Residential Strategy

The Residential Strategy will set a clear vision and policy framework for the Shire’s urban residential lands. How we deliver future housing will influence the form of our towns and villages at the lot, street and neighbourhood level.

We want our residents to feel part of a community where there is a choice of homes to suit their current and future needs.  All in a town or village that reflects it's own unique identity and local character. 

The draft Residential Strategy was on display for public comment from 28 August until 11 October 2019.  Submissions are currently being reviewed and will be reported to Council in early 2020. 

The draft strategy incorporated feedback from the 'Shaping our Neighbourhoods' community consultation in early May.

View the draft strategy

How did we get here?

The draft strategy is the result of over three years of planning, research and consultation on the topic. This diagram summaries the pathway taken(PDF, 41KB) in looking at important issues like suitable land, affordable housing, ageing of our population and the character of our local towns and villages. In preparing the draft strategy, Council appreciates the contributions made from the local community, housing sector groups and government agencies. 

The strategy couples with other projects in Council to secure the housing for our community while maintaining the character of our villages, towns and rural areas.

Where to next?

The final draft Residential Strategy will be updated to reflect the outcomes of the consultation.  It will be reported back to Council for adoption in early 2020.

The strategy relates to future housing in Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, New Brighton, Ocean Shores, South Golden Beach, Suffolk Park and Sunrise.

 A progressive residential strategy is needed to secure a sustainable long-term supply of housing best suited to the residents in our Shire. It is expected some 6,400 additional people will choose Byron Shire as their home in the next 20 years, which will mean 3,150 more homes will be needed.

Our Shire's close proximity to South East Queensland (SEQ), anticipated to grow from 3.5 million people to 5.3 million over the next 25 years, means our residents and businesses enjoy many of the economic and social benefits people in a city have. It also means we face many of the same growth management issues as SEQ, including population growth, rising land costs, high tourist numbers, development pressures on natural assets and farmland, and the need to invest in extra infrastructure and community services. These pressures are comparable to those in Sydney’s outer suburbs. 

Byron Shire is attractive not only for its natural and lifestyle assets but its strong economic and employment opportunities. It’s a great place to be, which brings significant growth pressure as more people want to move to the area in search of success, creative influences, lifestyle and the attraction of our villages and towns.    

It is essential to keep pace - meeting the needs of a growing and diversifying population and a buoyant economy.

Research has found that a growing percentage of new homes could be delivered as infill development. Infill is additional housing in our existing residential neighbourhoods. For example, secondary dwellings, or replacing a house with townhouses.

The NSW State Government, in July 2018, introduced a state-wide Low Rise Medium Density Code, (LRMD) which effectively fast-tracks the assessment process for infill development.

Following their independent review, the State Government will extend the Byron Shire’s current deferral of the introduction of the code until 1 July 2020 to allow Council to progress with its strategic planning initiatives and demonstrate how they intend to meet their local housing needs.

As part of the process of being ready for the LRMD Code, Council has commenced a planning proposal to  introduce minimum lot size standards for ‘manor house’ (a residential flat building containing 3 or 4 dwellings) and ‘multi dwelling housing (terraces)’. The planning proposal has been prepared to provide consistency with Council’s current low rise medium density controls for the R2 and R3 residential zones.

contact Council's planners:

 

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