Planning laws protect people. A poorly regulated rush to boost housing supply will cost us all
The housing crisis is firmly on the Australian policy agenda. Governments see a rapid increase in supply as the main solution.
The importance of supply is not disputed. But more housing alone isn’t enough: new housing must be provided in ways that do not widen the gap between the “haves and the have-nots”.
Our recent research in Sydney, for instance, shows how the planning system already overlooks what is needed to make the city equitable and liveable. Planning decisions contradict or ignore guidelines and checklists that are meant to help ensure communities are healthy…..