Providing rooming accommodation will now be easier after the Palaszczuk Government lifted a requirement for local government planning approval under certain conditions.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the change to the Planning Regulation would provide more housing options in lower density residential zones.
“It’s imperative that we tackle the current housing challenges by providing a greater diversity of housing options for Queenslanders,” Mr Miles said.
“By removing the requirement for local government planning approval, providing other requirements are met, we can accelerate the development of rooming accommodation in areas where residential development is expected.
“The change does not affect the need for rooming accommodation to be assessed under the building framework and to obtain all other necessary approvals, such as for plumbing or drainage.”
Rooming accommodation is residential accommodation where each resident can only occupy one or more rooms on the premises as agreed, rather than the whole premises. Other rooms within the premises, facilities, furniture, or equipment outside of the residents’ rooms are shared with the other residents at the premises.
“Making it easier for rooming accommodation to be developed means more options for Queenslanders who need a place to live,” Mr Miles said.
“The change will help to provide greater housing diversity in the lower density residential zone, low-medium density residential zone and general residential zones across Queensland.
“This builds on other recent Queensland Government initiatives to provide more affordable housing options including lifting restrictions around renting granny flats, requesting the independent Housing Supply Expert Panel to expand its oversight beyond South East Queensland, and by making it easier to access emergency accommodation during natural disasters.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Queenslander has a place they can call their home.”
