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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Red tape slashed to fast-track building new homes
Approvals for homes and second dwellings on smaller blocks are set to soar in an effort to reach a state's ambitious target of an extra 800,000 homes over the next decade. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has announced the 'Single Home Code', which she says will cut red tape and get homes built sooner. The scheme aims to streamline the approval process for new homes on blocks of land smaller than 300 square meters. This means that if a new house design meets specific standards, including requirements for set backs, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity, it can be approved without needing a full planning permit. Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback, but if the standards are met, there'll be no VCAT appeals or costly delays. Ms Kilkenny said the initiative is designed to increase housing density and affordability by making it easier to build on smaller lots. "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," Ms Kilkenny told reporters in Brighton on Sunday. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build." The Single Home Code, which takes effect on September 8, will apply across the state and follows similar changes in approvals of low rise apartments and townhouses announced by the state government in April. A long-term housing blueprint, known as Plan for Victoria, was laid out by Premier Jacinta Allan and Ms Kilkenny in February. The statewide plan features 22 "concrete" actions, including carefully managing the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns to accommodate for more homes. More than seven million people live in Victoria but the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts a rise to 11.5 million by 2055. The government estimates another 2.24 million homes will be needed across Melbourne and the regions. In August 2023, all states and territories agreed to the National Housing Accord, a country-wide target to build one million new, well-located homes over five years from mid-2024. In January the Property Council said Australia was already 15,000 homes behind target. The State of the Housing System Report forecast that Victoria could be the only state that would come anywhere near meeting its goal, finding it could actually achieve 98 per cent of its National Housing Accord Target of 306,000 new homes by mid-2029. It forecast Queensland would only get to 79 per cent and NSW 65 per cent of their implied targets. In July, NSW launched a Housing Pattern Book in a bid to speed up planning approvals. The Pattern Book, which consists of eight low-rise pre-approved designs and a 10-day approval pathway, is available for anyone to use for $1 for a six-month period. Approvals for homes and second dwellings on smaller blocks are set to soar in an effort to reach a state's ambitious target of an extra 800,000 homes over the next decade. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has announced the 'Single Home Code', which she says will cut red tape and get homes built sooner. The scheme aims to streamline the approval process for new homes on blocks of land smaller than 300 square meters. This means that if a new house design meets specific standards, including requirements for set backs, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity, it can be approved without needing a full planning permit. Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback, but if the standards are met, there'll be no VCAT appeals or costly delays. Ms Kilkenny said the initiative is designed to increase housing density and affordability by making it easier to build on smaller lots. "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," Ms Kilkenny told reporters in Brighton on Sunday. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build." The Single Home Code, which takes effect on September 8, will apply across the state and follows similar changes in approvals of low rise apartments and townhouses announced by the state government in April. A long-term housing blueprint, known as Plan for Victoria, was laid out by Premier Jacinta Allan and Ms Kilkenny in February. The statewide plan features 22 "concrete" actions, including carefully managing the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns to accommodate for more homes. More than seven million people live in Victoria but the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts a rise to 11.5 million by 2055. The government estimates another 2.24 million homes will be needed across Melbourne and the regions. In August 2023, all states and territories agreed to the National Housing Accord, a country-wide target to build one million new, well-located homes over five years from mid-2024. In January the Property Council said Australia was already 15,000 homes behind target. The State of the Housing System Report forecast that Victoria could be the only state that would come anywhere near meeting its goal, finding it could actually achieve 98 per cent of its National Housing Accord Target of 306,000 new homes by mid-2029. It forecast Queensland would only get to 79 per cent and NSW 65 per cent of their implied targets. In July, NSW launched a Housing Pattern Book in a bid to speed up planning approvals. The Pattern Book, which consists of eight low-rise pre-approved designs and a 10-day approval pathway, is available for anyone to use for $1 for a six-month period. Approvals for homes and second dwellings on smaller blocks are set to soar in an effort to reach a state's ambitious target of an extra 800,000 homes over the next decade. