Earthmoving News

South Australia to allow larger granny flats

Under a new code amendment, South Australian granny flats can have a larger floor area and the use of individual facilities

The South Australian government has changed its planning laws to allow for bigger granny flats, which will improve their accessibility and create more housing options, it says.

Under the new laws, the maximum floor area in granny flats has increased from 60 to 70 square metres. The increase will make these units a more accessible and realistic housing option for people to age in place, or for young adults leaving home, the state government says.

Changes have been driven by public and local council feedback during community consultation for the Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendment.

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The adopted Code Amendment also allows councils to approve self-contained accommodation, with the state government changing technical definitions, which has resulted in planning approvals previously being denied.

As a result of the Code changes, granny flats will no longer have to share kitchens, bathrooms or laundries with the house, while student accommodation can include individual facilities to be self-contained.

“The changes to the planning laws will create greater housing options, which means more people will be able to live independently at an affordable rate,” housing and urban development minister Nick Champion says.

This an important code amendment has the potential to ease pressure on the student housing sector, create opportunities for people to age in place and improve the quality of living for many South Australians.”

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