Planning changes to provide more parking spaces for boarding houses

The NSW Government will mandate the provision of more parking spaces for people living in boarding houses, with proposed changes to planning rules to reduce the demand and impact on street parking.

Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, said the proposed changes are in response to community concerns, as well being part of an ongoing review of the State housing policies, including for affordable rental housing.

“These changes will help alleviate street parking congestion and instead put those cars into off-street parking spaces,” Mr Roberts said.

“The feedback we’ve received from neighbours of boarding houses indicates street parking availability has been impacted in many areas,” Mr Roberts said.

“We’ve listened to those concerns and as a result, we intend to increase car parking provisions to 0.5 spaces per room. This is more than double the current 0.2 car spaces per boarding room in some areas.

“By providing more parking spaces for boarding house residents community amenity will be increased.

“This is a direct response to the concerns I’ve heard at meetings with councils and communities. This will take cars off the streets and also provide more parking for boarding house occupants”.

Mr Roberts said boarding houses were an important form of accommodation, and part of the housing mix.

The community is invited to comment on the proposed changes until 16 April 2018.

To view the amendment or to make a submission, go to the Draft amendment to parking provisions for boarding houses page.