Kempsey Shire Council has prepared a proposal to amend the Kempsey Local Environmental Plan to permit Macleay Valley farmers and rural land owners to build another house on their property.
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At Tuesday’s council meeting last week (16.6.15), councillors were asked to endorse a planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to allow detached dual occupancy dwellings and secondary dwellings to be built in various rural zones.
“Current controls restrict development for residential purposes in non-urban zones to single dwellings, rural workers dwellings and attached dual occupancies,” the June 16 council agenda states.
“In many instances people have sought to develop their land to include a second dwelling, however, the restrictions applying to current options for a second dwelling have not suited their particular circumstances.”
The council has received numerous requests from local rural land owners to build another house on their property with the most common reason being the need to provide accommodation for a second generation of the same farming family to reside on the one property as well as the further opportunity for rental income.
“Although being unable to accommodate such requests under current controls, there have often been instances where there has been no obvious reasons, based upon merit, why this type of development should not occur,” the council agenda stated.
“Council should also be aware that current restrictions have resulted in a number of instances where second dwellings have been erected illegally that could be resolved through the introduction of the proposed amendments.”
One of the key objectives of the council’s planning proposal is to provide the opportunity for local landowners to benefit from financial, social and physical benefits of allowing dual occupancy and secondary dwellings where appropriate.
At the end of discussions, the council endorsed the proposal for submission to the minister for planning, Pru Goward, for consideration.
After the council meeting, Cr Dean Saul said he welcomed the proposal.
"It’s another slow step but a welcome step forward for the shire's intergenerational farming families to soon have the chance to apply for a dual occupancy or a secondary dwelling on their farms,” Cr Saul said.
"Coming from a farming background, I know first hand the importance of allowing the older generation a meaningful place to age with dignity, whilst still allowing the older farmers the ability to keep active on the farm should they desire to."
"It has been frustrating for councillors that previous requests for a secondary dwelling entitlement have had to be refused under the present policy where there has been no obvious reason why the development could not be allowed.
"It is hoped that once permission is given by the Department of Planning and Environment that farming families may have a better sense of security to plan for their farming futures."
