New minimum block sizes approved for Campbelltown Council to slow urban infill
The Adelaide area worst hit by urban infill will have new minimum block sizes under planning changes approved by the State Government.
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The Adelaide area worst hit by urban infill will have new minimum block sizes under planning changes approved by the State Government.
Campbelltown Council has received approval to introduce 250sq m blocks – rather than the existing 150sq m – from today under a Development Plan Amendment (DPA) endorsed by Planning Minister Stephan Knoll, which also restricts housing development on suburban side streets.
Mayor Jill Whittaker said she was “delighted” the changes would be introduced after years of residential complaints about urban infill across Campbelltown.
The minimum 150sq m block sizes – smaller than competition tennis courts – were introduced by the previous Labor government under the 30 Year Greater Adelaide Plan to reduce urban sprawl.
They have led to hundreds of properties being bulldozed across the northeastern suburbs and replaced with townhouses or apartments.
Residents have complained about overshadowing, lack of privacy, parking pressure on streets never designed for medium-density living and loss of mature trees.
Campbelltown Council has been powerless to refuse compliant applications because councils must follow development rules set by Government.
It sought Mr Knoll’s consent to increase minimum block sizes to 250 sqm, increase parking in new medium-density developments, increase setbacks to neighbours and require at least 8 m3 of internal storage.
Ms Whittaker said she was proud with how her council and residents had worked “towards a shared goal that will deliver improved outcomes for the local community’’.
“The council area has experienced significant residential development in recent years,” she said. “The approved amendments will seek to address the issues encountered in regard to parking and design resulting in good-quality medium-density developments.”
The new planning rules were supported by various local Liberal politicians, including Vincent Tarzia, John Gardner and James Stephens.
Mr Knoll gave permission for Campbelltown Council to submit the DPA after being lobbied by Mr Tarzia, who has been receiving complaints about rampant urban infill for years.
Mr Tarzia took Mr Knoll on a tour of Campbelltown late last year before he met with Campbelltown Council representatives, who urged him to consider increasing its minimum block size of 150 sqm.
The situation reached a peak when residents at Paradise – supported by councillor Matthew Noble – protested against a complex which included multi-storeyed apartments, a cafe and retail outlet on their street.
Hundreds of residents made submissions and attended public meetings called by Campbelltown Council to discuss the proposed planning changes, which come into effect immediately.
They do not apply to planning applications already lodged with council.
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