield areas.

The initiative to increase the number of trees will minimise urban heat and improve the environment for pedestrians at street level.

Tree canopy coverage also contributes to improved biodiversity habitats for species as well as oxygen production, with clear benefits for visual amenity, landscape and sense of place for residents.

Deputy Secretary Policy & Strategy, Alison Frame, said the exhibition has been extended after requests from community groups and councils.

“We listen to the community via public consultation as it is an integral part of the planning system and it plays a vital role in the process,” Ms Frame said.

“We encourage the public to provide input on the draft Greenfield Housing Code.”

After the exhibition period closes, the Department will review all the submissions received. Any issues raised or suggestions made in the submissions will be considered to inform the proposed Code.

To view the Code or make a submission, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/greenfield