Hills properties could be carved up under new statewide planning code
Adelaide Hills residents are signing a petition against “mammoth” planning law changes that could result in hundreds of properties in stunning suburbs being sliced and diced for eager developers.
Adelaide Hills
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Blue-chip suburbs in the Adelaide Hills could be opened up to more developers under a proposed planning overhaul that may allow for more subdivision.
Adelaide Hills councillors claim about 367 allotments in parts of Crafers, Crafers West, Stirling, Heathfield, Upper Sturt, and Aldgate could be carved up into smaller housing blocks under the State Government’s draft Planning and Design Code.
The new code, out for consultation until Friday, would allow minimum block sizes of 2000sq m.
A last-minute petition to protect the country living character of the Hills has now been launched online, with a minimum of 500 signatures needed by Friday.
So far, 338 people have signed the change.org petition, which was created by Adelaide Hills councillors Kirrilee Boyd and Leith Mudge in a private capacity.
“Losing the Median Rule Land Division Tool (means) some could subdivide into multiple allotments,” Mr Mudge said.
“For example, an existing 35,000sq m allotment could subdivide into 14 new allotments. This could lead to an erosion of the renowned leafy and character neighbourhoods in our part of the Hills.
“This is a mammoth change with huge repercussions for the character and amenity of our area that we believe is an unintended consequence of the new code.”
At present, residents have to consider neighbouring properties located within 200m of their own.
Mr Mudge said he understood people’s desire of wanting to live in the Hills but not at the expense of ongoing housing developments in blue-chip suburbs.
“There are plenty of other parts in the Hills where new developments are already happening, such as Inverbrackie, where they are converting the old Army marriage quarters into affordable family homes,” he said.
“Mount Barker was also rezoned some years ago to keep up with growth and to cater for people wanting that tree change. So why comprise other parts of the Hills?”
A petition opposing new planning guidelines has also been submitted by Adelaide Hills Council.
Key areas of concern included the loss of the Median Rule Land Division Tool, mitigating the loss of desired character statements, and loss of scenic routes.
While some Hills residents hope for a favourable review of the planning code, others have welcomed the proposed changes, including Real Estate Institute of South Australia president Brett Roenfeldt.
He said properties in Crafers, Crafers West and Stirling, which have median house prices of $765,000, $695,000 and $800,000 respectively, would be in particular demand with developers seeking to fill a sought-after market gap.
“The reality is that buyers are going to jump on these blocks once they become available,” Mr Roenfeldt said.
“I predict we’ll see developers and investors knocking on people’s doors to see if prospective vendors would like to sell. They know what a wonderful opportunity this will be for people seeking to get their foot into a sought after area.
“Under the existing code, opportunities are limited for buyers, but I can see the revision do quite well, especially for downsizers who want to continue living in the Hills but don’t want a lot of land to maintain.
“Greater subdivision will also create more affordable blocks for first homebuyers, although it all comes down to supply and demand, so prices may also go up.”