Precinct Urban Planning is strongly supportive of the recent announcement by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) that the Council is set to embark on a Local Housing Action Plan project to review current and future housing needs across the region and is asking for community feedback. TRC Place (Planning) portfolio spokesperson Councillor Tim McMahon said Council had recognised that as the region’s population continues to grow, a greater supply of housing and increased housing type choice for residents is needed. “Council recognises its role in responding to the housing crisis and undertaking a Local Housing Action Plan. “This plan will ultimately allow Council to identify potential actions and opportunities to address a range of immediate, emerging and longer-term housing and infrastructure challenges in both the urban and regional areas of the Region. “We will collaborate with the Queensland State Government in the development of the plan and are asking for community feedback to ensure the need and wants of the community are considered. “We want to focus on the long-term affordability and sustainability of housing types for the needs, means and values of our community members in Toowoomba Region,” Cr McMahon said. “Council is asking the community to consider what factors influence their housing wants and needs, now and into the future, with residents encouraged to share their thoughts from Monday, 18 November to Friday, 13 December by visiting Council’s Your Say website. Precinct Urban Planning’s Director Andrew Bullen has long advocated for an increase in residential land supply across the region. Mr Bullen and other development industry representatives contend that “the evident under supply of residential land, inevitably results in many of those that might otherwise purchase a new home acquiring existing properties, and often investment (rental) properties. In other words, the rental stock is cannibalised by owner occupiers in a climate of insufficient supply. We know anecdotally that Toowoomba’s rental stock reduced by between 10-15% since pre-covid as a result of the undersupply driven rental crisis.” Mr Bullen noted further that “the reduction in rental stock results in more competition for available rental properties, an increase in rents and a consequential decline in rental affordability. Those at the bottom of the market get squeezed out and face the real threat of homelessness.” Mr Bullen believes “that while a housing strategy made sense, it is incumbent on Council and well within their power to take urgent action on the ground to release more residential land”. “The positive benefits of increased residential supply cascade through the broader housing market to ease price pressure for those seeking to purchase or rent dwellings – it is a win-win outcome”. For more information on Council’s Local Housing Action Plan, please visit https://lnkd.in/gjBU8tpU , call Council on 131 872 or email [email protected]
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Oregon Urban Redevelopment Practioners Explore Innovative Urban Renewal at OEDA Conference At the Oregon Economic Development Association’s Annual Conference in Klamath Falls, URA leaders from La Grande, Redmond, and Portland shared how tax increment financing (TIF) is driving urban renewal in their communities. The panel, “Oregon Urban Renewal: Would you like that Small, Medium, or Large?” highlighted how cities of different sizes are leveraging TIF to boost economic growth and equity. La Grande: Small-Town Impact Timothy Bishop, Economic Development Director for the City of La Grande, detailed how his small community uses TIF to revitalize its downtown. Programs like the Main Street façade grant and adaptive reuse initiative are key to supporting local businesses with needed upgrades. “We don’t have developers flocking to rural Eastern Oregon for multimillion-dollar projects,” Bishop said. “But our TIF program allows us to scale incentives that are right for our community.” La Grande’s program has generated nearly $4 million in project value from $350,000 in grants. Redmond: Medium-Sized Ambitions The City of Redmond’s approach, shared by Urban Renewal Program Analyst Meghan Gassner, has been more ambitious. The city transformed a vacant downtown building into a kitchen store and apartments by combining TIF-funded property rehabilitation loans and housing grants. Redmond invested $400,000, covering 22% of the total project costs. “Our investment wasn’t just in bricks and mortar,” Gassner said. “It was about supporting a business owner who is now a vital part of our downtown business association”. Portland: Large-Scale Solutions Justin Douglas, Governance, Learning, and Outcomes Manager at Prosper Portland, explained how Portland uses TIF to address affordable housing and economic development. With many TIF districts expiring, the city has been assessing the impact of its investments. For every $1 invested by Portland, $15 in private investment has been generated. Since 2000, TIF has helped fund 5,600 affordable housing units in Portland. “Affordable housing hasn’t depressed property values,” Douglas said. “In fact, it’s helped stabilize rents in surrounding areas.” Portland is now considering new TIF districts to continue its efforts. Tailored Solutions for Every URA District The session underscored that, whether small, medium, or large, TIF can be a powerful tool for urban renewal. Each city offered a roadmap for other communities looking to balance economic development with equity. #UrbanRenewal #EconomicDevelopment #TaxIncrementFinancing #CommunityRevitalization #AffordableHousing #SustainableGrowth #PublicPrivatePartnership #OregonCities #TIFSuccess #EquitableDevelopment #CityManagement #LocalGovernmentLeadership CCD Business Development Business Oregon South Coast Development Council (SCDC) League Of Oregon Cities
