Seniors' housing 'perfect storm' ahead

The Property Council of Australia has expressed concern over a provision in the NSW Department of Planning's Draft Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing SEPP), which it believes will negatively impact seniors' housing.

Property Council NSW executive director Luke Achterstraat said he welcomed the planning policy which had huge potential to add to the supply of affordable accommodation and seniors housing in the state, however, changes were needed.

"A concerning and unexpected provision is the prohibition of seniors' independent living units from areas zoned as R2 Low Density Residential land use zones, which covers a vast majority of low-density areas in suburban Sydney," said Mr Achterstraat.

"These areas have long allowed seniors' housing providers to compete effectively to acquire land and increase the supply of seniors housing in NSW.

"This blanket prohibition of seniors independent living units from these areas is considered a step backwards."

Mr Achterstraat said the policy would also have the unfortunate consequence of forcing hundreds of lawful seniors' housing developments through NSW to rely upon 'existing use rights' in order to make changes to their development.

"Research indicates that NSW is approaching a 'perfect storm' with regards to seniors housing, with a rapidly ageing population and supply of seniors living accommodation dwindling rapidly due to a lack of appropriate supporting provisions provided by the state planning authority," he said.

"Low density residential areas are often the preferred area of choice of many seniors, who like to live in the suburbs and neighbourhoods they are familiar with and that are located close to their family, friends and community."

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said the purpose of the proposed changes was to encourage more housing for seniors close to services and town centres.

"Stakeholder consultation is an important part of the planning process. We are currently considering feedback received on the proposed changes and working to finalise a policy before the end of the year that will provide both live-in aged care homes and independent living units in the right areas.

"All building work must comply with the requirements of the National Construction Code, according to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979."