NSW residents asked to inform policy on housing choice and urban design

The residents of NSW are being invited to participate in a NSW Government survey to inform policy on housing choice and urban design. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the survey will provide key insights into what people value most about their homes and local surroundings. “COVID-19 has given us all a fresh perspective on what we love about where we live, and so we’re asking people to tell us what’s important to them when it comes to their homes and neighbourhoods,” Mr Stokes said. “During the pandemic our homes have been transformed into schools, offices, even gyms, so this feedback will help us better understand housing needs for the future. “Our homes have always been determined by what planning regulations permit and what the market provides, but we want to hear directly from the people who will be living in these homes in the years to come.” NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said the survey would play a vital role in helping to inform the final Design & Place State Environmental Planning Policy. “We’re spending more time at home and in our local neighbourhoods and the way we’re using them is changing. Their design is significant for our mental and physical health, how we deal with urban heat impacts and climate change,” Ms Galvin said. “We need to hear directly from the community about these issues so we can help deliver the homes they want in the places they want to live.” The survey will be conducted across a representative group of 800 people in NSW including home owners, renters, families and individuals of varying demographics. Members of the community are also encouraged to participate in the survey which is open from 9am Friday, 10 September to Friday, 17 September 2021 by visiting www.planning.nsw.gov.au/designandplacesepp The draft Design and Place SEPP will go on public exhibition later this year and will provide another opportunity for community feedback on the new policy.