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Will the Minster lift council bans on terraces and townhouses in the near future?
The Minns government in New South Wales aims to increase housing supply and affordability by requiring councils to permit the construction of terraces, townhouses, and low-rise apartments in areas currently restricted by zoning laws.
This policy shift represents a significant departure from the previous planning framework, which had given local councils broad discretion to ban certain medium-density housing options.
The proposed reforms could result in the creation of up to 112,000 new homes across Greater Sydney, according to government estimates.
Currently, many local council areas in NSW are dominated by standalone houses, and the new rules will compel these councils to allow more diverse housing types like terraces, duplexes, and small apartment blocks.
Dual occupancies (two homes on a single lot) will be made permissible on low-density residential (R2) zoned land across the state under the reforms.
Terraces, townhouses, and two-storey apartment buildings will be required to be allowed within 800 meters of any transit hub or town center, at a minimum.
Mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 stories) will be mandated for any R3 zoned land within these transit-oriented development areas.
The changes are intended to facilitate a shift towards more compact, walkable communities and reduce reliance on private vehicles by locating housing near public transport.
While some councils have expressed support for the increased development flexibility, others remain cautious due to concerns about preserving community character and ensuring adequate infrastructure capacity.
The reforms highlight the tension between the state government's goals of boosting housing supply and local councils' desire to maintain control over development in their jurisdictions.
Experts argue that the shift towards medium-density housing options is crucial to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis in New South Wales.
The policy changes are expected to face legal and political challenges, as councils and community groups may seek to resist the state government's intervention in local planning matters.
The reforms are part of a broader set of initiatives by the Minns government to overhaul the state's planning system and address housing shortages.
Proponents of the changes argue that allowing more diverse housing types will provide greater choice for homebuyers and renters, catering to changing demographic needs and preferences.
Critics warn that the rapid increase in medium-density development could lead to concerns about overshadowing, loss of green space, and the strain on existing infrastructure in some areas.
The implementation of the new rules will likely require close coordination between the state government and local councils to ensure a smooth transition and address any community concerns.
The policy shift represents a significant departure from the traditional focus on detached housing in many suburban areas of New South Wales.
Monitoring the impact of the reforms on housing affordability, community character, and infrastructure provision will be crucial in evaluating the success of the government's initiatives.
The debate over the council bans on terraces and townhouses highlights the complexity of balancing housing supply, affordability, and community interests in urban planning decisions.
The outcome of the Minns government's push to lift these bans will have far-reaching implications for the future of housing development and community design in New South Wales.
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