Amendment No.1

Amendment No.1 : Implement the Compact Guidelines by removing minimum space standards for houses

It is proposed, given the updated guidance from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, namely the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024), that a rationalisation of section 2.1.6 Residential Development Standards be made. This would aid the planning scheme in meeting the sustainable development goals highlighted in the most recent planning guidelines. The SPPRs in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) require an amendment to commence implementation of the standards for private amenity space and separation distances. It is considered that the application of the Guidelines can be facilitated within the quantitative parameters of the Planning Scheme. The application of the Guidelines will provide additional flexibility in terms of typology.

Edit text and remove Table 2.1.9,

Dwelling Size & Private Amenity Space

The design and layout of individual dwellings should provide a high-quality living environment for residents. Dwellings should provide adequate room sizes that create good quality living spaces. Designers should have regard to the targets and standards set out under Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities Guidelines (2007) and the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) with regard to minimum room sizes, dimensions and overall floor areas. Within this context, all houses shall accord with or exceed the minimum floor area and private open space standards set out in Table 2.1.9. Private amenity space for houses (terraced – including town houses, semi-detached and detached) shall be located behind front building lines and should be defined, screened/bound and sited in accordance with the recommendations of Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities Guidelines (2007) and the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024). Rear gardens shall not back onto streets or public spaces and each area of private open space should be overlooked from the window of a living area or kitchen from the dwelling that it serves.”

Table 2.1.9 | Minimum Space Standards for Houses

2.8.7 Privacy and Overlooking 

‘Separation distances should be determined based on considerations of privacy and amenity, informed by the layout, design and site characteristics of the specific proposed development and in accordance with the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024)’.

Section 10 of the Urban Design Manual (2009) addresses issues in relation to privacy and overlooking. A separation distance of 22 metres should generally be provided between directly opposing above ground floor windows to maintain privacy between residential schemes. The urban blocks outlined under this Planning Scheme (see Section 3 - Development Areas) have been designed to allow for adequate back-to back distances between buildings. Reduced distances will be considered in respect of higher density schemes or where innovative design solutions are used to maintain a high standard of privacy’.