Proposal to relax minimum carparking requirements at Woolgoolga in bid to boost affordable housing supply

Big backyards and a Holden Kingswood in the driveway was once the great Aussie dream. See how the times have changed as three new housing estates take shape at a treasured Coffs Coast village.

City of Coffs Harbour sustainable communities director Chris Chapman says relaxing minimum carparking requirements could create more affordable housing. Picture: Trevor Veale

Some 1100 new homes will be built at Woolgoolga – with City of Coffs Harbour proposing to tweak the ground rules to encourage more affordable housing.

Three new subdivisions north west of the town centre are expected to progressively start opening within the next five years.

The estates and the noticeable shortage of affordable housing across the Coffs Coast has encouraged the council to consider a change to carparking requirements.

Specifically it would give developers scope to build one or two-bedroom homes without providing off-street parking, according to a document released for public exhibition.

But the City of Coffs Harbour’s sustainable communities director Chris Chapman said developers would still need to generally address parking issues in any application.

Woolgoolga – or ‘Woopi’ as it’s known to locals – is a desirable location and it’s set to grow significantly in coming years.

However, an absence of off-street parking might be addressed by the provision of a bicycle storage area, for instance.

Mr Chapman said the cost of providing off-street parking could often make a significant difference to the cost of a unit or small home.

“It’s all about creating a more walkable, accessible village (at Woolgoolga),” he said.

The possible relaxation of minimum parking requirements is also a nod to the evolving dream of home ownership.

The Sikh Temple is one of the many things which helped Woolgoolga create a presence on the Coffs Coast.

Fifty years ago many Australians aspired to get a quarter-acre block in the suburbs with a Holden Kingswood in the driveway. Today, that’s often not the choice, especially for younger couples, students and retirees.

“The proposed local planning controls are likely to result in positive economic impacts for Woolgoolga and the wider community by facilitating additional housing, including diverse and affordable housing, and job opportunities,” Mr Chapman said.

“Implementation of a Movement and Place Plan, relaxation of outdated parking requirements and the removal of floor space ratio controls for buildings within Woolgoolga town centre would also play a key role in attracting investment and revitalisation of the town.”

The Woolgoolga North West and Woolgoolga West housing estates are earmarked for around 1130 homes in three large precincts – Newmans Rd, Barkhut Rd and Tramway Dr.

The planning documents are on public exhibition and open for feedback until May 5.