The Western Australian government has postponed the gazettal of the medium-density housing code in a move that attempts to address ongoing challenges in the housing construction market and the shortage of affordable housing options.
Based on more than three years of research, the policy sought to facilitate the design of appropriately sized homes that suit the context of the land, as well as deliver better outcomes in the design of living spaces and for the sustainability and efficiency of new homes.
In February 2023, former planning minister Rita Saffioti released the planning policy to guide medium-density development across the state, saying the introduction of such a policy would support infill development, masterplanned communities and Metronet station precincts, as well as deliver various benefits, such as improved tree canopy, greater housing diversity, better design, orientation towards better energy efficiency, and enhanced neighbourhood amenities.
Western Australian planning minister John Carey has now announced the deferral of the policy, in a move that he says will keep housing construction costs down and provide more affordable options for Western Australians.
“I want to be clear, our government is acutely aware of the current heated housing construction market and cost escalations. In acknowledgement of this, we have deferred the gazettal of the medium density code to reduce any regulatory burdens,” he said.
“The medium density code has been progressing since 2019, and clearly the COVID-19 pandemic and post-COVID circumstances have radically reshaped and impacted housing and construction markets across the world.
“We have listened to feedback from stakeholders and the deferred gazettal will enable more time to consider amendments to the planned implementation approach. This will also further align with other States and Territories, who are considering planning changes to reduce the cost of delivery of housing across the nation.”
The State Planning Policy 7.3, which is a new addition to Western Australia’s R-Codes, was prepared to guide the development of medium-density housing across the state. The WA government will seek to rework the policy for the new provisions to be applicable to R50 and R60 coded development only. The R Codes Volume 1, along with the R-MD provisions, will continue to apply for R30 and R40 coded land.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
