Mixed response to housing code revision

Last-minute changes to new medium density housing codes have drawn the ire of local governments as stakeholders wait on an updated timeline for the revised code’s implementation.

Deferral of the codes’ implementation and changes to zoning rules have drawn a mixed response since being announced by Planning Minister John Carey in early August.

Some such as the Housing Industry Association welcomed the move, arguing R30 was not medium density and that the changes would hamper affordable home builds.

The move has however drawn the ire of some urban planners, architects and developers who were pressing ahead with projects under the assumption the updated codes would be implemented.

Australian Institute of Architects WA president Sandy Anghie has called for a voluntary opt in for the new codes so those projects could progress unchanged.

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, who introduced the new codes as planning minister, said the government would soon release details on how long the deferral would last.

“There was a lot of feedback that will come to me in relation to the impact it would have on the ability to deliver that medium density in the shorter term,” she said.

“The new (planning) minister (John Carey) sought feedback from industry and has proposed some changes, in particular, the deferral of the implementation of that code.

“I think it's a fair way to go because we know that the housing market is very tight.”

WA Local Government Association president Karen Chappel said excluding R30 and R40 zoned land would lead to poor infill development designs.

“R30 and R40 zoned land are the most common densities in the code,” she said.

“Removing these lots from the code gives the green light to development that results in more tree canopy loss and squeezes small groups of houses and long driveways onto blocks, with little regard for local character, attractive streetscapes, energy efficiency or lifestyle.

“We need to see good planning and design outcomes so the community supports new infill development.”

Cr Chappel urged the WA Planning Commission to take a long-term look at the proposed changes to the original reforms.