Brisbane City Council adopted changes into the City Plan last month in a bid to streamline planning approvals for aged care and retirement accommodation.
These changes formalise many incentives and changes that were first introduced by council in 2016 to encourage more of this accommodation type.
An ageing population means there is going to be a significant increase in demand for this specialist housing, with 1 in 6 Australians now over the age of 65.
The key changes include:
- One assessment code to make applying more straightforward
- Downgrading the requirement for some sites from impact to code assessment
- Increased code assessable building height by 2 storeys in some medium and high density residential zones
- Allowing some small businesses to be integrated with aged care and retirement facilities
- Permitting existing retirement facilities to change to aged care and vice versa.
Prior to the changes, multiple codes applied to this type of accommodation. Hopefully the change to a single code will simplify the process. The code also changed to encompass “good design” and building height transition where the accommodation adjoins sites of a lower density.
Council is also trying to encourage the refurbishment of existing facilities through their changes to level of assessment. Code Assessable development applications are more straightforward and do not require community consultation. Code assessment will now happen for applications that meet the criteria in the following precincts:
- Major health care
- Specialised centre zone
- Low density residential
- Low-medium density residential.
A slight increase in building height in medium and high density residential zones may make some sites more attractive to develop. Whilst the change to allow small businesses like cafes, shops, childcare, clubs, office, and healthcare services to be co-located with these accommodation types, and be Code Assessable, is a positive step toward more integrated places.
A fact sheet detailing all the changes has been developed and is available here.
If you are interested in developing retirement or aged care accommodation get in touch. At Consult Planning we offer obligation free quotes. All you need to do is email us via office@consultplanning.com.au or give us a quick call on 1300 017 540.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, Consult Planning does not guarantee that this blog article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use. Requirements and standards frequently change so every individual proposal should be thoroughly investigated.
