We all know there is great demand for more affordable and social housing across Sydney and the Northern Beaches is no exception.

Council has set a target of 1,884 new social and affordable housing dwellings by 2036 in the Local Housing Strategy, which will primarily be achieved through Council’s Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme.

The current scheme requires developers to make contributions towards affordable housing, either as new dwellings or monetary contributions, but only on land that has been rezoned for higher density development. It currently applies to the Frenches Forest precinct and to a site in Narrabeen (1294-1300 Pittwater Road and 2-4 Albert Street, Narrabeen).

Development in these areas has been slower than expected, especially with higher interest rates and building costs. This has limited the amount developers have contributed towards affordable housing stock across the local government area.

So Council is considering options to introduce a flat rate affordable housing contribution scheme, applying to a wider range of land, not just places that have been ‘up-zoned’.

New developments in Dee Why Town Centre, for example, are not subject to the current affordable housing contributions scheme as the land was rezoned for higher density development before the current controls were introduced.  That could change under a broader scheme.

By broadening the reach of our affordable housing contributions scheme, we have a better chance of reaching our targets and ensuring there is enough affordable and social housing available for current and future residents.

Other Councils are taking a similar approach. City of Sydney and Willoughby now have broad-based schemes, and Newcastle and Waverley are also looking at broadening their contribution schemes, with planning proposals currently before the state government.

Council will now prepare a feasibility study, draft amendments to Council’s Affordable Housing Policy and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme and prepare a draft Planning Proposal to amend Council’s current Local Environment Plans, to introduce a flat rate affordable housing contribution for development not subject to a rezoning proposal.

The proposed changes will be placed on public exhibition and changes will not come into effect until submissions have been considered by Council and Ministerial/Departmental approval has been given.