Reforms open door to more housing options Monday, 3 June 2013 New planning reforms provide more housing flexibility, including ‘granny flats’ Feedback provided by key stakeholders through public consultation The State Government has announced significant planning reforms that mean people looking to rent or buy a home now have more options. One of the main reforms will mean that home owners can now rent out backyard ‘granny flats’ or ‘Fonzie flats’, built above garages, fulfilling a commitment made at the 2013 State election. Planning Minister John Day said the amended residential design codes - known as R-Codes -would help streamline planning and improve flexibility for homeowners and businesses. “One of the major changes is the removal of the requirement for the occupants of ‘granny flats’ to be a relative of the main householder and an increase in the floor space allowed for such developments. This will provide greater housing choice for people,” Mr Day said. “The residential design codes provide the basis for residential development control throughout Western Australia. The changes are part of the Government’s continuing work to reform and streamline the planning system.” Mr Day said the reforms followed a comprehensive review and public consultation. “The review focused on providing more flexibility on housing choices; a streamlined residential approval process with a consistent approach to assessment of applications; and maintaining the quality of residential design,” he said. Housing Minister Bill Marmion said this was a great example of government working together to achieve a positive outcome. “We have a target of 20,000 new affordable homes by 2020. Already more than 7,000 affordable homes have been provided since 2010 and this initiative will make it very likely that we will exceed this target,” Mr Marmion said. Some of the other main changes to the R-Codes include lowering of the lot size which requires planning approval for single houses; greater emphasis on the use and format of local development plans (formerly known as detailed area plans) and local planning policies; amendments to provisions relating to overshadowing, privacy and parking requirements; and changes to terminology and clarification on how to use the provisions. Feedback from all stakeholders during the review was fundamental to deliver improvement of the R-Codes and promote a range of diverse housing choices and affordability. Fact File R-Codes provide comprehensive basis for control of residential development throughout WA The new R-Codes to be formally gazetted and will take effect on Friday August 2, 2013 For more information at planning.wa.gov.au/rcodes
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 00:24:38 +0000
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