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The restoration of mandatory housing targets and relaxation of greenbelt rules mark a decisive shift in urban planning and development strategies. 🏙️ This overhaul could lead to several significant impacts: 🔹 **Boost in Housing Supply:** Mandating housing targets is likely to accelerate the construction of new homes, offering relief to housing markets plagued by supply shortages. This could be a game-changer for first-time home buyers and renters navigating record levels of housing scarcity and affordability crises. 🔹 **Economic Revitalization:** An uptick in housing construction can revitalize local economies. With increased demand for construction jobs, materials, and services, communities could experience newfound economic prosperity, promoting overall growth. However, the relaxation of greenbelt rules introduces a complex layer of environmental considerations that must be carefully managed: 🔹 **Environmental Integrity at Risk?** Greenbelt zones, traditionally preserved for their ecological and recreational value, now face potential threats from urban sprawl. Sustainable development practices must be at the forefront to strike a balance between expanding housing and protecting our natural landscapes. 🔹 **Community Involvement:** As we tread this path, it is crucial to keep community voices at the center of planning efforts. Mechanisms for public consultation will be pivotal in ensuring that development is conducted in a way that aligns with the values and needs of local residents. Looking ahead, this policy overhaul could transform the housing landscape, aligning supply with the growing demand. Here are a few predictions: 1️⃣ **Increased Homeownership:** A steady increase in housing availability could pave the way for more citizens to achieve the dream of homeownership. Expect mortgage markets and lending institutions to adapt to this surge accordingly. 2️⃣ **Innovative Urban Designs:** With new housing targets, we might see urban planners integrating more eco-friendly designs, green architecture, and smart city concepts. Adopting innovative solutions will be essential to balancing development with environmental stewardship. 3️⃣ **Regulatory Landscape:** Policies and bylaws will evolve to accommodate these new changes. Anticipate a wave of regulatory adjustments at municipal and regional levels to streamline housing development processes while safeguarding environmental concerns. In conclusion, this strategic policy overhaul represents both opportunities and challenges. It will require a delicate balancing act between meeting housing demands and ensuring sustainable growth. Let’s stay rooted in forward-thinking, community-centric approaches as we navigate this new landscape. What are your thoughts on these changes? How do you think they will reshape our urban environments? 💭 #HousingDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #SustainableGrowth #economicimpact
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After eight years of hard work and dedication, Dellray Group is proud to announce the successful re-designation of 300 acres from agricultural to residential land across the East GTA (Durham Region) and Southeast Ontario. This represents approximately 6% of East GTA’s newly approved residential lands for the next 30 years. Across fast-growing Durham Region, Dellray will play a key role in significantly growing four major cities for over 600,000 new residents over the next 30 years. This approval allows us to create over 4,500 homes, 200k sqft of commercial space, parks, schools, and community centers across master-planned communities of high-rise and mid-rise apartments, townhouses, semis, and singles with a completion value of $4 billion. Since 2016, under the visionary leadership of our founder Henry Li, we assembled almost a dozen properties across East GTA and achieved successful urban boundary expansions on every site during the Durham Region Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR). Congratulations to all companies that achieved successful urban boundary expansions with us in Durham Region! We will be working closely with Tribute Communities, TACC Construction Ltd., Fieldgate Homes, Paradise Developments Inc., Greenpark Group/Treasure Hill, Condrain Group/CountryWide Homes, Zancor Homes/Cortel Group, Dorsay Development Corporation, Menkes Developments Ltd., Mattamy Homes & Brookfield Residential The newly adopted Durham Region Official Plan, approved by Minister Calandra and the Durham Regional Council, will guide all developments in East GTA over the next 30 years. This concludes the lengthy Official Plan review process in all major municipalities across Ontario. Dellray achieved unprecedented success throughout the province by re-designating its vase land holdings from agricultural to residential and industrial, which led to our exponential growth. These approvals will lead to the creation of millions of new homes, roads, highways, schools, parks, commercial space, and businesses to accommodate Ontario's projected 22 million population by 2051. Lastly, we would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Henry Li, Founder, President & CEO, Dellray Group Leadership Team & Staff, Dellray Group Our consultants and colleagues at The Biglieri Group Ltd., Malone Given Parsons, SCS Consulting Group Ltd., WSP, Pinchin Ltd. & Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, former Minister of Housing John Tory, former Mayor of Toronto John Henry, Durham Regional Chair & CEO Dave Ryan, former Mayor of Pickering Kevin Ashe, Mayor of Pickering David Pickles, Pickering Councillor Don Mitchell, former Mayor of Whitby Elizabeth Roy, Mayor of Whitby Steve Yamada, Whitby Councillor Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington Willie Woo, Deputy Mayor of Clarington
