Image from https://www.chrissteel.com.au/
In a recent address to the ACT Property Council, ACT Planning Minister Chris Steel (pictured) unveiled potential planning changes aimed at boosting medium-density, or “missing middle,” housing in Canberra.
Steel discussed the possibility of expanding block consolidation rules to facilitate the development of more low-rise, medium-density residential projects across the capital, particularly in the RZ1 zone, which is predominantly composed of low-rise housing.
According to Steel, allowing developers to merge more residential blocks could lead to the construction of more homes per project, improving both residential and community spaces.
“Larger consolidated blocks make it viable for more homes to be built in a single project with better outcomes for the future residents and streetscapes,” he said.
Steel highlighted that such consolidations would allow for a better distribution of “missing middle” housing across larger sites, incorporating essential living infrastructure like green spaces.
Steel announced plans for upcoming broad community consultations on the draft missing middle design guide and draft major plan amendment.
“I am confident that these reforms are feasible and will deliver the outcomes of more homes being built,” Steel said, indicating that community engagement would commence in the coming months.
The proposed changes resonate with the advocacy efforts of the Property Council and findings from the Purdon 60,000 homes report, which underscored the pressing need for more medium-density housing and planning efficiency.
Furthermore, Canberran housing preferences are changing, driven by smaller households, an aging population, and affordability challenges, according to the ACT government. These changing preferences are reshaping suburbs and prompting a demand for diverse housing types like townhouses, closely aligning supply with demand.
Steel also discussed his plans to collaborate with various agencies and industry stakeholders to dismantle regulatory barriers and improve housing supply and affordability through a productivity agenda.
In his address, Steel also made it clear that the government has no plans to eliminate lease variation charges, ensuring that existing financial frameworks supporting urban development remain intact.
