With the recent amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, NSW Government is committed to reaching the National Housing Accord target of 377,000 homes by mid-2029. In order to achieve this, the Minns Government is holding local and state governments accountable through a range of performance measures. The Housing SEPP amendment has brought …
In alignment with the National Housing Accord and following on from the proposal for low- and mid-rise reforms that went on exhibition from 15 December 2023 to 23 February 2024, NSW Government has introduced new amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021. The aim of these reforms is to increase supply of low-rise …
Today, the Department of Planning and Environment placed on exhibition a document to help accelerate housing delivery in NSW. This document suggests some changes to the low rise housing diversity code that impacts dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces but also brings in multi dwelling housing, residential flat buildings and shop top housing; all of …
Continue reading “Introducing the Mid Rise Housing Diversity Code”
NSW Government’s Construct NSW strategy aims to restore consumer confidence by focusing on reform in 6 key areas of the building and construction industry. These include regulation, ratings, education, contracts, digital tools, and data and research. Led by the Office of the Building Commissioner (OBC), the changes will affect all building classes and stakeholders, including …
Continue reading “NSW Government ambitious plan to transform building industry”
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The Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 is a legislation that provides the framework for the use of land in New South Wales.
The introduction of the new Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code in July 2018 aimed to provide more liveable and affordable housing arrangements for growing families and empty nesters within existing neighbourhoods and streetscapes. It has currently been implemented across 82 council areas in NSW and there are plans for the remaining 45 to adopt …
Continue reading “The Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code (MDHC) has been deferred again”
Canterbury LEP 2012 has just been amended (Amendment No 16). Clause 4.1C has been added to the LEP requiring minimum lot sizes and lot widths for Boarding Houses in its Residential Zones.
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Continue reading “Draft Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019”
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New Phase of Mid-Rise Housing Reforms Launched in New South Wales – Essential Updates for Housing Developers and Planning Teams
The second phase of the Mid-Rise Housing Reform has officially launched, marking a key milestone in residential development across New South Wales (NSW). With significant changes in development standards for dual occupancies, multi-dwelling housing, and more, this reform is set to impact projects in Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra, and Hunter regions. The changes will take effect on 28 February 2025, making it crucial for developers to understand the new requirements.
Key Changes and Stages of the Reform
The policy has been implemented in two stages:
Stage 1: Dual occupancies and semi-detached homes are now permitted in all R2 Low-Density Residential Zones across NSW. This stage launched on 1st July 2024.
Stage 2: The latest phase expands the policy to include dual occupancies, multi-dwelling housing, terraces, shop-top housing, and residential flat buildings (RFBs) within designated “Low and Mid Rise Housing Areas”. This phase officially launched today and will become active on 28 February 2025.
Site Assessment and Key Considerations
To assess each site’s eligibility under these reforms, developers must first determine whether the site falls within the “Low and Mid Rise Housing Area.” These areas are within an 800m walking distance of 171 selected train stations and town centres, including heavy rail, metro, and light rail stations. Walking distance is calculated from the nearest station entrance or the closest edge of the town centre, along a publicly accessible walking route, which mirrors the walking distance requirements of the Housing SEPP.
An interactive map is available to help identify the 171 selected train stations and shopping precincts that define these designated areas. Please note that this map serves as an indicator only and further verification should be obtained.
You can access the full list of 171 Selected Train Stations and Town Centres
New Non-Discretionary Development Standards
The reform introduces new non-discretionary development standards, which set clear, consistent guidelines for matters such as building height, floor space ratio, and lot size. These standards take precedence over Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) or Development Control Plans (DCPs). If a proposed development complies with these non-discretionary standards, the consent authority cannot refuse the application, even if the project does not meet the requirements of the LEP or DCP.
Impact on Development Types
The following housing types are impacted by these changes, with some requiring compliance only within the “Low and Mid Rise Housing Areas”:
Dual Occupancies
Multi-Dwelling Housing
Multi-Dwelling Housing (Terraces)
Shop-Top Housing
Residential Flat Buildings (RFBs)
Unsure What This Means For Your Development?
If any of these changes potentially impact your development site, feel free to contact ES Planning to confirm how the new standards may apply.
For further information, please reach out to planning@es.au.
