The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council has commended PlanSA on its proposal to allow new forms of co‑located housing in established suburbs.
Council Chair Susan Lloyd‑Hurwitz said the proposal to have co‑located housing in established metropolitan Adelaide and Alexandrina council areas would address housing needs through the better use of existing spaces while also supporting the growing desire for residents to age in place.
“PlanSA’s Future Living Code Amendment will encourage the better use of existing housing stock in established suburbs where knock‑down‑rebuild development may not be appropriate,” Ms Lloyd‑Hurwitz said.
“Co‑located housing development can help to provide more diverse and affordable housing around transport and existing amenity while preserving the heritage, character and streetscape of the surrounding neighbourhood.”
Ms Lloyd‑Hurwitz said co‑located housing would also help to meet the housing needs of a growing population of older Australians by increasing the supply of opportunities to support retirement living in established areas. Older Australians looking to downsize would be able to do so in their existing home through a design that encourages social interaction, community and intergenerational family cohabitation.
Co‑located housing will also likely appeal to a broader range of Australians seeking a more connected way of living and those looking for more diverse, small affordable housing options.
The Council also praised the stakeholder engagement undertaken for the CoHousing for Ageing Well Project, which identified more innovative and flexible housing options for the wellbeing of an ageing population.
“We encourage PlanSA to keep exploring the proposal’s feasibility to ensure the developments are traded and financed appropriately,” Ms Lloyd‑Hurwitz said. “We are looking forward to the publication of the engagement report and the implementation of the draft Amendment.”