NSW Planning is seeking community input on proposed changes to planning rules that could significantly affect accessibility in new developments across Sydney. The consultation period closes on 31 January 2024, giving residents just weeks to share their views on standards that will shape housing and community spaces for years to come.
What the Proposed Changes Include
The consultation covers several key areas that directly impact people with disability and their families. Proposed updates to the State Environmental Planning Policy aim to improve accessibility standards in residential developments, including apartment buildings and townhouse complexes.
- New requirements for accessible parking spaces in residential buildings
- Updated guidelines for pathway widths and gradients in housing developments
- Improved standards for accessible bathroom facilities in new homes
- Enhanced requirements for lift access in multi-storey buildings
These changes would apply to new developments across the Sutherland Shire, St George area, and broader Sydney region, potentially improving access to housing for thousands of residents.
Impact on Sydney’s Southern Communities
For families in areas like Rockdale, Sutherland, and surrounding suburbs, these planning changes could mean better housing options and more inclusive community spaces. The proposed rules specifically address challenges many residents face when searching for accessible homes.
Current planning standards often leave people with disability with limited housing choices, particularly in established suburbs where older buildings lack proper accessibility features. The updated rules aim to ensure new developments meet contemporary accessibility needs from the design stage.
Local councils in the St George and Sutherland Shire areas have expressed support for stronger accessibility standards, recognising the growing need for inclusive housing options as the population ages.
Key Areas for Community Input
The consultation seeks feedback on practical aspects of implementing these accessibility improvements. Community members can comment on specific elements that affect daily living:
- Minimum doorway widths for wheelchair access
- Requirements for step-free entrances to ground floor units
- Standards for accessible kitchen and bathroom design
- Provisions for assistive technology installations
- Requirements for accessible outdoor spaces and balconies
Particularly relevant for Sydney’s south is feedback about how these standards will work with the area’s mix of established neighbourhoods and new developments along transport corridors.
How Changes Would Be Implemented
If adopted, the new planning rules would take effect from mid-2024, applying to all new development applications submitted after that date. Existing approved developments would continue under current standards, but any modifications or additions would need to meet the updated requirements.
Developers would have a transition period to adjust their designs and processes. The NSW Government has indicated that detailed guidance documents will be provided to help builders and architects implement the new standards effectively.
Local councils will receive training and resources to assess developments against the updated accessibility criteria, ensuring consistent application across different areas.
Making Your Voice Heard
Community input remains crucial for shaping these planning changes. The consultation process includes online submissions, community forums, and written feedback options to accommodate different communication preferences.
Residents can share experiences about current accessibility challenges in their neighbourhoods, suggest improvements to the proposed standards, or highlight specific needs that should be addressed. The consultation particularly values input from people with lived experience of disability, their families, and support networks.
Submissions can be made through the NSW Planning Portal, with options for anonymous feedback if preferred. Community forums are scheduled for early January in various Sydney locations, including sessions in the St George area.
Speak with Our Team
Our team understands how planning decisions affect daily life for people with disability and their families. If you’d like to discuss how these proposed changes might impact you or need support navigating community consultation processes, get in touch with Angels on Wheels. We’re here to help you understand your options and connect with relevant resources in your local area.
Source: NDIS
