Low and Mid-Rise Housing
fjcstudio designs housing under the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which encourages more dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, apartments and shop top housing close to town centres and stations. Working with planning consultants, we test what the controls allow on a site, then design homes that suit their neighbourhood.
The policy applies to residential land within 800 metres walking distance of 171 nominated town centres and stations across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Lower Hunter and Newcastle, and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. Different controls apply within 400 metres and between 400 and 800 metres.
Our Expertise
Reading the Controls
The policy sets different standards within 400 metres, and between 400 and 800 metres, of a nominated centre or station. We test height, floor space, setbacks and affordable housing bonuses on each site, so owners and developers know what the controls allow before they commit to a scheme.
The Right Housing Type
The policy covers a wide range of housing, from dual occupancies, terraces and townhouses to mid-rise apartments and shop top housing. We help owners and developers choose the type that best suits each site, its frontage, landform and neighbours, and plan homes with daylight, outlook and cross ventilation.
Fitting the Neighbourhood
Mid-rise apartments and terraces often sit beside established homes and heritage areas. We shape height, setbacks and landscape so new homes respect their neighbours, sunlight and streets, and we test each scheme with design review panels and councils early, so concerns are addressed before an application is lodged.
Working with Councils
Most proposals under the policy are assessed by local councils, which still consider matters such as parking, solar access and minimum frontages. Working with each project’s planning consultant, we prepare clear, well-resolved designs that address these matters early and support a smooth assessment.
For further information about our low and mid-rise housing capability, please enquire by email. You can also explore our Transport Oriented Development and Housing Delivery Authority work.