Simon Corbell MLA ATTORNEY-GENERAL MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MINISTER FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MEMBER FOR MOLONGLO

MEDIA

RELEASE

PLANNING RULES ABOUT DEMOLISHING DUPLEXES CHANGE Duplex houses will now need development approval before they can be demolished or substantially altered, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, said today. “The government has listened to the community and reassessed the exempt development rules relating to duplexes,” Mr Corbell said. “The unique character of duplexes means their demolition and alteration can have significant impact on the adjoining duplex. “Anyone wanting to demolish and rebuild a duplex or make major alterations will have to lodge a development application, which gives neighbours the opportunity to review the plans and make comments and ensures the planning authority can assess the proposal against current laws and standards to protect the amenity and integrity of the adjoining dwelling. “For example, the authority needs to be sure the party walls will not be left exposed to the weather or left structurally unsound.” Mr Corbell said development approval did not impose an unusual or unprecedented process, but returned duplex development proposals to the default position of the existing law that all development requires development approval unless subject to an exemption regulation. Minor alterations such as internal alterations, exterior refinishing and installation of chimneys or skylights will continue to be exempt, in line with single dwelling exemptions. “The amending regulation strikes the right balance between the rights of owners to demolish, rebuild or make alterations to their duplex homes and the rights of the adjoining owner of the duplex and other home owners in the street to be informed about alterations and to have such alterations assessed by the authority to ensure the physical and visual amenity of their half of the duplex is maintained,” Mr Corbell said. The regulation amends s1.100 and s1.100B of schedule 1 of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008. Statement Ends: 5 December 2013 Media Contact: Carly Gange 6205 0434 (w) 0481 004 015 (m)

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