First tiny houses on wheels community approved with retirees in mind

With the first tiny homes on wheels community approved, the question is: will it become more common?

Tiny Houses are defined as dwellings with a floor area of 50msq or less which are built on a wheeled trailer base that can be transported and can remain tethered to a site for an extended period.

The Shire of Capel in Western Australia’s southwest has approved Katie and Lee Pritchard’s proposal for 40 tiny homes on a single site in the rural town of Boyanup, 180km south of Perth, assessing the development under caravan park planning provisions.

The approval has come with about 30 conditions, requiring the proponent to submit detailed plans for rubbish, water, car parking and landscaping plans.

Katie said she felt a strong sense of responsibility to fill the gaps in the housing mix and meet the need of people struggling to buy a home.

“We expect it will appeal to a mix of residents, including local workers, essential workers, downsizers, retirees, and people looking for a more affordable and intentional way of living,” the couple said in a statement.

The homes will be leased to people wanting to live there and the community would include communal facilities, such as a pergola, garden, fire pits, walking trail and a caretaker.

The Shire has now devised a policy for Tiny Houses to ensure they seek development approval.

“This approval shows that with the right approach, local government can support new housing options that respond to how people want to live today, while still delivering good planning and community outcomes,” said Katie and Lee.