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Question and Answer Tracking Details

576 - BOARDING HOUSES IN R2 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

Greenwich, Alex to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

(1) How many councils in New South Wales have removed boarding houses as permissible development from R2 low density residential zones since November 2021 when they ceased to be mandatory provisions?

(2) How many councils in New South Wales have draft local environment plans that would remove boarding houses from R2 low density residential zones?

(3) What assessment has been made on the likely impact making boarding houses optional in R2 low density residential zones on affordable housing provisions in New South Wales?

(4) What consultation will the Government undertake with boarding house providers about the impacts of the change?

(5) How will the Government use planning instruments to encourage the delivery of more boarding houses in New South Wales?
Answer -
BOARDING HOUSES IN R2 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

I am advised:

(1) Since November 2021, the only change to permissibility of boarding houses in the R2 zone occurred when the former Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville local environmental plans (LEPs) were consolidated on 30 June 2022.

(2) No councils have draft LEPs to prohibit boarding houses from their R2 zones.

(3) Amendments to provisions finalised in 2021 responded to concerns from stakeholders about the type of development being delivered under the boarding house provisions at the time. Boarding houses are now required to be managed by a registered community housing provider for the purpose of affordable housing in perpetuity. Before the introduction of the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) in 2021, there was no requirement for boarding houses to provide affordable housing.

(4) The Department of Planning and Environment undertook extensive stakeholder engagement before making the changes, as part of developing the updated definition, permissibility settings and development standards for boarding houses. It established a Council Boarding House Working Group, publicly exhibited an Explanation of Intended Effect and consultation draft, and held targeted consultation throughout the process.

(5) The Housing SEPP already facilitates and incentivises boarding house development. Notwithstanding, the Government is reviewing this aspect of the policy in order to facilitate greater supply of social and affordable housing as part of the housing accord.

Question asked on 21 June 2023 (session 58-1) and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 11
Answer received on 26 July 2023 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 16

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.