Registrations are open for landowners and residents to attend a free session to better understand regulatory requirements, processes and costs associated with building a small second home within a residential boundary.
The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting the information session, which will be held from 5.15pm to 6.30pm on Wednesday November 20 at Galkangu (Bendigo GovHub), 189-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo.
Due to changes introduced by the Victorian Government, small second homes up to 60 square metres can now be built in many cases without a planning permit if other requirements are met.
However, second dwellings still require a building permit.
At the evening session, City planners and industry experts will explain the simplified process of building a second smaller home within your residential or land boundary.
City officers will be available to talk through the process including meeting any requirements. They will also explore the considerations should a planning permit be required.
Attendees will also hear from an industry representative, Swanbuild, to better understand the costs associated and considerations for building a small second dwelling.
A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
Acting Manager Strategic Planning Bridget Maplestone encouraged people interested in the second dwelling option to register for the session.
"This is an opportunity to better understand what is involved in building a second dwelling on your residential land and what you need to consider, so please register to attend this informative session," Ms Maplestone said.
"We know that around 38,000 additional dwellings will be needed, with around 32,000 of these located in urban Bendigo.
"Council adopted a new Managed Growth Strategy last September to guide residential growth in Greater Bendigo over the next 30 years.
"Building a second dwelling on existing residential land is only a small part of a much bigger picture, as we know a greater diversity of housing types is needed to meet future community needs.
"The new strategy highlights the importance of developing more housing in established areas close to existing services, infrastructure and shops, rather than a focus on outward expansion in greenfield areas.
"Second dwellings on established residential land may be a viable option for some landowners who are looking to develop in the future."
This information session is one of several sessions planned to help landowners to better understand the planning process and progress small developments.
