Thursday, 23 February 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Inaugural Medium Density Code announced
The state government has today released the inaugural Medium Density Housing Code, aimed at supporting the delivery of greater housing diversity, providing choice, supporting tree canopy retention, and responding to a variety of lifestyles, life stages and income levels.
After actively supporting the development of the Code, the Property Council WA has welcomed its release.
Property Council of WA Executive Director Sandra Brewer said the Code seeks to address community concerns about poor built form outcomes in some residential areas, including a loss of urban tree canopy, lack of housing diversity and high rates of site coverage.
"The Medium Density Code is a great step toward the planning, design and delivery of better-quality spaces that support and strengthen existing communities," Ms Brewer said.
"It is vital the development community are supported to deliver high quality medium density projects across WA. We know that a lack of housing supply is a challenge for future affordability."
Developing townhouses and boutique apartment projects in existing suburbs, or in newer suburbs on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, is seen as the best way to deliver medium density living in Perth.
The Property Council research report 'Close to Home', released in 2020, reveals 74 percent of Western Australians do not oppose medium density developments that are well designed and add to local amenity.
"There is a clear opportunity to create greater living spaces within existing communities in Perth," Ms Brewer said.
"We have been heavily engaged with DPLH throughout the process, with careful consideration given to the ensure the Code maintains the ability a thrive housing market in WA," Ms Brewer concluded.
