Townhouses, units banned in low-density Brisbane suburbs

The building of new townhouses and apartments will be banned in some Brisbane suburbs. FIND OUT IF YOUR SUBURB COULD BE IMPACTED

THE construction of townhouses and apartments in Brisbane’s low-density neighbourhoods will be banned within months after the move was given the final green light.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the council will on Tuesday vote to adopt the measures into its City Plan as part of its efforts to curb out-of-character developments in single-home areas.

City Planning Chair Matthew Bourke said the changes reflected community expectations on townhouse developments, pointing to the overwhelming support for the plan during consultation.

The ban will come into effect mid-way through the year after the State Government gave final approval for the move last week.

“Brisbane is a growing city and the community has spoken loud and clear about protecting our suburbs from the over-development of townhouses,” Cr Bourke said.

“Residents raised concerns about the impact of big townhouse developments that don’t fit in with the character of Brisbane’s suburbs, streetscapes and areas with freestanding single or double-storey homes.

“The changes will protect the Brisbane backyard and our unique character.”

Cr Bourke said the proposed amendments were already being used to refuse development applications.

The changes will affect suburbs like Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Jindalee, Mount Gravatt East, Carindale, Wishart, Aspley, Stafford Heights, Bracken Ridge and Wavell Heights.

Within 12 months of the ban being introduced, the council will need to complete a detailed Housing Strategy at the request of the State Government.

“Council is already preparing a Housing Strategy which demonstrates Council’s ability to continue to meet dwelling targets and provide housing choice across the city,” Cr Bourke said.

Labor’s lord mayoral candidate Patrick Condren described the ban as “spin”, claiming it would only affect a tiny fraction of townhouses built in Brisbane.

“It’s another part of the LNP’s desperate attempt at a makeover, like the Brisbetter ad campaign that’s costing ratepayers millions,” he said.

“Adrian Schrinner and the LNP sold Brisbane to the developers and no amount of spin will cover it up.”