PART ONE - Fishers Ghost

RecommendationThat the Department amend the AHSEPP to include provisions requiring HousingNSW to undertake community notification comparable to private sectordevelopments.Key issue (b): Expansion of the social housing threshold to be developed byHousing NSW from 20 to 30 unitsProposed Amendments by the DepartmentThis provision has proven to be very efficient in the facilitation and delivery of socialhousing in key locations.The Department is giving consideration to change the threshold for residentialdevelopments that can be approved by Housing NSW from 20 units to 30 units whileretaining the 8.5 metres height limit.CommentsThe proposed amendments to allow Housing NSW to self assess 30 dwelling insteadof the current 20 dwellings is supported within commercial areas and whereapartment buildings are currently permissible. With respect to infill development, thesuggestion by the Department is not supported.Thirty dwellings of social housing within established low density residentialneighbourhood is considered a relatively large residential development. It wouldresult in high concentrations of social housing in the one location. Council shouldhave more input into these types of developments and they should be assessed bylocal councils.RecommendationThe proposed amendments to allow Housing NSW to self assess 30 dwelling insteadof the current 20 dwellings is only supported within commercial areas and whereapartment buildings are permissible. For infill development, it is not supported.5. Incentives or levy schemesKey issue (a): Provide for councils to develop their own incentive or levy schemesfor the delivery of affordable housing in their areaProposed Amendment by the DepartmentThere are currently only a few incentive schemes to enable the delivery of affordablehousing. The Department will examine the financial feasibility of incentives offered bythe AHSEPP, SEPP 70 and by councils and consider the need to adjust provisions toallow for different approaches in different areas to assist in the delivery of appropriateaffordable rental housing.