The NT Planning Commission has completed its consultation on dual occupancy and recommended a revised proposal to the Minister for Lands and Planning, Mr David Tollner. 

“We spoke to many NT residents who expressed an interest in dual occupancy while we were consulting on the Darwin inner and mid suburbs area plans and the Alice Springs Regional Land Use Plan. Some residents indicated a preference for dual occupancy as a low-impact method of densification that enables existing Single Dwelling areas to remain intact,” the Commission’s Chairman Gary Nairn said.

The Planning Commission released a discussion paper and draft proposal in March 2016 and held a series of briefings in the urban areas of the NT.

 “We received some very useful and constructive feedback on our draft proposal with several key themes emerging from the consultation,” said Mr Nairn.

The proposal has been significantly revised as a result of feedback received from the community and industry. The Planning Commission sought feedback on a range of lot sizes and has recommended a minimum lot size of 900m². This has drastically reduced the number of eligible Single Dwelling lots across the NT from the previous proposal, with the number decreasing from 84 per cent of potentially eligible lots to 37 per cent. This change should assist to alleviate concerns around servicing and infrastructure capacities.

“We’ve incorporated plot ratio and site coverage controls to encourage positive design outcomes and ensure that dual occupancy proposals match the existing neighbourhood amenity and character.

“Controls have also been introduced around street widths and cul-de-sacs to alleviate traffic and parking concerns.

“The Planning Commission is confident that we have achieved a proposal that will offer opportunity for renewal and revitalisation and deliver diversity in housing choice while maintaining the character of existing suburbs,” Mr Nairn said.

The revised proposal is now with the Minister for Lands and Planning, Mr Tollner, for consideration. It is anticipated the Minister will place the proposal on exhibition for a period of further consultation shortly.

Media contact: Helen Farquhar 0437 458213