Thursday, 23 February 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Inaugural Medium Density
Code announced
The
state government has today released the inaugural Medium Density Housing Code,
aimed at supporting the delivery of greater housing
diversity, providing choice, supporting tree canopy retention, and responding
to a variety of lifestyles, life stages and income levels.
After
actively supporting the development of the Code, the Property Council WA has
welcomed its release.
Property
Council of WA Executive Director Sandra Brewer said the Code seeks to
address community concerns about poor built form outcomes in some residential
areas, including a loss of urban tree canopy, lack of housing diversity and
high rates of site coverage.
“The
Medium Density Code is a great step toward the planning, design and delivery of
better-quality spaces that support and strengthen existing communities,” Ms
Brewer said.
“It
is vital the development community are supported to deliver high quality medium
density projects across WA. We know that a lack of housing supply is a
challenge for future affordability.”
Developing
townhouses and boutique apartment projects in existing suburbs, or in newer
suburbs on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, is seen as the best way to
deliver medium density living in Perth.
The
Property Council research report ‘Close to Home’, released in 2020, reveals 74
percent of Western Australians do not oppose medium density developments that
are well designed and add to local amenity.
“There
is a clear opportunity to create greater living spaces within existing
communities in Perth,” Ms Brewer said.
“We have been heavily engaged with DPLH
throughout the process, with careful consideration given to the ensure the Code
maintains the ability a thrive housing market in WA,” Ms Brewer concluded.