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S78 Appeal – residential regeneration Emery Planning has won an appeal for 17 dwellings on a former care home site in Barrow-in-Furness, on behalf of local housebuilder Mullberry Homes. The Council refused the application based on scale of development and consequently design, residential amenity, drainage, ecology and highway safety grounds, the latter point being generated by concerns around adequate and useable parking provision within the site. The appeal was heard by Hearing, attended by Rawdon Gascoigne and Alexa Burns. The Inspector found the scale of development acceptable, and the proposals would not give rise to unacceptable amenity for future residents leading to an acceptable form of development, concluding that: ‘The proposal would also accord with provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework which seek well-designed places and a high standard of amenity for existing and future users.’ The proposals were subject to extensive discussion in respect of the parking provision within the site, its suitability to meet the needs of residents and the consequential impacts on the surrounding highway network which the Council considered would be adverse and unacceptable. In accepting the Appellant’s case the Inspector concluded: ‘Also, if I accept the Council’s position that 47 spaces should be provided, the shortfall would only be three spaces. Even with limited on-street parking options near the appeal site, such a shortfall would unlikely have a significant harmful effect on parking and road conditions in the wider area. Moreover, this is a modest development, with significant on-site parking provision and favourable local circumstances, including local services in walking distance and good public transport options. These factors significantly counter any limited shortfall, such that I find that the development would provide adequate parking provision.’ And ‘In light of the above, I find that the proposal would provide suitable and safe parking for future occupants and would not have a harmful effect on highway safety. In these regards the proposal would be consistent with Policies H7 and I6 of the Local Plan. These Policies collectively require, amongst other matters, that a site is served by a satisfactory access that would not impact unduly on the highway network and development and proposal provide adequate parking provision.’ The Inspector found the proposals to accord with the Development Plan and its objectives. The provision of affordable housing was off-set using vacant building credit and the balance of the affordable housing (less than one unit) was provided through a commuted sum, secured though a s106 undertaking. We look forward to development progressing and this long-term vacant site being brought back into a beneficial use and contributing positively to the housing provision within Westmorland & Furness. Mike Peet Neil Tatton Richard Gadsden
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Today is #WorldTownPlanningDay2024 , marking it's 75th anniversary. This year’s theme, Homes Start with Planning, emphasises the vital role planners play in delivering housing that meets community needs and fosters equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. This theme resonates with Tibbalds' work as specialists in residential-led, mixed-use development, focused on housing and people-friendly places meaning we are intimately familiar with challenges faced in bringing forward sustainable, affordable homes and places that are viable and deliverable. The new government’s proposed amendments to the NPPF will impose more rigid housing targets on local authority areas to underline government’s expectation that housing is delivered at scale. We think it’s important to understand the long-running national context. Think poor access to sustainable transport, poor landscaping - with inappropriate planting, not enough for children to do or places to go and uninspiring low-density housing at the edge of settlements. However, despite this national picture there are plenty of examples out there of housing led development and guidance that is successful and which we should be cheering. And to celebrate World Town Planning Day we wanted to highlight some examples Tibbalds have worked on: York Housing Delivery – Tibbalds were part of the award-winning team led by Mikhail Riches Architects delivering Passivhaus homes on Council owned sites across York. The City Council’s ambitious programme is delivering sustainable and affordable homes in one of the UK’s richest heritage environments. Bradford Design Guide – Tibbalds were commissioned by Bradford Council to create a go-to manual for housebuilders, planning officers and communities to help raise standards for high-quality design in Bradford District. The