[Greens-Media] (Sylvia Hale MLC) Housing Free-for-All Will Trigger
Neighbourhood Disputes
Christopher Holley
Christopher.Holley at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Mon Dec 1 12:45:02 EST 2008
Housing Free-for-All Will Trigger Neighbourhood Disputes
The number of neighbourhood disputes will skyrocket as new government
housing codes allow new and renovated houses to overshadow neighbouring
homes with those affected having no right to object, according to Sylvia
Hale NSW Greens MP and Planning Spokesperson.
“This is the next step in the development free-for-all this
government is attempting to inflict on communities across the state,”
said Ms Hale, responding to reports that the new codes will not
stipulate a maximum floor space ratio, and therefore allow for
overdevelopment of housing sites.
“The government has not consulted on these new codes, it is just
forcing them on residents.”
“Under new planning laws if a house meets the code it can be approved
by a private certifier paid for by the proponent. The local council and
the neighbours need only be notified when building is about to start.
Even then they will have no right to object.”
“Drafts of earlier codes were available for comment but it is clear
that they were merely a diversion during the debate on the changes to
the planning laws. Now the Bill is through those draft codes are
withdrawn and the free-for-all codes that the government and developers
always wanted are being imposed.”
“A typical tactic of both developers and this government is to push
controversial matters through over the Christmas break to short circuit
community opposition. That is exactly what the government is trying to
do with these codes.”
“This government continues to treat communities and local councils
with contempt. Once again it is failing to consult, failing to consider
the impact on existing residents and failing to consider the needs of
anyone other than the development lobby that continues to pour millions
of dollars into Labor’s campaign funds,” said Ms Hale.
Further information or comment:
Chris Holley (02) 9230 3030 / 0437 779 546
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