State of Markets - NSW January 2013
Essential information, plus expert insight on what is shaping the national property market...
NEW SOUTH WALES
More properties to receive 10-day approval
More properties will be able to receive 10-day planning approval under new changes to New South Wales legislation, according to recent announcements.
Where granny flats have had 10-day approval for some time, more types of buildings are set to be eligible, as well as increased flexibility, minister for planning and infrastructure, Brad Hazzard, said.
Currently under exhibition until 9 November for 10-day approval potential are complete builds for industrial properties up to 20,000sqm (including warehouse and distribution facilities on industrial-development zoned land), 50 per cent floor space increases in additions or alterations up to 1,000sqm for shops, and more than 240 different combinations of building use changes (such as light industrial to self-storage).
The building of single-storey ‘detached studios’ behind existing properties without rear lane access is also tipped to be permitted.
Rezone appeal decision a major boost
A major boost to housing supply and job creation has been tipped recently, on the back of changes to rezoning appeals.
Minister for planning and infrastructure, Brad Hazzard’s announcement that rejected rezoning applications can now be appealed to an independent level in the planning system has been welcomed as a positive for the housing industry by the Urban Taskforce.
Council-refused proposals will be referred to the Joint Regional Planning Panel, while those refused by the Department of Planning will be referred to the Planning Assessment Commission, under the changes.
“The industry has been frustrated for many years by the inability to have a review of rezoning proposals that are refused for new housing or other building types that have merit,” said Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson, pointing to inflexibility in the previous system.
“There are often changing circumstances, or cases where local plans do not reflect higher level strategic plans, that lead to a different type of development from that defined in a local plan that justifies a rezoning,” said Mr Johnson.