HOUSING CODE’S IMPACT ALREADY BEING FELT IN RYDE
The full impact of the Medium Density Housing Code is quickly becoming a reality in the City of Ryde.
with private certifiers already receiving applications to demolish one -storey homes in residential
neighbourhoods and replace them with small blocks of flats.
The Medium Density Housing Code, which is due to be implemented on 1 J uly, will allow multi –
dwelling houses such as small blocks of flats and du al occupancy dwellings to be built in the City of
Ryde’s low -density residential neighbourhoods.
Crucially, the code also allows for these multi -dwelling developments to be approved by private
certifiers, with no requirement for objections to be considere d.
Council has already been contacted by a number of concerned residents who have been notified by
private certifiers ab out plans to demolish houses and construct multi -dwelling units in their place when
the code comes into effect from 1 July.
One such example is a property in Eastwood, in which the owners have lodged an application with a
private certifier to demolish a single -storey residence and construct a multi -dwe lling block with five
units.
This can now be considered under the Medium Density Hou sing Code, despit e Council previously
rejecting a similar devel opment application for the same property in 2019 due to the fact that the
development would have resulted in unacceptable bulk and scale that was not compatible with the
character of the area, and also seen the removal of five endangered Sydney blue gum trees.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, said it was alarming that developers were wasting no time in
proceeding with developm ents permissible under the co de.
“Developers are licking their lips and their bulldozers are ready to destroy our local environment in
pursuit of profit. Everything that our community has worked hard to protect over the decades is under
threat,” Clr Laxale said.
“The City of Ryde has opposed this code from day one and fought it in court as it is completely
unworkable in our community.
“Despite this, Council’s planning staff have worked diligently with the Greater Sydney Commission
and the Department of Planning to get a suita ble planning outcome for Ryde that is evidence -based
and has community support.
“How can Planning Minister Rob Stokes say he will work with councils to protect our suburbs, then roll
out the red carpet for developers from 1 July.
