Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code deferred until 31 October 2019

The implementation of the Medium Density Housing Code in Randwick City has been deferred for a further three months until 31 October 2019.

The code was initially meant to apply from 1 July 2018, but Randwick Council and 44 other NSW councils were successful in seeking a 12-month extension.

This new extension was announced on 1 July 2019 by the NSW State Government to allow time for an independent review of the Code by Professor Roberta Ryan.

Professor Ryan is expected to provide her advice and recommendations on the implementation of the Code in the deferred council areas to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

The Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code was announced in April 2018 to provide for the construction and subdivision of dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces to be built under a fast-tracked complying development.

Randwick Council expressed concern at the time that it could result in new homes being built and strata subdivided to create blocks as small as 225sqm, which is less than Randwick’s current minimum lot size of 400sqm minimum per block.

At the time, Randwick City Council and 44 other councils applied for a deferral of the Code for 12 months. There were concerns about how the Code would impact local character and community amenities as well as factors such as parking.

Randwick City Council over the past 12 months has continued to work on our Local Strategic Planning Statement and Housing Strategy. These documents are due to be placed on public exhibition shortly.

What does this mean for landowners?

Depending on the outcome of the review, for now, landowners in deferred council areas are not able to use the Code to lodge a complying development application for dual occupancies, manor houses or terraces until 1 November 2019 (or 1 July 2020 in the City of Ryde).

For more information email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au.