Feedback sought on Future Living Code Amendment

The South Australian State Planning Commission has released a draft of the Future Living Code Amendment to the state's planning regulations, now available for public comment online. The amendment seeks to improve housing diversity and affordability by providing options for diverse household groups, stages of life and lifestyle choices while retaining the existing character, heritage and streetscape of the established suburbs within South Australia.

An initiative from the Housing Roadmap, the draft planning amendment has been developed in partnership with University of South Australia and six city councils within Greater Adelaide. Chair of the State Planning Commission Craig Holden explained that "this is a rare opportunity to introduce a new form of housing to our planning system." He commented that the draft planning regulations "complement and add to existing rules, such as building height limits and tree protections."

Shifting away from a pattern of demolition and subdivision, the proposed legislation encourages existing homes to be retained, altered and extended to create 'co-located' housing. In this model, each home within a designated site is given similar stature, voiding the traditional hierarchy of, for example, a stand-alone house and backyard granny flat. Open space is shared among residents, helping to preserve mature trees and established gardens while fostering a greater sense of community.

While originally conceived for elderly people wishing to downsize while remaining within their own community, the State Housing Commission expects the new housing model to appeal to a range of people looking for smaller and more affordable housing options. The intent is for the co-located development to be managed through a community title scheme, enabling each to be bought and sold separately.

It is hoped that the code amendment will create a model that could be rolled out across other areas of the state in the future. Holden said, "The State Planning Commission is now keen to hear feedback from the community and industry to help shape the final planning rules for co-located housing," noting that councils "will await community feedback before making a decision to endorse the draft code amendment."

South Australians are invited to submit feedback until 7 November 2024.