Changes to the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan and the Development Control Plan are now in effect, increasing the variety and supply of housing possible across the shire.
Acting Director Community, Environment and Planning, Cecily Hancock said the changes are in response to the need for a greater mix of housing stock including smaller low-maintenance homes for older people and single or couple households, as well as more affordable housing for key workers and families.
"The idea is to provide more opportunities for locals to stay in their communities through various life stages, rather than having to move somewhere else due to a lack of suitable housing," Ms Hancock said.
"The changes include permitting developments of three or more homes with ground floor access on large lots, allowing more one-and-two-bedroom homes, and adaptable dwellings in shop-top housing, unit, villa and town house developments in some towns and villages.
"Although some smaller blocks are now permitted in new residential subdivisions, potential impacts on neighbourhood character will be managed by limiting new villas and townhouses to larger blocks and stricter site density and landscaping controls.
"Land can now be subdivided down to 600sqm in Candelo and 550sqm in Kalaru village areas.
"Due to NSW Government concerns about flooding, some of the changes to the planning scheme do not currently apply to Wolumla, Bermagui, Tura Beach and Cobargo.
"However, Council is prioritising flood studies for these towns and villages to alleviate these concerns and enable increased housing development."
Ms Hancock said most existing development controls in place to protect neighbourhood character, such as character statements, residential building height limits, view sharing principles, solar access, privacy and overshadowing controls, are working well and will remain unchanged.
