Terraces, manors to be fast-tracked in Ryde from July 1
Terraces, small blocks of flats and dual occupancy houses could be fast tracked in just 20 days in Ryde’s low density neighbourhoods under a new housing code from July. But the mayor has spoken out and said he fears the move could overwhelm local infrastructure.
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Tens of thousands of terraces, small blocks of flats and dual occupancies could be fast-tracked in Ryde under a new housing code set to roll out next week.
Ryde Council has been exempt from the new housing code after obtaining a two year deferral from the state government so it could amend its local environment plan (LEP).
With the code set to be in play from July 1, Ryde Council has now sought for another “short deferral” with mayor Jerome Laxale saying they’ll need about one to two months.
But Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes has said enough is enough.
The council argues it must carry out consultation on its new LEP. But Mr Stokes said the community consultation should have already taken place during the two year deferment.
“Every community should have the opportunity to have a say on the future of their local area, which is why we’ve given so much time for councils to consult and engage,” he added.
The Low-Rise Medium Density Housing Code allows multi-dwelling houses such as manors, terraces and dual occupancies that are up to two storeys to be built in low-density residential areas in a bid to help housing affordability through a fast-track development pathway.
A complying development approval can be issued within 20 days if the proposal follows all the relevant requirements.
Cr Laxale, who is against the Code, said he was concerned there will not be enough infrastructure to support the increased housing.
“It’s extra housing too quickly without the infrastructure to support it,” Cr Laxale said.
He said he was also concerned the code would not allow neighbours to have a say on such developments.
“Now in Ryde up until July 1 you need to lodge a DA then there’s a process to deal with that. With complying development there’s no say for neighbours,” Cr Laxale said.
In 2018, Ryde Council’s LEP had more land zoned for medium-density housing than any other LGA in Sydney prompting liberal MP Victor Dominello to secure a special freeze to the application of the code in Ryde to give council time to update their LEP.
Mr Dominello slammed council saying they had “ample time” to reflect the community’s concerns around medium-density homes.
“Ryde Council is a student that was given a special extension on their homework two years ago, and two years later, it’s still set to be late and they’re blaming the teacher,” Mr Dominello said.
“The community is tired of the blame game. Ryde Council was the first to make noise about this issue. They should have been the first to complete its LEP, instead of being a laggard at the back of the pack.”
In a previous statement, Ryde Council said the code was initially deferred to undertake planning work.
In March, a draft Local Strategic Planning Statement and Local Housing Strategy to address Ryde’s future housing growth and diversity was prepared before C ouncil lodged a planning proposal to make changes to its LEP on March 30.
After a Gateway Determination issued on June 1, Cr Laxale said council now needed a “short deferral” because they were requested further information after the proposal was first lodged.
“We can’t make the July 1 deadline. It’s impossible to meet it,” Cr Laxale said.