2022-04-12 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     12 APRIL 2022


      be included in the NCC as a ‘technical referral’ meaning states and territories can decide to
      upgrade to Gold voluntarily. Each state and territory will be free to determine whether and
      how the new provisions will be applied in their jurisdiction to minimise the regulatory impact
      on the construction sector. The new NCC is scheduled to take effect on 1 September 2022.
      The draft provisions address dwelling access, entrance ways, internal doors and corridors,
      toilets, showers and reinforcement of bathroom and toilet walls.
A comparison of the core design elements required to achieve silver and gold standard is detailed
below:

                      Core design elements                              Silver          Gold

 A safe continuous and step free path of travel from the street           ✓               ✓
 entrance and / or parking area to a dwelling entrance that is
 level.

 At least one, level (step-free) entrance into the dwelling.              ✓               ✓

 Internal doors and corridors that facilitate comfortable and             ✓               ✓
 unimpeded movement between spaces.

 A toilet on the ground (or entry) level that provides easy access.       ✓               ✓

 A bathroom that contains a hobless shower recess.                        ✓               ✓

 Reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and bath to support           ✓               ✓
 the safe installation of grab rails at a later date.

 Stairways are designed to reduce the likelihood of injury and            ✓               ✓
 also enable future adaptation.

 The kitchen space is designed to support ease of movement                X               ✓
 between fixed benches and to support easy adaptation.

 The laundry space is designed to support ease of movement                X               ✓
 between fixed benches and to support easy adaptation.

 Ground level or entry level provides a space that can be used            X               ✓
 as a bedroom.

 Switches and powerpoints light switches and powerpoints are              X               ✓
 located at heights that are easy to reach for all home
 occupants.

 Home occupants are able to easily and independently open and             X               ✓
 close doors and safely use tap hardware.

The applicant’s incorporation of the Livable Housing design elements is commended; however it
does not provide sufficient justification for the development to exceed gross floor area requirements
by 66.4m2 or as the applicant details an additional 8m2 per unit. Many of the gold standard design
elements do not require additional floor space and when combined with the other areas of non-
compliance, site cover and setbacks, results in a development that is not compatible with the
existing and intended development pattern within the area.
This is particularly relevant considering Performance Outcome PO2 of the Medium Density
Residential Zone Code which states:

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