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Review of State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) (Seniors Living) 2004
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment in relation to the current review of the Seniors Living SEPP (SL SEPP) which is being undertaken by an Inter Departmental Working Party.
Over the coming decade, the pressure to provide housing for older people will become critical as land for housing diminishes, the proportion of older people increases substantially, the population in the Sydney basin rises substantially, and the movement of older persons to coastal and rural communities increases. Competition for sites will increase land values and unless careful planning is undertaken now, there is a significant risk that inadequate provision will be made to meet the needs of housing for older people.
The Property Council welcomes the current review. We support the objectives of the SL SEPP as a State-based planning tool which facilitates and encourages the provision of housing for older people.
Notwithstanding this support, the Property Council considers the planning controls in relation to the provision of seniors living housing are currently too restrictive, as they restrict the supply of housing for older people and limit the range of dwelling types constructed.
The working party has identified a number of key issues on which it seeks comment from industry stakeholders. The Property Council’s comments in relation to the key issues are set out below.
