The Australian Institute of Architects has provided feedback to the NSW government via a Letter to Hon. Paul Scully MP on the recently tabled Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2025 (NSW), which seeks to “make miscellaneous amendments” to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).
The Institute recognises the importance of:
- State led-strategic planning that is strongly linked to the implementation of individual projects anchored by a set of targets to drive sound long-term outcomes in terms of housing supply, amenity, and affordability.
- Restoring the trust of the public in the planning system, as well as the quality and sustainability of new housing being built.
- Ensuring industry professionals have a clear and consistent long-term view of planning across NSW.
The housing crisis in NSW is a challenge for all levels of government.
There has never been a greater need for integrated long-term planning. It is within this context that the Institute is concerned that some of the proposed amendments may undermine the effectiveness of strategic planning for NSW.
The Institute appreciates the NSW Government’s action on the housing crisis in NSW but is concerned that efforts to focus solely on an accelerated ‘housing supply’ will undermine the broader sector’s ability to deliver well-designed, high-quality housing in places and communities that all types of people can happily and healthily afford to live in.
There is concern that strategic planning will become too singularly focused on housing supply targets, neglecting crucial factors like design quality, infrastructure availability, and overall community amenity, further eroding public trust.
The reduction of public notification times for State Significant Developments (SSDs) to 14 days is an insufficient amount of time, particularly for complex projects that require thorough public scrutiny. Additionally, the removal of state oversight of Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPSs) by the State is particularly concerning.
The Institute acknowledges that some complexities and anomalies have emerged from recent Court cases. We welcome several of the proposed amendments that will rectify this. Additionally, we welcome amendments that clarify how affordable housing contributions are to be managed in NSW.
“It is not clear to us how design quality and indeed excellence will be assured under the new planning approaches in NSW. We maintain that the general community cares as much about this as we do. No one can really afford to buy or live in poorly designed homes, buildings or places.”
– Elizabeth Carpenter, NSW Chapter President.
Key Takeaways:
- The Institute remains focussed on a balanced approach to addressing the housing crisis, prioritising not just supply but also design quality, amenity, affordability, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
- Poorly designed housing is not affordable in the long term.
- A key goal is to integrate environmental considerations into all aspects of planning and development.
- We aim to ensure that planning policy is based on robust, integrated, and long-term strategic planning that supports the creation of well-designed, sustainable, and liveable places.
