State Government pushes for more small lot housing in Redlands

Small lot housing in Thornlands where some blocks range in size from 125 to 150 sqm

A State Government push for more small lot housing in the Redlands is one of three town planning issues to be discussed at the next meeting of Redland City Council, on Wednesday.

This post was updated on 25 July 2021 with details of the council meeting decision on this matter. The additional information is at the end of the story.

Two other city planning issues up for discussion at Wednesday’s meeting are:

• Proposed changes to medium density residential development rules in the Redland City Plan which could be put to the community for public consultation (item 14.2); and
• A proposal to proceed with amendments to the City Plan relating to assessment benchmarks for artificial water bodies and categories of development (levels of assessment) for reconfiguring a lot located within the Recreation and Open Space Zone (Item 14.3).

Confidential items for discussion in closed session

Two confidential reports are listed for discussion in closed session at this meeting.

Commercial Lease Renewal

Officers will recommend that Council approve the disposal of land or an interest in land under the Local Government Regulation 2012, for the purposes of renewing an existing lease (Item 19.1).

Planning and Environment Court appeals – Sutgold Pty Ltd (Fiteni Homes)

Officers will provide Council with an update about appeals relating to plans by Fiteni Homes to develop hundreds of housing blocks in Victoria Point. (Item 19.2)

Steven Miles wants more small lot housing in Redlands

The State Labor Government wants Redland City Council to zone more land for residential development and allow for more small lot development in Redlands.

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles has warned Redland City Council that he may direct it to prepare “an evidence based and comprehensive Housing Supply and Diversity Strategy” by 30 August 2022.

The current Redland City Plan generally provides for a minimum lot size of 400 square metres.

But there is already small lot housing in some areas of Redland City. In Thornlands there are housing blocks as small as 125 square metres which were approved a decade ago in accordance with the south East Thornlands Structure Plan.

No need to prepare a housing supply and diversity strategy say Council officers

A report by council officers recommends that the Council’s CEO be authorised to tell the Deputy Premier and Planning Minister that “that there is no demonstrated urgent need to prepare a housing supply and diversity strategy at this time”.

The officers’ report says that Council has recently engaged independent consultants to undertake a detailed residential land supply study that will inform land use and infrastructure planning.

A Redland City housing supply and diversity strategy is considered more suitable to be undertaken as part of the next review of City Plan expected to commence in approximately 2025, say the Council officers in their report.

Redland City’s Housing Strategy 2011-2031

The Redland City Housing strategy 2011-2031 was prepared when Melva Hobson was the Mayor of Redland City.

This Housing Strategy aligns with two vision outcomes set out in the Community Plan which was prepared in 2009 after extensive community consultation and input. These vision outcomes are:

• “We will carefully manage population pressures and use land sustainably while advocating and taking steps to determine the limits of growth and carrying capacity on a local and national basis, recognising environmental sensitivities and the distinctive character, heritage and atmosphere of local communities. A well‐planned network of urban, rural and bushland areas and responsive infrastructure and transport systems will support strong, healthy communities.” and
• “A mix of housing suitable for all household groupings makes efficient use of land within the urban footprint and encourages a range of affordable housing options which include the retention of existing low density residential options and protection from intensification or encroachment of other uses.”

The Housing Strategy 2011-2031 makes no mention of any plans for residential development on wetlands next to Toondah Harbour.

More about this Council meeting

This meeting is closed to the public so people cannot observe proceedings from the public gallery.

The Council may allow people to speak during the public participation section of the meeting. Anyone wishing to address a general meeting of Redland City Council must apply in advance, no later than midday on the Monday before the meeting (tomorrow).

The Council meeting will be video recorded (except for confidential discussions) and this video recording will be posted to the meeting video recordings webpage on the Council website. Videos usually appear within 48 hours of the meeting.

The Council usually publishes the meeting minutes about one week after the meeting. Meeting minutes include the wording of all resolutions adopted and details of which councillors voted for or against every resolution – including confidential items. When published, the minutes will appear on this Council webpage.

The contents of the agenda for Redland City Council’s meeting on Wednesday 21 July 2021 are shown below. The complete ‘public’ version of the meeting agenda (including officers’ reports for all non-confidential items) is available on the Council website.

Redlands2030 – 18 July 2021

Update: Councillors say no need for new housing strategy

On 21 July 2021 Redland City councillors voted unanimously to tell Deputy Premier Steven Miles that there is no need for the Council to prepare a new housing strategy.

“Council has also progressed land use and infrastructure planning for two newly emerging communities in south west Victoria Point and southern Redland Bay which are expected to accommodate more than 5500 new lots, including providing opportunities for lots below 400m2.” said mayor Karen Williams.

The Council’s full statement about its decision can be viewed in a media release titled:

Enough housing supply and diversity in Redland City

Councillors’ discussion about this issue (Item 14.1) can be viewed on the meeting video recording.

Redlands2030 – 25 July 2021