Changes to the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP) are set to expand the options available to landowners in permissible zones to develop secondary dwellings, also known as ‘granny flats’, on their property.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 9 June, Council endorsed the finalisation of the planning proposal amendment to increase the size limit for secondary dwellings on rural and urban land where they are permitted.
The change will lift the maximum floor area from 33 per cent to 65 per cent of the main home, almost doubling what is currently permitted.
Currently, Council approves approximately seven to eight secondary dwellings each year in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA).
Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Fiona Hamilton said the changes are designed to stimulate the development of a more affordable and diversified housing supply in Wagga Wagga.
“The expanded floor size allows for flexibility and greater functionality for people who are interested in developing a secondary dwelling,” Ms Hamilton said.
“It provides for the development of a wider range of sizes and configurations beyond studio-style accommodation that can cater to smaller household sizes, differing income levels and lifestyles, offering alternatives to traditional three or four-bedroom homes.
“We know we’ve got an aging population and changing household sizes, and we know that we have a great number of key workers coming into the city who are looking for rental accommodation.
“Secondary dwellings can be used by anyone, so it could be the homeowner who wants the secondary dwelling to be another bedroom for a family member, it could be an aging family member moving in, it could be a rental for key worker accommodation.
“It will be up to that homeowner as to how they use their secondary dwelling, but we’re hoping that it will assist with the housing supply and affordability issues we’re experiencing at the moment.”
The planning proposal amendment directly supports key initiatives and actions identified directly supports key initiatives and actions identified in the Wagga Wagga Local Housing Strategy 2025, which provides a 20-year strategic framework for residential development in the LGA.
Council is preparing a suite of documents and measures to support residents in their planning for a secondary dwelling, which are expected to be launched later this year.
