Background

In 2018, the NSW State Government introduced the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (Low Rise Code) in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development) 2008 (the Codes SEPP).

This Low Rise Code provides an alternative approval pathway for some types of medium density housing, overriding local planning controls and allowing for a greater density development that would be inconsistent with objectives contained in LEP 2015.

Council has opposed the Low Rise Code since it was proposed, calling for the Blue Mountains LGA to be exempt from this Part of the Codes SEPP. This opposition was included as an action in the Blue Mountains 2040: Living Sustainably (the Local Strategic planning Statement) in response to the potential adverse environmental and character impacts of the Low Rise Code, which are of particular significance for a City within a World Heritage Area.