Logan developers will be forced to scrap the cookie cutter housing approach and face harsher assessment processes, as part of Logan City Council’s new proposed city plan.
Under proposed changes to be included in a new 2025 Logan Planning Scheme, Logan developers will be required to offer a range of housing designs and lot sizes in future residential developments.
A council spokesperson said the changes will provide greater connectivity and ensure developments best serve residents’ needs and lifestyles.
“Unlike in the existing city plan, new subdivisions will need to offer greater diversity in design and block shapes, with a stronger focus on sustainability and landscaping,” the spokesperson said.
“This will improve amenity and liveability within the city’s new residential areas.”
Director of DMH Realty, Chyerl Pridham said there was nothing less attractive than every house in the street looking the same.
“We like our uniqueness, and this is what people are looking for in home,” she said.
“People have different budgets, so by having a better mix of land sizes and builds in an estate it brings a lot more buyer diversity to an area.”
While some Logan developers worry about disruptions to rollout schedules, others say they aren’t concerned.
Lendlease head of communities (Qld) Ian Murray said they always design their communities with diversity in mind.
“We always design our master-planned communities with diversity in mind, offering a wide range of living options and lot sizes that also deliver early amenity and are truly sustainable,” he said.
“The health and comfort of our residents is also very important so we incorporate sustainable design to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimise waste, and create healthy, productive environments where people can live a healthy life.”
Within the city plan, Yarrabilba and the greater Flagstone area are considered “priority development areas.” Both suburbs are expected to deliver up to 13,000 more homes over the next few years.
Outside beauty isn’t the only thing that will change as part of the new development rules – the inside paperwork will too.
The city plans will see more rules imposed on the development assessment process with the complete removal of terms that could allow any “manipulation” by developers.
In a Logan Housing Study in October 2020, council found the term “average lot size” was often skewed by inclusions like roads, parks, and balance lots. It is expected to remove room for interpretation.
“Equivalent dwellings” is another term which according to council previously “resulted in the manipulation of the definition of bedroom to circumvent the development assessment process, increase residential densities and avoid infrastructure charges.”
Council said the changes are expected to be implemented early next year, which will be carried into the Logan Plan 2025.
“The removal of the average lot size and equivalent dwellings terms from the scheme will lead to added transparency and certainty of development outcomes,” council’s spokesperson said.
What’s stopping developers from sneaking in the plans now?
Council was unable to comment on the question, saying: “A simpler Logan Plan will lead to better planning outcomes across the city.”
