More balconies, storage and studies under draft NSW apartment design guidelines

Bigger balconies and more storage space in new apartment blocks have been proposed by the NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes. The draft regulations — officially known as the Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) — are open for comment until February 28, with the government aiming to have them in place by the end of next year. The draft Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) includes updates to the Apartment Design Guide, The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX), a new Urban Development Guide and Design Review Manual. The draft SEPP is on public exhibition from 10 December 2021 until 28 February 2022. NSW Government architect Abbie Galvin said the proposed changes to apartment and urban design guides have responded to changes in how people are using their homes. “During the pandemic we’ve seen our homes and apartments become schools, offices and gyms and many of us have enjoyed walking or cycling more in our neighbourhoods,” she said. “This timely policy seeks to reflect our new way of living.” Beauty and quality would be brought to the forefront of planning under a proposed policy that puts heathier communities, housing choice, cooler and walkable suburbs and sustainable development at its heart, Rob Stokes said. He said the draft Design and Place SEPP would deliver "NSW’s first comprehensive design policy." “This policy will allow designers to think outside the box and support innovation and creativity when building new homes, suburbs and cities. "Great places aren’t always the product of rules and regulation, they are the result of place based design that puts communities at their heart,” Mr Stokes said. “This principles-based policy is an important step in defining what matters and how through good processes and wiser decision making we can build a beautiful and prosperous future.” Key benefits of the draft Design and Place SEPP include: · Greater housing diversity and choice, including provisions for flexible layouts for families, space to work or study, adequate sunlight, more storage and usable balconies · Homes that are more comfortable in both winter and summer and are cost effective to heat and cool · More, and better quality parks within reach no matter if you live in an apartment or new greenfield suburb · Greater permeability in new subdivisions that make it easier to walk or cycle to key destinations · Beautiful and productive high streets and centres that are better for business · Commercial buildings that operate at net zero, from day one of coming online. For further information on the Design and Place SEPP and to provide feedback visit planning.nsw.gov.au/design-and-place-sepp and to join a public webinar featuring the NSW Government Architect, Abbie Galvin and members of the team, providing an overview of changes to the Apartment Design Guide. You can register to attend virtually on the event registration page https://events-apac1.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/1892064813/en/events/event/shared/default_template/event_landing.html?sco-id=2521151947&_charset_=utf-8