Facilitating group and multiple dwellings - Planning Scheme Amendment

Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment to facilitate group dwelling and multiple dwelling development

The Department of Lands, Planning and Environment is proposing changes to the NT Planning Scheme 2020 (Planning Scheme) to better assist the development of group dwellings and multiple dwellings. The Planning Scheme is the ‘rule book’ for land use and development across the Northern Territory and ensures development occurs in a controlled manner and in accordance with community expectations.

Proposed changes to the Planning Scheme are intended to better assist the development of group dwellings and multiple dwellings by removing planning related barriers for smaller dwellings and incentivising dwellings in well-located areas (i.e. has sufficient access to alternative transport options or is in close proximity of a commercial area), and where the development is for social housing. Specifically, the proposed amendment:

• reduces the minimum area of land required to establish a one bedroom dwelling in Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) from 300 square metres, which is the rate that applies for all dwelling sizes, to 150 square metres;
• reduces the minimum number of car parking spaces required per dwelling, from two spaces for all dwelling sizes, to one space for one bedroom dwellings; and
• provides further reductions to required car parking numbers ranging from 5% up to 50% for dwellings located close to public transport, commercial areas, and for social housing.

An Explanatory Document providing details of the proposed amendment is provided under the Documents tab.

The changes relate to group dwelling and multiple dwelling development as these housing types are often the most affordable form of housing. Collectively, these changes seek to remove ‘planning’ barriers to providing well-located and affordable housing through greater flexibility in dwelling requirements, a more efficient use of appropriately zoned land, and ultimately savings to construction costs.

To view and make a submission on the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment, click here.