guide includes eight priorities for homes in the district which include greening, inclusivity, health and distinctiveness amongst others. We are currently working on a design code for Bradford which will take forward the principles in the design guide. Carpenters Estate – Tibbalds were the lead consultant and planning consultants appointed to secure the wholesale regeneration of a large postwar estate directly adjacent to the Olympic Park for London Borough of Newham and Populo Living. Working closely with the design team (Proctor & Matthews Architects, Metropolitan Workshop LLP, LDA Design, XCO2, CampbellReith, Mott MacDonald and make:good) a resident led masterplan for the area has been established that will deliver up to 2,022 new and replacement homes, including 50% affordable housing. It will also retain and retrofit two of the high-rise towers on the site ensuring a huge reduction in embodied carbon. https://lnkd.in/e__sDP-5 #WTPD #WorldTownPlanningDay2024 RTPI International
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Talks of filling the “missing middle” have dominated Toronto’s urban planning and housing agenda for a long time. The missing middle typically refers to buildings that have a higher density than a single-family house and a lower density than a mid-rise building. This means laneway and garden housing, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and low-rise apartment buildings. When do they start becoming affordable? As Toronto's urban planning continues to progress, the "missing middle" remains a hot topic. With an increasing demand for affordable housing, the focus has shifted towards buildings that have a higher density than a single-family house and a lower density than a mid-rise building. These include laneway and garden housing, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and low-rise apartment buildings. But when do they start becoming affordable? Let's keep the conversation going and find solutions to make affordable housing a reality for all. #housingaffordability #Toronto #urbanplanning
From Bungalow To Fourplex: Missing Middle Or Missing The Point?
storeys.com
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𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝-𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥 In light of the escalating rental debts highlighted by a recent national rental company experience, with nearly $50 million in unpaid rent—an astonishing fivefold increase from pre-COVID norms—the urgent need for innovative solutions in housing is clearer than ever. Urban planners and housing finance experts are increasingly advocating for the mixed-use development model as a strategic response to these challenges. 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝-𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Focusing on integrated residential units atop retail or commercial spaces, the Urban Mixed Use development model promises to address the housing shortage and high costs associated with standalone homes. This model efficiently uses urban space and provides more affordable housing options in city centers, where land is expensive. 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 By combining residential and commercial development, mixed-use projects can diversify revenue streams, allowing developers to potentially offer more competitive rent rates. This financial flexibility can also provide a foundation for more sustainable and engaged urban communities, thereby reducing the overall financial burden on tenants. 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 To foster the growth of mixed-use developments, city planners and policymakers are encouraged to streamline the approval processes, offer tax incentives, and adjust zoning laws to facilitate these types of projects. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 The mixed-use model also holds potential for improving tenant engagement and satisfaction. Properties that offer essential amenities and retail options create integrated environments that can increase tenant loyalty and potentially improve payment compliance. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 As urban housing challenges persist, the strategic implementation of mixed-use developments can be a significant step toward creating more sustainable and affordable urban housing markets. By incorporating commercial viability with residential accessibility, these developments can provide a balanced solution that supports both economic growth and community well-being. ___________________________________ 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 works closely with experienced residential developers to arrange financing from $10MM - $200MM, for solid for-sale and for-rent projects. For more information contact David Van Waldick 760-672-0146 / [email protected], or James Carenza, 760-519-6189 / [email protected]. Or visit our web site: https://lnkd.in/gr5QfQF3 #ConstructionFinance #HousingFinance #multifamily #affordablehousing