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has announced the 'Single Home Code', which she says will cut red tape and get homes built sooner. The scheme aims to streamline the approval process for new homes on blocks of land smaller than 300 square meters. This means that if a new house design meets specific standards, including requirements for set backs, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity, it can be approved without needing a full planning permit. Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback, but if the standards are met, there'll be no VCAT appeals or costly delays. Ms Kilkenny said the initiative is designed to increase housing density and affordability by making it easier to build on smaller lots. "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," Ms Kilkenny told reporters in Brighton on Sunday. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build." The Single Home Code, which takes effect on September 8, will apply across the state and follows similar changes in approvals of low rise apartments and townhouses announced by the state government in April. A long-term housing blueprint, known as Plan for Victoria, was laid out by Premier Jacinta Allan and Ms Kilkenny in February. The statewide plan features 22 "concrete" actions, including carefully managing the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns to accommodate for more homes. More than seven million people live in Victoria but the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts a rise to 11.5 million by 2055. The government estimates another 2.24 million homes will be needed across Melbourne and the regions. In August 2023, all states and territories agreed to the National Housing Accord, a country-wide target to build one million new, well-located homes over five years from mid-2024. In January the Property Council said Australia was already 15,000 homes behind target. The State of the Housing System Report forecast that Victoria could be the only state that would come anywhere near meeting its goal, finding it could actually achieve 98 per cent of its National Housing Accord Target of 306,000 new homes by mid-2029. It forecast Queensland would only get to 79 per cent and NSW 65 per cent of their implied targets. In July, NSW launched a Housing Pattern Book in a bid to speed up planning approvals. The Pattern Book, which consists of eight low-rise pre-approved designs and a 10-day approval pathway, is available for anyone to use for $1 for a six-month period. Approvals for homes and second dwellings on smaller blocks are set to soar in an effort to reach a state's ambitious target of an extra 800,000 homes over the next decade. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has announced the 'Single Home Code', which she says will cut red tape and get homes built sooner. The scheme aims to streamline the approval process for new homes on blocks of land smaller than 300 square meters. This means that if a new house design meets specific standards, including requirements for set backs, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity, it can be approved without needing a full planning permit. Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback, but if the standards are met, there'll be no VCAT appeals or costly delays. Ms Kilkenny said the initiative is designed to increase housing density and affordability by making it easier to build on smaller lots. "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," Ms Kilkenny told reporters in Brighton on Sunday. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build." The Single Home Code, which takes effect on September 8, will apply across the state and follows similar changes in approvals of low rise apartments and townhouses announced by the state government in April. A long-term housing blueprint, known as Plan for Victoria, was laid out by Premier Jacinta Allan and Ms Kilkenny in February. The statewide plan features 22 "concrete" actions, including carefully managing the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns to accommodate for more homes. More than seven million people live in Victoria but the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts a rise to 11.5 million by 2055. The government estimates another 2.24 million homes will be needed across Melbourne and the regions. In August 2023, all states and territories agreed to the National Housing Accord, a country-wide target to build one million new, well-located homes over five years from mid-2024. In January the Property Council said Australia was already 15,000 homes behind target. The State of the Housing System Report forecast that Victoria could be the only state that would come anywhere near meeting its goal, finding it could actually achieve 98 per cent of its National Housing Accord Target of 306,000 new homes by mid-2029. It forecast Queensland would only get to 79 per cent and NSW 65 per cent of their implied targets. In July, NSW launched a Housing Pattern Book in a bid to speed up planning approvals. The Pattern Book, which consists of eight low-rise pre-approved designs and a 10-day approval pathway, is available for anyone to use for $1 for a six-month period.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Red tape slashed to fast-track building new homes
