Why this Sydney council has kicked up a stink about new planning rules
Woollahra Municipal Council has requested a temporary suspension of state government reforms in the town centres of Rose Bay, Double Bay and Edgecliff, areas captured by the low and mid-rise (LMR) housing policy, which the state government says will ensure the council contributes its share of thousands of new homes needed in NSW.
The controversial 'missing middle' laws, in effect since February, prevent councils blocking applications for buildings up to six storeys within 400 metres, and up to three storeys within 800 metres, of certain areas. They are central to the Minns government's commitment to build 377,000 new homes in NSW under the National Housing Accord. Woollahra must build 1900 homes by mid-2029 under a target set by the state government last year.
Planning Minister Paul Scully responded last week, saying his department 'undertook extensive engagement with all councils impacted by the policy, including Woollahra Council', holding a workshop with council staff in May 2024.
In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for Woollahra Council disagreed, describing the engagement as minimal. 'We are deeply concerned that reforms of this nature can be introduced without the NSW government fully understanding the implications,' they said.
Last week, Scully said the processes considered council feedback on sites' unsuitability due to flood risk, but said Woollahra was 'well-placed with existing and future infrastructure to provide a diverse range of housing where people want to live'.
'The low- and mid-rise housing policy will help council achieve this target.'
Woollahra, which was not one of the LGAs Scully wrote to last month asking them to 'lift their game' and approve higher-density housing faster, had an average approval time of 140 days in April, above the target of 115 days.
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