Uncertainty over permit changes

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has reacted with caution to the state government’s decision to remove the requirement for planning permits on second homes or granny flats.

Under the changes, granny flats will be allowed in large backyards without a permit, with some restrictions.

Hastings MP Paul Mercurio said the new rules meant people would have extra space for a growing family or somewhere “when the kids visit”.

In comments posted to Facebook on Friday 22 September, Mercurio said there were some restrictions, with the permit-free granny flat only permitted it if was less than 60 square metres.

It is believed there will also be minimum land size restrictions as well.

The change is part of the Victoria Housing Statement that aims to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade.

Instead of decisions being made by municipal councils, the new state government rules will apply to “granny flat-type” accommodation, with the expectation that there will be fewer applications going to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and less delays on construction.

Small second homes, often known as granny flats or dwelling garden units, have been suggested by social housing advocates as the solution to the peninsula’s housing crisis.

But for many, the burden of getting planning approval has put building a second small home has made it too difficult.

The mayor Cr Steve Holland said the council didn’t know the full ramifications of the housing statement announced by the Premier Daniel Andrews and it would take time to consider what it means for the region.

“The intent of secondary dwellings has always been to provide diverse and affordable housing options,” Holland said.

“However, in tourist areas such as the peninsula, secondary dwellings are also likely to be used for short stay accommodation. If used for short stay accommodation, secondary dwellings will do nothing to make housing more affordable for our residents.

“Council has previously advocated for the inclusion of mandatory section 173 Agreements to prohibit subdivision of secondary dwellings from their existing dwelling and prohibiting their use as holiday accommodation.

“At this stage, it is unclear whether these considerations will be included in the housing reform plan.”

Apart from removing the need for a permit for a second home that’s less than 60 square metres, the state government plans to introduce more permit exemptions for single dwellings for things like extensions to sheds and car ports.

In addition, planning permits will no longer be required for single dwellings on lots bigger than 300 square metres, and not covered by an overlay. Single dwellings on lots smaller than 300 square metres, where an overlay does not exist, will be ticked off within 10 days.