Approvals for homes and second dwellings on smaller blocks are set to soar in an effort to reach a state's ambitious target of an extra 800,000 homes over the next decade. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has announced the 'Single Home Code', which she says will cut red tape and get homes built sooner. The scheme aims to streamline the approval process for new homes on blocks of land smaller than 300 square meters. This means that if a new house design meets specific standards, including requirements for set backs, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity, it can be approved without needing a full planning permit. Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback, but if the standards are met, there'll be no VCAT appeals or costly delays. Ms Kilkenny said the initiative is designed to increase housing density and affordability by making it easier to build on smaller lots. "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," Ms Kilkenny told reporters in Brighton on Sunday. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build." The Single Home Code, which takes effect on September 8, will apply across the state and follows similar changes in approvals of low rise apartments and townhouses announced by the state government in April. A long-term housing blueprint, known as Plan for Victoria, was laid out by Premier Jacinta Allan and Ms Kilkenny in February. The statewide plan features 22 "concrete" actions, including carefully managing the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns to accommodate for more homes. More than seven million people live in Victoria but the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts a rise to 11.5 million by 2055. The government estimates another 2.24 million homes will be needed across Melbourne and the regions. In August 2023, all states and territories agreed to the National Housing Accord, a country-wide target to build one million new, well-located homes over five years from mid-2024. In January the Property Council said Australia was already 15,000 homes behind target. The State of the Housing System Report forecast that Victoria could be the only state that would come anywhere near meeting its goal, finding it could actually achieve 98 per cent of its National Housing Accord Target of 306,000 new homes by mid-2029. It forecast Queensland would only get to 79 per cent and NSW 65 per cent of their implied targets. In July, NSW launched a Housing Pattern Book in a bid to speed up planning approvals. The Pattern Book, which consists of eight low-rise pre-approved designs and a 10-day approval pathway, is available for anyone to use for $1 for a six-month period.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Red tape slashed to fast-track building new homes
Approvals for homes and second dwellings on smaller blocks are set to soar in an effort to reach a state's ambitious target of an extra 800,000 homes over the next decade. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has announced the 'Single Home Code', which she says will cut red tape and get homes built sooner. The scheme aims to streamline the approval process for new homes on blocks of land smaller than 300 square meters. This means that if a new house design meets specific standards, including requirements for set backs, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity, it can be approved without needing a full planning permit. Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback, but if the standards are met, there'll be no VCAT appeals or costly delays. Ms Kilkenny said the initiative is designed to increase housing density and affordability by making it easier to build on smaller lots. "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," Ms Kilkenny told reporters in Brighton on Sunday. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build." The Single Home Code, which takes effect on September 8, will apply across the state and follows similar changes in approvals of low rise apartments and townhouses announced by the state government in April. A long-term housing blueprint, known as Plan for Victoria, was laid out by Premier Jacinta Allan and Ms Kilkenny in February. The statewide plan features 22 "concrete" actions, including carefully managing the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns to accommodate for more homes. More than seven million people live in Victoria but the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts a rise to 11.5 million by 2055. The government estimates another 2.24 million homes will be needed across Melbourne and the regions. In August 2023, all states and territories agreed to the National Housing Accord, a country-wide target to build one million new, well-located homes over five years from mid-2024. In January the Property Council said Australia was already 15,000 homes behind target. The State of the Housing System Report forecast that Victoria could be the only state that would come anywhere near meeting its goal, finding it could actually achieve 98 per cent of its National Housing Accord Target of 306,000 new homes by mid-2029. It forecast Queensland would only get to 79 per cent and NSW 65 per cent of their implied targets. In July, NSW launched a Housing Pattern Book in a bid to speed up planning approvals. The Pattern Book, which consists of eight low-rise pre-approved designs and a 10-day approval pathway, is available for anyone to use for $1 for a six-month period.
