The code would have allow manor homes, terraces and other multi-dwelling developments in low density R2 zones, without going to the council but instead, through a private certifier for approval.
The council received hundreds of comments from residents about its proposal to prohibit multi-dwelling housing in low density residential areas in Bankstown, with around 90 per cent in favour of the plan to stop the Medium Density Housing Code.
The council says the plan would introduce more than 68,000 new unplanned houses for an extra 198,000 people; increase the size and bulk of dual occupancy houses, such as manor houses, townhouses and villas; slash the amount of open space required on individual blocks; and homes would be allocated only a single off-street parking space.
Mayor Khal Asfour welcomed the community’s overwhelming support of the council’s action.
“They’re scared and we’re scared, and our concerns are justified,” he said.
Mayor Khal Asfour
“The Government’s new Code, scheduled to be introduced on July 1, will seriously impact the look and feel of our suburbs.”
The council has requested a further deferral of the Code until it completes its new city-wide Local Environmental Plan, where a range of housing types will be considered in appropriate areas.
“Should that deferral not be granted, the Department of Planning will need to ensure our planning proposal amendments are approved before the Government’s Code kicks in on July 1,” Mayor Asfour said.
In a further bid to ensure consistent standards are applied to developments across Canterbury-Bankstown, the council has also made amendments to the Canterbury Development Control Plan, so it aligns with the Bankstown Development Control Plan.