The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said low rise density had been ignored in the face of a growing housing crisis and he would be writing to councils to encourage them to permit that type of housing within their local government areas.
He said terraces, townhouses and low-rise apartments had a significant role to play in creating diverse housing options as we confronted the housing crisis.
“We are not using our land well and it is costing us,” he said.
“It’s surprising and disappointing that housing types synonymous with Sydney’s housing past, are not permitted to be part of Sydney’s housing future, because of local planning rules.
“More housing in existing suburbs gives young people, especially, a choice to live near their parents – not be forced to live with their parents.”
A council spokesperson said it acknowledged the need for more diverse housing across the State and the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan promoted housing diversity and density in residential zones throughout the Local Government Area.
However, she said there were no current plans for the introduction of higher density development in low density R2 residential zones.
“Should the NSW Government proceed with this proposal, further information is required on how the amenity and character of the low-density areas will be maintained for the Cumberland community,” she said.
Councillor Steve Christou said the move was short-sighted and a desperate over-reaction.
“Before any additional apartments are built there needs to be urgent infrastructure upgrades to address the shortage of quality services Cumberland City Council residents are facing,” he said.
Deny plan for low-rise units
TERRACES and one-two storey unit blocks could be an answer Sydney’s growing housing shortage, according to the State Government, but Cumberland Council has no plans to introduce higher densities.
