NSW government plans to increase housing density —
please make a submission (by 23 Feb)
Background
Just
before Christmas the government announced new planning proposals to
increase housing to accommodate the huge increase in population.
However,
these proposals will have a major impact on the character and
environment of the whole of Sydney, particularly areas with strong
heritage and bushland character.
We
appreciate the need to increase housing, but this should be done using a
strategy that will maintain the character of our suburbs.
If you live in Ku-ring-gai you will have received a pamphlet on the proposed changes. Council has also hosted a public information session and is conducting an online survey.
Click here to have your say, to download STEP's submission and for more details on the changes to the planning rules.
Please make a submission (by 23 Feb)
Below
are some points you can include when you make your submission. Remember
to personalise your submission and include local effects,
e.g.overloading infrastructure and insufficient schools.
Please object to these proposals which seek:
- to
allow dual occupancy in ALL low-density blocks (R2) with a minimum lot
size of 450 square metres in NSW (outside bushfire affected areas — C4
zone)
- to allow townhouses, terraces and 2-storey flats in R2 zones within 800 m of rail stations and local centres
- to allow mid-rise housing in medium density blocks (R3):
* up to 6 to 7 storeys within 400 m of transport hubs and town centres
* up to 4 to 5 storeys from 400 to 800 m near transport hubs and town centres
These reforms:
- will
effectively remove mature native trees on private land in a kilometre
wide band along the Pacific Highway ridge that is a wildlife corridor
and contains essential remnants of critically endangered Blue Gum High
forest
- will override council development zoning and controls that allow for local conditions such as:
* preservation of heritage homes and streetscapes
* steep topography
* local flooding risks
* retention of mature trees that provide essential habitat
- do not consider additional infrastructure requirements to cope with:
* additional stormwater from developed land
* traffic congestion
* shortages of schools, recreation facilities and other public services
Councils should be able to retain powers to apply strategic planning
principles based on the characteristics of their locations. The
government has published design guides with illustrations that may be
appropriate for undeveloped and level land but make no allowances for
impacts on existing streetscapes and land with hilly topography and many
creek lines. If these proposals go ahead many existing council planning
rules will be overridden and so:
- denser development will be mandated within 800 m of transport hubs and local centres
- dual occupancies will be permitted in all residential areas which will lead to significant loss of trees
- most
requirements relating to minimum lot sizes, floor space ratios, front
and back setbacks and landscaping will be changed leaving little room
for tree canopy and gardens which are essential for maintaining local
character, reducing the heat island effect and providing habitat for
wildlife
- the
changes will be implemented by developers seeking out landowners who
are willing to sell their property so that knockdown and rebuilds can
occur
Transport Oriented Development (TOD)
The TOD program is another part of the government’s plan to increase housing and the government is asking for feedback from councils (not the public). TOD focuses on precincts that have existing infrastructure and are located within 400 m of certain railway stations, including Hornsby, Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon.
Ku-ring-gai Council has prepared a draft submission and residents are invited to complete an online survey to help them.
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Sat 9 March, 2:30 pm
