SA housing code and planning reform rollout under review, expected to be delayed amid backlash
New planning rules, aimed at fast-tracking housing approvals, are set to be delayed further amid pressure to slow the controversial reforms that have attracted huge criticism.
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New planning rules regulating development across Adelaide and major regional centres are expected to be delayed further amid community and industry pressure to slow the reforms.
The State Planning Commission has told The Advertiser the timing of the final phase of its planning and design code – expected to begin operating in September – is under review.
The controversial code, dubbed a “generational reform” of the planning system, will replace all development plans across SA with a single set of planning policies and an ePlanning system the Government has said will streamline development and unlock investment.
A commission spokeswoman said requests from community groups, development industry and councils had been made to extend the code’s implementation beyond September to “better align” with the federal HomeBuilder scheme and provide “more time for business readiness and training”.
She said the commission would be making a recommendation to new Planning Minister Vickie Chapman “shortly”.
The Advertiser understands commission and DPTI officials have recently canvassed industry groups about pushing the code’s rollout to March next year.
The commission spokeswoman said no date had been determined.
In a statement Ms Chapman said she was yet to receive a briefing on the planning and design code.
“I will endeavour to keep all stakeholders and the community updated in the coming weeks if any changes to the current timeline are required,” she said.
The code was originally intended to be working in urban areas in July but former planning minister Stephan Knoll delayed it for three months after concern the reforms were being rushed.
A 14,000 signature petition was presented to parliament this year seeking delays amid concerns the reforms would increase subdivisions, allow larger buildings and change the character of suburbs.
The code started operation across 33 small councils and Outback areas on July 31.
The Housing Industry Association last month called for the planning reforms to be delayed to ease pressure on councils who faced grappling with a new planning system while handling a rush of applications under the $688m HomeBuilder scheme.
HIA executive director Stephen Knight said he had written to Ms Chapman seeking a further delay of the code until at least March and “ideally” July.
“The success of the HomeBuilder grant has exacerbated the problem with tight timeframes for eligibility,” he said.
“Industry predicts development applications will jump by as much as 50 per cent in October just when the new system is currently scheduled to be introduced.”
Opposition planning spokesman Tony Piccolo wrote to Ms Chapman last month seeking a further delay on the reforms until at least July 2021.
“It is clear the sector, industry, stakeholders and the community had lost confidence in the former Minister and Minister Chapman now has a significant challenge before her,” he said. “The Minister must rebuild the trust and establish some credibility to this reform process.”
