Byron Bay Urban Design Housing Density Study
We have received funding from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning program to look at future housing in Byron Bay.
The Byron Bay Urban Design Housing Density Study applies to the residential area next to the Byron Bay central business district (CBD).
The study aims to:
- Support infill development that creates attractive places to live.
- Guide future changes to Councils planning controls to facilitate the delivery of diverse and affordable housing.
- Support Council in meeting its housing targets, under the North Coast Regional Plan 2041. This target states that we must deliver 4,522 homes for 8,590 people in the next 20 years.
Stages
The Byron Bay Urban Design Housing Density Study will be delivered in 3 stages.
Stage 1 - Housing Density Study
Complete
Stage 1 of the Housing density Study includes:
- A comprehensive technical review of the current planning controls.
- Investigation of viability of low-rise medium density development up to three stories to facilitate increased dwelling choice.
- Identifying how more housing and a variety of housing options can be achieved, including affordable housing stock for community and key workers.
- Considering opportunities for new open space and open space connections.
- Considering opportunities for high level changes to the road network to facilitate better traffic movement and pedestrian connections.
The Study found, that based on the assessment of existing conditions, constraints and opportunities, areas were categorised as either ‘Incremental’ or ‘Moderate’ change areas:
- Incremental change areas are defined as slow change over time, primarily secondary dwellings or replacement houses with very limited multi-dwelling proposals.
- Moderate change areas are more likely to see greater change over time, primarily multi-unit dwellings, secondary dwellings and some apartment style development.
The Bangalow Road Corridor was identified with the greatest level of opportunity within the Study Area.
Byron Bay Housing Density Study(PDF, 39MB)
Stage 2 – Affordable Housing Viability Assessment
Complete
This stage determined affordable housing contributions based on any uplift in land values from higher densities.
The assessment found there was insufficient surpluses generated by the housing types, preferred by Council, to support a standard Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme.
As such, Council will prepare and report on a nonstandard Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme for the Study area or a revised area to support a Scheme.
Stage 3 – Amend Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan controls
2025/2026
This will enable infill development opportunities for diverse and affordable housing.
It will consider:
- Revising development standards (including height, floor space ratio and lot sizes) in the R2 Low Density and R3 Medium Density Residential zones
- Expanding the R3 Medium Density Residential zone in Byron Bay Town Centre
Funding
We have received $239, 239 to fund this study from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning program.
An initiative funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
