New homes on small plots of land will be able to access faster planning approvals as part of the latest planning changes which are part of Victorian Government efforts to unlock greater housing supply.

On Sunday, Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced the creation of the ‘Single Home Code’.

The Code aims to streamline planning approvals for single homes and small second dwellings on lots of less than 300 square meters.

It will apply to homes which meet updated standards. These include requirements for setbacks, tree canopy, solar access and street canopy.

Under the system, homes which meet a range of updated standards will be ‘deemed-to-comply’.

This will mean that the homes will be able to be approved without further assessment.

Neighbours will still be notified and can provide feedback on proposed developments.

However, if the standards are met, decisions will not be able to be appealed to VCAT.

The changes will apply across all residential zones throughout Victoria.

The latest changes are part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to unlock more housing supply by speeding up approval processes.

A Townhouse and Low-Rise Code was introduced earlier this year to facilitate deemed-to-comply approvals for townhouses and 1 to 3 storey apartments.

Work is also underway to develop a set of standards that will facilitate a deemed-to-comply pathway for medium rise residential developments of between four and six stories.

In a statement, Kilkenny welcomed the changes.

“This is another way we’re making our planning system say ‘yes’ – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have,” she said.

“If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build. That’s what these changes deliver – faster decisions, less stress, and more homes where we need them.”

 

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