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Media Release - Minns Government finalises Transport Oriented Development details Urban Taskforce today welcomed the publication of the details surrounding the 37 “Tier 2” TOD planning rules. Urban Taskforce CEO, Tom Forrest, said that it served as a solid platform on which to deliver more well-located housing across Sydney, Newcastle, the Illawarra and Central Coast. The TOD changes will provide a solid foundation for growing housing supply in NSW. It was pleasing to see the Government listened to Urban Taskforce concerns around building heights. The final changes to the Housing SEPP have included an increased maximum Height of Building (HOB) of 22 metres. The HOB for Shop-top housing within 400m of the nominated TOD precincts has also increased to 24m to recognise the greater height of the retail ground floor podium. These Height of Building changes enable the affordable housing 30% bonus to be applied and deliver 8 stories in most situations. To read the full release, click the link below:
240429-Urban-Taskforce-welcomes-TOD-SEPP-changes.pdf
urbantaskforce.com.au
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In Australia, medium-density housing refers to residential developments that typically contain between two and three storeys, accommodating multiple dwellings on a single site. This type of housing strikes a balance between high-density living (like apartment buildings) and low-density options (such as standalone houses). Characteristics of Medium-Density Housing: Types: Includes townhouses, duplexes, villa units, and small apartment complexes. Density: Generally defined as having a higher number of dwellings per hectare compared to traditional single-family homes but lower than large multi-unit buildings. Design: Often features a mix of private outdoor space and communal areas, promoting a sense of community while providing individual living environments. Benefits of Medium-Density Housing: Location: Typically found in urban and suburban areas, often close to public transport, schools, and amenities. Affordability: Can offer more affordable options compared to standalone houses, making it easier for first-time buyers and renters. Sustainability: Promotes efficient land use, reduces urban sprawl, and supports walkable communities. Diversity: Provides a range of housing options to accommodate different demographics, including families, young professionals, and retirees. Achieving well-located, medium-density housing is essential for sustainable urban growth, yet it presents challenges. · Zoning Regulations: Many cities still adhere to outdated zoning laws that favour single-family homes or high-rise developments. These regulations hinder the construction of medium-density housing, limiting housing options and contributing to urban sprawl (and also dissuading people from architecture that is aligned with heritage values). · Infrastructure Costs: Developing adequate infrastructure—such as sewerage, water, and power—for denser neighbourhoods can incur significant upfront costs. This necessitates long-term strategic planning and investment from municipalities to ensure that all communities can thrive. · NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard): Local residents often oppose new developments due to concerns over traffic congestion, parking availability, and the potential alteration of neighbourhood character. This resistance can stifle necessary growth and diversity in housing (the argument is all about development "lowering propery values"). · Developer Incentives: Current zoning and economic landscapes may favour developers building high-rise luxury apartments or sprawling single-family homes, making medium-density options less attractive. This discrepancy in incentives can exacerbate housing shortages and affordability issues. By acknowledging the challenges we can start to look for solutions! #UrbanPlanning #HousingDensity #SustainableDevelopment #ZoningReform #CommunityEngagement #SmartGrowth #AffordableHousing #CityPlanning
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Join me, Mr Forrest, on a tour of 50 years of my previous inclusive residential-grade apartments in Adelaide! As a proven Placemaking, I'll show you how I blend "New" with inclusive residential grade mid-rise apartments harmoniously blend historical overlays to create stunning living spaces to appeal to the Sydney market and discover my sense of social responsibility by setting aside up to 30% of these projects for affordable housing with no mandatory requirements. But it's not just about aesthetics. Urban planning experts have noted that a quota for three-bedroom units in new buildings is crucial. While there has been progress in including affordable housing, the market still needs to provide more family-friendly apartments. Tom Forrest, CEO of Urban Taskforce, agrees that the market will meet the demand for these units as attitudes towards apartment living evolve. However, he also highlights the inefficiency of the planning system as a significant contributor to the current housing crisis. Let's lift the standards and encourage the take-up of this cosmopolitan way of life in Sydney's inner and inner circle suburbs. Join me for a day in Adelaide and see what inclusive, quality residential-grade mid-rise apartments, with spacious apartments up to 230 sqm, should look like. We can demonstrate how these spaces can be more respectful of Sydney's heritage while still meeting the needs of modern families. Let's work together to set new standards for Sydney's demand for quality residential-grade mid-rise apartments. We estimate that around 25,000 such inclusive apartments per year will be required for the next 5-7 years. #sydney #midrise #residentialgrade
Families lose out in Sydney’s new housing push, say planners
smh.com.au
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Director/ Consulting Surveyor at Wilson Survey and Design Pty Ltd Consulting Surveyors
4wWow, that was quick…😳