‘More choice, faster approvals’: The quick fix for housing delays
A development pathway could see new homes approved in just 10 days, if they are picked from a “pattern book” of pre-approved designs, which will be available for just $1.
NSW
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New homes built from a “pattern book” of pre-approved designs will only take 10 days to get approved, under a new development pathway which will bypass council red tape.
Premier Chris Minns will on Wednesday unveil eight designs for new terraces, townhouses and “manor homes” that will be the face of Sydney’s housing future.
Families, young people and downsizers will be able to use the low-rise designs for just $1000 – avoiding tens of thousands of dollars they would otherwise pay in architectural fees.
But for the first six months, anyone looking to build a home will be able to use the designs for just $1 in a bid to get projects off the ground fast.
Every new “pattern book” home will be able to go from application to construction in just 10 days, under a new “Complying Development” pathway available from July 30.
The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that Planning Minister Paul Scully was looking at overhauling the planning act to expand the number of projects that could bypass council planners as “complying development”.
The fast-track pathway will aim to work with the cheap designs to cut down on major costs that keep projects delayed for months.
Each design will be adaptable for different family sizes and housing needs, with a range of room formations and layouts on offer to suit every household.
A complimentary Landscape Pattern to new homeowners design a garden that suits their local climate and environment will also be available with every pattern book purchase.
Mr Minns called the scheme a “practical next step” to make the housing market fairer and affordable for the next generation.
“For too long, too many people in NSW have been locked out of the housing market by rising costs and a system that made it too hard to build,” Mr Minns said
“This Pattern Book is about giving people more choice, faster approvals and affordable, high-quality homes – whether you’re a young person trying to get in, a family needing more space, or a downsizer looking to stay close to the community you know.”
The patterns have been designed to be adopted around transport hubs and town centres as part of the government’s Low-and-Mid Rise Housing Reforms, which have also made townhouses, terraces and manor houses permitted in most residential zones.
Mr Scully said the reforms will work together to boost housing supply by offering choice “with less complexity”.
“Much of Sydney was built on pattern books. They look great, they’re simple and cost-effective (and) we’re accelerating these designs with their own approval pathway so those wishing to build can get an approval in one week,” Mr Scully said.
“The NSW Housing Pattern Book takes the guesswork and the delay out of home-building.”
Eight leading architect firms have presented their patterns, which are listed below.
Bondi-based Anthony Gill Architects has created a flexible and straightforward two-storey semi with a key feature being the double-height void above the kitchen.
Carter Williamson Architects’ presented a trio of two-storey brick terraces that includes an internal courtyard.
Principal Shaun Carter described the concept as “a contemporary version of the Sydney terrace that everyone knows and loves.”
Sibling Architecture has opted to give each semi-detached a design that includes private courtyards, gardens and covered outdoor areas, allowing neighbours to choose between shared or private green spaces.
Sam Crawford Architects’ pattern will include a three-terrace model with a garage that can be converted into a bedroom.
Officer Woods, winner of an international design competition, proposed a modular terrace pattern that works for both small lots and larger developments that allows for varied bedroom and bathroom layouts.
A collaboration between Other Architects and NMBW innovative design consists of three buildings, with adaptable spaces such as a carport that doubles as a dining area or a rear building that can function as a home office or studio.
Studio Johnston’s pattern consists of a two-up, two-down block, rotating some units to face rear gardens and maximise natural light.
Finally, SAHA’s row homes focus on light, air and adaptability. Designed to suit steep or sloping sites, they feature a variety of facades to respond to different climates and communities.
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Originally published as ‘More choice, faster approvals’: The quick fix for housing delays
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