The ACT Government is enabling more low-rise ‘missing middle’ homes in Canberra’s existing suburbs to support our target of 30,000 new homes by 2030.
“We want to provide more homes for Canberrans where they want to live, and that means making sure we’ve got the right policies in place to deliver more housing choice in Canberra’s existing suburbs,” said Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel.
“This design led approach to changes in our planning system will make sure we can keep what we love about our suburbs, while providing more homes across our city.
“We understand there is strong demand for moderately sized homes with a garden, that will meet the needs of our growing and changing community.
“This reform is about providing more low-rise homes for first home buyers, growing families, and those who want to age in place in the communities that they love.
“Right now Canberra is characterised by single dwelling detached homes in the suburbs and high rise apartments in our town centres, without much housing stock in-between.
“These ‘missing middle’ housing reforms will permit low-rise multi-occupancy homes (2-3+ homes on a block), townhouses, terrace homes and low-rise apartments in existing RZ1 and RZ2 zoned residential areas.
“I encourage everyone to have their say on the new design guide and the draft Major Plan Amendment and take part in shaping well-designed and sustainable housing options for our suburbs that meet the needs for current and future residents.”
‘Missing Middle’ Housing Design Guide
Canberrans are invited to have their say on the new ‘missing middle’ housing design guide, which is the foundational document that will be used by industry to guide the types of housing that could be built under the changes.
It will be a requirement for proposed missing middle housing development in RZ1 and RZ2 zones to respond to the design guide. The guide focuses on how we can include this type of housing, whilst maintaining the things we love about living in Canberra’s streets and suburbs.
The draft design guide has been developed by architects and industry professionals to make sure its outcomes are achievable and supportive of delivering more types of housing in all suburbs in the ACT.
Major Plan Amendment
Changes to suburban zoning and new design requirements will deliver an increased supply of high quality and sustainable missing middle housing types across our city.
This amendment to the Territory Plan changes what is allowed to be built in different residential zones in the ACT and removes barriers to developing these different housing types.
It will support delivery of these homes in existing suburbs and make sure that this is reflected in Canberra’s planning laws.
Changes include removal of minimum block sizes for additional dwellings in RZ1 areas, removing the 120m2 limit for a secondary dwelling, allowing block subdivisions, as well as permitting townhouses, terraces and low-rise apartments to be built up to two storeys.
Block consolidation will also allow us to make better use of land and have more types of ‘missing middle’ housing delivered across the ACT, with this flexibility helping to achieve higher quality design outcomes.
Canopy cover requirements are proposed to increase from 15% to 20%, with site coverage requirements for the homes built across a block to remain at 45%.
To have your say on the Missing Middle Housing Design Guide and the draft Major Plan Amendment, go to the YourSay Conversations website. Consultation closes 22 July. Long form submissions will be accepted until 5 August.
