The ACT Government is supporting the delivery of more homes within existing suburbs by implementing promised 'Missing Middle' housing reforms.
A draft major plan amendment has now finished community consultation garnering significant support for changes to the Territory Plan.
"This means the delivery of more townhouses, row houses, duplexes and low-rise apartments in Canberra's existing suburbs are a step closer – supporting our commitment to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030," Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel said.
"Addressing the 'missing middle' will ensure that there's more housing choice, whether you're a first home buyer, supporting a growing family, or wanting to age in place in the community you love.
"The changes will strengthen our existing vibrant suburbs with a diverse range of housing options which have not been previously allowed.
"These reforms strike a balance between increasing housing supply and maintaining the unique character of Canberra.
"We heard strong support for allowing homeowners to subdivide their blocks before construction, and for practical design guidance that ensures new housing fits well into existing neighbourhoods and manages potential impacts to neighbours.
"We've updated the design guidance and subdivision policies to give homeowners more flexibility within the requirements to provide greater opportunity for subdivision of large residential blocks."
Key changes to the draft reforms include:
- Refined subdivision policies to support appropriate residential block subdivisions with clearer and more flexible rules and not requiring a dwelling to be constructed first.
- Strengthened solar access protections to safeguard sunlight for neighbouring properties.
- Clarified dwelling densities and updates to technical specifications to support good design and amenity.
- Additional heritage controls to clarify that heritage requirements need to be considered, where applicable.
The revised DPA-04 will now be referred to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Transport and Planning, which may conduct an inquiry.
The draft Missing Middle Housing Design Guide will also be updated to reflect consultation comments.
This will include changes to provide clearer guidance on subdivision scenarios, landscaping, heritage, infrastructure, and the design of diverse housing types.
The full Consultation Report and revised draft reforms are available on the YourSay Conversations website.
