Planning and Design Code could actually slow down planning system, says Master Builders Association
More than $1 billion worth of work is waiting council approval says the builders’ lobby, which warns planning reforms aimed at fast-racking projects could do the reverse.
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More than $1 billion worth of work is waiting council approval says the builders’ lobby which warns divisive planning reforms aimed at fast-racking projects could do the reverse.
The Master Builders Association of SA, in a submission to the State Planning Commission, has argued policies in a draft new Planning and Design Code could also make new houses more unaffordable.
The State Government is rolling out a new single planning and design rule book to guide future development and an online planning system.
It argues the overhaul will make building a house less confusing, give greater certainty and speed-up approval process as won’t have to navigate 72 council development plans.
The MBA says it supports the reform irenntentions but is concerned that the Commission is “moving away from their stated intentions” of a system that is “simpler, quicker and easier to use”.
“The new system is complex and quite difficult to navigate and understand, even for experienced practitioners,” its submission says.
“It is important that the system is trialled in order to test all procedural mechanisms and fix any issues.
“That said, there must be a sense of urgency as until the new code is online right across South Australia our industry is stuck using the current inefficient system that is a source of great frustration for our members.
“There is currently more than $1 billion worth of work for our industry in council planning departments waiting to be processed. It is unacceptable that South Australia is missing out on the economic and social benefits unlocking this potential would deliver...”
It says that many developers were holding off investing until the new rules were in place.
“Any project with a decent lead time is already probably on hold waiting if they aren’t with a council,” the MBA says.
“The current situation is also terrible for members designing show homes, who say they really aren’t sure what is going to come out at the end of the process.”
The commission has proposed that applicants would get faster approvals under the reforms if they meet minimum design benchmarks such as increased landscaping, stormwater retention, and minimum garaging and parking requirements.
The intention is to improve the quality of design and reverse some of the negative consequences of recent infill, such as increased loss of trees.
But the MBA says the policies would “substantially increase” the cost of building.
The MBA also says the number of applications requiring public notification would “significantly increase” adding more time and cost to the process.
The code is due to be rolled out in regional SA by July and in metropolitan Adelaide and major regional centres by September.
The Commission is assessing feedback on the draft code and will provide a report to Planning Minister Stephan Knoll with any amendments. Planning Minister Stephan Knoll has final say on any code changes.
Last month Mr Knoll delayed the rollout by three months amid concern it was being pushed through too quickly.