Planning proposal aims for housing diversity
Published on 17 September 2024
Plans to increase housing diversity and streamline urban infill development in Lake Mac are on display for community feedback.
Lake Macquarie City Council’s housing diversity planning proposal outlines changes to allow a broader range of housing types across the city.
Under the proposal, dual occupancies would be allowed in R3 medium density residential zones, while terraces, townhouses and small apartment buildings would be allowed in R2 low density residential zones.
Manager Integrated Planning Wes Hain said the proposal aimed to support a growing population and address the housing crisis by encouraging a greater range of housing types in existing urban areas, close to transport, jobs and services.
“More than 80 per cent of homes in Lake Mac are detached dwellings,” he said.
“This does not provide the diversity required of large, modern and growing regional communities, where we have an increasing number of couples with no children living at home, older people living alone and families requiring affordable housing.”
Demographic forecasts expect couples without children and people living alone to account for almost 50 per cent of all households within 12 years.
The proposal follows a November 2023 letter from NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, explaining the state’s housing crisis and subsequent need to increase housing supply and diversity.
“That letter asked us to review our policy settings with the aim of increasing housing stock across the city,” Mr Hain said.
“Greater housing diversity and smaller homes support more efficient use of infrastructure and makes public transport more viable when housing is close to existing transport hubs.”
“Smaller and more diverse homes also reduce living costs, which flows on to make housing affordable to more people.”
Feedback is open until 14 October. Council staff will review all public submissions before presenting them to Council to make an informed decision.
Go to shape.lakemac.com.au/housing-diversity to have your say.