Cheaper new Sydney apartment drive as compulsory car spaces scrapped
New Sydney apartments built near public transport will no longer require a car space, under new rules announced by the NSW Planning Minister Pru Goward.
The draft guidelines would apply to developments built within 400 metres of a transport hub, such as a bus interchange or railway station.
Goward said the cost of a new apartment could be up to $50,000 less under proposed changes.
The guidelines will apply to 22 councils: Ashfield, Auburn, Bankstown, Botany Bay, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Hurstville, Kogarah, Lane Cove, Marrickville, Leichhardt, North Sydney, Parramatta (city centre), Randwick, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield, Waverley, Willoughby and Woollahra.
The planning changes are open for public comment until 31 October.
“The closer people live to public transport hubs, the less likely they are to rely on cars,” Goward said.
“A car space can add up to $50,000 to the cost of a new apartment, so providing more flexibility around car parking requirements could lead to savings of up to the same amount for home buyers.
“Importantly, this change is restricted only to particular councils, applies only to development within close walking distance of transport services, and strongly discourages councils from allowing residents of these buildings to receive street parking permits.”
Hassell architects principal Matthew Pullinger, who represented the Australian Institute of Architects in government consultations about the changes, told News Ltd papers an underground car park was one of the most expensive aspects of a building, costing between $50,000 to $70,000 per underground car spot.
Developers would still be able to build car spots if there was a demand for them, with the new draft policy not having a minimum requirement of car spots.
NSW Bureau of Transport Statistics data shows a reduction in the number of people aged under 35 who have a driver’s licence — dropping from 84% in 1998 to 74% in 2009.
