The WA government will reintroduce its Medium Density Housing Code, after it deferred gazetting the codes in August 2023.
Originally introduced in February 2023, the new code would deliver more housing diversity through “deemed to comply” planning assessment pathways for terrace-style houses.
It would also improve housing design, with requirements for minimum living and garden sizes, and requirements for optimal orientation for energy efficiency and access to natural light, as well as incentives to retain existing trees.
The code was the result of three years of research and testing which was undertaken by many WA architects.
The code was scheduled to be gazetted on 1 September 2023, however, the government deferred the gazettal under mounting pressure from the cost of construction.
The new code will also be accompanied by a number of planning reforms including an online lodgement and tracking system, a new significant development pathway for projects valued at $20 million or more in the Perth and Peel metropolitan areas or $5 million or more in regional areas, and reforms to the Development Assessment Panels.
“I did not take the decision to defer the Medium Density Code lightly and as Housing Minister I must do everything I can to boost housing in Western Australia,” said WA planning minister John Carey.
“We have engaged with and listened to industry and understand that retaining many of the existing R Code provisions for single dwellings in most residential developments will reduce further pressure on the housing construction sector.”
The Australian Institute of Architects and Association of Consulting Architects (ACA) have advocated for the implementation of the Medium Density Housing Code since its gazettal was deferred.
“Much of the discussion to date on the new Code has been about improving the quality of design, and that’s important. But it’s only half the story. The other side of the conversation, and something not widely understood, is the diversity of housing – and choice – the new Code enables,” said Institute’s WA chapter president Sandy Anghie.
The ACA’s WA vice-president Kate Fitzgerald added, “There are many architecture businesses, planners and developers with innovative homes designed and ready to go under the new Code. Without the Code, these projects would not have been able to proceed – meaning homes can’t be delivered in a market where we desperately need more homes and greater diversity.”
The amended State Planning Policy 7.3 will be released in early-March 2024.
