Protect backyards: Homeowner warns this housing crisis solution will be the death knell of our yards

Many say ‘granny flats’ help the crippling Gold Coast housing crisis but one resident says opening laws to more is leading to the death of the Queensland backyard and is “a total eyesore”.

Annette Spanski said the “enormous” granny flat constructed next door has cost her and her partner their privacy, and could be a sign of the death of Queensland backyards. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Many welcome granny flat law changes for financial relief and easing Gold Coast’s crippling housing crisis but Annette Spanski says the flipside is the death of the Queensland backyard.

In 2022 the Queensland Government announced property owners could rent secondary dwellings, such as granny flats, to non-household members which led to a surge of newly built dwellings on a residential property.

But Ms Spanski said after working hard for more than three years on the garden and building a back deck, it was extremely upsetting to have it “undone” by a “real eyesore”.

“That is not a granny flat and it shouldn’t be called a granny flat … it’s huge,” she said.

“Is this the future of the Gold Coast backyard? Is this going to destroy the dream of owning a house with a backyard?”

Ms Spanski said after months of building her garden, the shade from the granny flat has now created “a dead zone” in her backyard. Picture: Glenn Hampson

According to the Gold Coast City Plan required outcomes for secondary dwelling approval include:

• Attached to or included within the primary dwelling or located within 10m of the primary dwelling or within the Rural zone and 20m from the primary dwelling;
  
• Where a direct view exists into the private open space of an adjoining dwelling, the outlook from second level windows, stairwells, terraces, decks and balconies is screened by privacy screens which achieve at least 50 per cent transparency;
  
• Constructed and designed using the same materials and elements as the primary dwelling house on the site;
  
• The Gross Floor Area of the secondary dwelling does not exceed 80 square metres;
• Shares its driveway and vehicle crossover with the primary dwelling.
  

The Labrador resident said not only was there a blanket of shade thrown over her garden and a glare from the roof, but the granny flat also caused privacy issues.

Before and after construction of the granny flat from Ms Spanski's back deck. Picture: Supplied

“The windows look right into our everything - even the neighbour next door said they could see onto the balcony. It’s so invasive.

“We’re going to have to spend money on putting a fence that’s higher,” she said.

Both dwellings – including the primary one – are rentals which Ms Spanski says adds to the frustration as the owner lives interstate.

After approaching Gold Coast City Council, Ms Spanski was told there was not much they could do as it had followed council guidelines.

“(GCCC Executive Coordinator Town Planning) Roger Sharpe said there was very little he could do but email the builders to put shutters on the windows. I suppose that’s a tiny win for the renters privacy – but not ours,” she said.

“It’s fair enough with the housing crisis but does it have to be so big … (and) tall and invasive?”

Ms Spanski and her partner have now decided to finish renovations and sell their once dream home.

Ms Spanski has urged the state government and council to re-evaluate the size regulations of granny flats. Picture: Supplied

“I just would like the Council and the Housing Minister to be aware. This is a housing crisis, but this is (also) our home, so scale them down – make them 60 square metres and not as high, or something. It’s crazy.”

Mayor Tom Tate said while responsibility for these issues predominantly sat with the State Government, the council still had an important role to play.

“The City has commenced planning for our next City Plan that will map out our strategy for the next five to 10 years. This process will involve a broad range of steps including extensive community and stakeholder engagement.

“Feedback from industry and the community will be vital in ensuring we are able to provide the housing mix the city will need,” he said.