Brisbane City Council’s townhouse, unit ban ‘to spook developers’

Brisbane City Council’s plan to ban townhouses and apartments in the city’s suburbs could spook developers, property bodies fear.

Townhouses would be banned in suburbs under Brisbane City Council plans

Brisbane City Council’s plan to ban townhouses and apartments in the city’s suburbs could spook developers and slow the start of the next cycle, property bodies fear.

A slew of amendments to the city’s planning scheme were proposed at Tuesday’s council meeting, including the removal of zoning provisions that would stop approvals for townhouses and units on large lots in low-density zoned suburbs. Council documents state the zoning changes “protect the Brisbane backyard and our unique character” in Brisbane’s emerging outer suburbs.

But that argument was dismissed by the Housing Industry Association’s regional executive director, Queensland, Mike Roberts, who said the political stunt would have repercussions beyond the state’s March 2020 election.

“This is plainly and simply a political move because they want to win the election next year,” Mr Roberts said.

Under the changes, developers will be unable to consolidate ­numerous smaller lots into mega lots of about 3000sq m for ­medium and high-density builds.

“It has quite significant ramifications and the impact on developer sentiment is a concern. We have a number of tier-one companies that play in this space. Sometimes townhouse development is the most suitable type of housing for some sites. It automatically reduces the opportunity to use land efficiently,” Mr Roberts said.

At the same time, rules around the number of carparks required per dwelling have increased, with three-bedroom dwellings now requiring a minimum of two parks regardless of location.

The Property Council of Australia’s Queensland executive director, Chris Mountford, said the additional cost and space allocation required to meet the new standard would make it harder to get projects off the ground, with the additional cost ultimately to be passed on to buyers.

The plan to amend the planning scheme was first raised in September last year. The council engaged in community consultation before the decision, receiving 1189 submissions, with 731 in support and 455 against.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland chief executive Antonia Mercorella said the disparity highlighted the need for a variety of housing options.

Other governments are looking to develop strategies to deliver more townhouses. The NSW government has released a low-rise, medium-density housing code.