9 News
2 days ago
- Business
- 9 News
'Red tape' problem solved for thousands of homebuyers in one state
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The Victorian government has announced it will make it easier for homebuyers to build single-storey homes on small lots of land. A new state-wide amendment to the state's planning schemes known as Single Home Code will streamline approvals for single homes or small second dwellings on lots under 300 square metres in size. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the move will cut out unnecessary "red tape" and allow homes to be built sooner. NEWS - Aerial of Melbourne from Yarraville. 24th October 2024, The Age news Picture by JOE ARMAO (Joe Armao) The current planning scheme often results in major delays and uncertainty for homeowners due to inconsistent council processes, complex paperwork and lengthy appeals, Kilkenny said. Under the amendment, a new home will be approved without assessment if it meets updated standards including solar access, tree canopy and street amenity. Neighbours will be notified and can provide feedback however there will be no expensive delays or VCAT appeals. The change will apply across all residential zones in Victoria. Neighbours will be notified and can provide feedback however there will be no expensive delays or VCAT appeals. (AFR/ Louie Douvis) "This is another way we're making our planning system say 'yes' – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have," said Kilkenny. "If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build. "That's what these changes deliver – faster decisions, less stress, and more homes where we need them." The Victorian government is in the middle of an overhaul of the state's planning system. A similar streamlined approach for new builds has already been introduced for townhouses and low-rise apartment buildings three storeys and under. The Allan government's 12-month new policy aims to save prospective buyers tens of thousands of dollars and attract developers. housing Victoria Melbourne Australia national CONTACT US
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sky News AU
Administrative delays allowed male childcare educator in Victoria to work with children for nearly a year despite inappropriate conduct allegations
A male childcare educator, who was sacked from a northern suburbs childcare centre in Victoria due to alleged inappropriate conduct towards young girls, was able to freely work at four centres for nearly a year due to administrative delays in revoking his right to work with children. Kunal Patel was first reported to the Commission for Children and Young People while working at Kool Kidz Early Learning Centre in Merrifield in mid-2022. At the centre, Mr Patel's co-workers reportedly 'observed him singling out particular children and engaging in concerning conduct, including sitting with the child on his lap in 'an inappropriate way'..." It comes as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld a decision to revoke Mr Patel's Working with Children Check after he previously filed an appeal against it. An internal investigation into the matter revealed Mr Patel's "favourite girls" were characterised by distinct features such as blonde hair and blue eyes. He was fired almost immediately after being slapped with a letter that read: "We determined that your conduct was overly personal or intimate, even though we did not conclude that your misconduct involved your actual sexual arousal or gratification." However, he was allowed to freely work for nearly a year following the sacking due to the Secretary of the Department of Government Services taking almost seven months to start the process of revoking Mr Patel's working with children clearance, the Herald Sun reported. He reportedly worked at two more childcare centres including Where We Grow in Craigieburn, where he was handed a final warning for inappropriately disciplining a group of children after finding crayon marks on a wall. The tribunal further heard that Mr Patel had been discovered taking pictures using the centre's iPad without permission, and that he took photographs of children's faces and sent them to himself. He then allegedly threatened Where We Grow with the potential to distribute the photos of the children He was also sacked from the Craigieburn centre. 'If something goes wrong from today onwards, you can't chase me. So if I post those photos, and something goes wrong now, you can't blame me, because I am terminated," Mr Patel allegedly threatened the centre management. Eight months after he was first sacked from Kool Kidz in Merrifield, a concerned mother at Where We Grow raised suspicions that her daughter may have been sexually abused at the hands of Mr Patel. The little girl was reportedly exhibiting extreme behaviour changes and allegedly made disclosures to her parents. Mr Patel has always denied the claims made against him and has never been charged with a criminal offence. Sky News does not suggest the allegations against Mr Patel are true. The allegations were investigated by numerous bodies, but VCAT did not make findings validating the claims. VCAT deputy president Ian Proctor said Mr Patel was 'a qualified but inexperienced early childhood educator (who) either did not know or did not understand the boundaries in which he was to work, and breached those boundaries'. Mr Proctor further said his "principal concern" was Mr Patel taking pictures of the young children. 'In my view, Mr Patel does pose a future threat to young children if provided with a WWC clearance with the possibility that he could return to some form of child related work.' 'The reasonable person … would not allow their child to have direct contact with Mr Patel while he was engaged in any type of child-related work."
