KDL Property Group Managing Director Kent Leicester calls for emergency planning laws to tackle housing crisis

A developer shocked by the number of homeless people he encounters on the Gold Coast wants emergency planning laws to help solve the crisis. This is what they would entail.

A GOLD Coast developer is calling for emergency planning measures to boost density at suburban estates amid a spiralling housing crisis.

KDL Property Group Managing Director Kent Leicester said it was devastating to see how many people had been left without homes.

The boss of the Broadbeach-based firm said there were “real blockages” in planning approvals and radical solutions should be on the table at a state government housing summit in Brisbane next week.

KDL Property Group managing director Kent Leicester at his Rosebank development in Logan Reserve. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

“Having a housing summit is a great initiative and something they could consider is the temporary relaxation of planning laws around densities and product mix to deal with this housing supply emergency,” Mr Leicester said.

“For example, they could look at allowing an existing DA for a 100-lot residential housing development to be amended and expanded to perhaps 120 or 130 lots. The DA could also possibly be amended to allow for more diversification of the building product with the estate to feature villas, terrace homes or townhouses as well as standalone housing.

“This of course would need to remain a high-quality offering and follow proper guidelines to ensure it remains desirable with appropriate amenities and streetscape.

“But a big advantage if this proposal was adopted is it could provide an immediate solution to provide more housing rather than a developer waiting nine to 12 months for a new DA to be approved.”

KDL Property Group managing director Kent Leicester. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

Mr Leicester said he regularly saw the effects of the housing crisis on Gold Coast streets.

“Going for a walk in the morning, from Surfers to Broadbeach, you see people in the shelters,” he said.

“It’s extremely sad because it’s now resulting in this situation affecting families with young children.

“The number of times you see stories of mothers with young children couchsurfing or things like that, it’s insane.”

Mr Leicester, whose company develops estates throughout southeast Queensland, said some councils were still insisting on minimum block sizes of 500 square metres.

“A greater number of homes could be built, which is exactly what we need,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the stories of Queenslanders affected by the housing crisis were “heartbreaking” and said “all levels of government” had a role to play in finding a solution.

“Nothing is more important than having a roof over your head – it’s a basic need,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Affordable housing is critical to maintaining our great Queensland lifestyle.”

The housing summit takes place in Brisbane next Thursday.

Follow @keithjwoods

Originally published as KDL Property Group Managing Director Kent Leicester calls for emergency planning laws to tackle housing crisis