housing diversity guide DRAFT - Landcom - NSW Government

Housing Diversity Guide DEVELOPMENT CONTROL CONSIDERATIONS | 23
2.0 5.0 The context for
development control
considerations
housing diversity
Development controls can either encourage or discourage housing diversity.
Certain development controls are also important to ensure that smaller
homes and lots achieve good solar access, privacy and amenity for both
the occupants and their neighbours, and that they are well integrated in the
streetscape.
There are a number of development controls that can make a big difference
to the success, or otherwise, of housing diversity. Unless care is taken in
imposing the controls the individual or collective result may be to stifle
housing diversity.
5.1 Floor space ratios
Floor space ratios (FSR) are often used in to
control building bulk and to protect privacy and
solar access. An analysis of DCPs examined
existing floor space controls for standard
detached housing and integrated or small lot
housing. We found that the controls did not
differ between these types of housing and was
generally around 0.5:1, (ranging from 0.45:1 to
0.6:1.
Suggestion
To increase opportunities for housing diversity,
it would be preferable to not use FSR controls
in residential areas. However, if they are to
be used, the FSR for smaller lots should be
increased to at least 0.6:1 to 0.7:1.0.
Using the same FSR controls for both standard
homes and smaller homes makes it very difficult
to deliver well-designed smaller homes on
compact lots. Imposing an FSR of 0.5:1 on
smaller lots, means that lots below 280m² will
not be be able to accommodate a moderately
sized three bedroom house with a single
garage.