What the? Council wants retirement living and land lease communities
Singleton pushes for more over-55s housing
- Supply gap: Only one over-55s development in a town of 26,000
- Council action: Mayor calls for planning reforms to boost supply
- Broader strategy: Focus on diverse, affordable and innovative housing options
- Next step: Draft Affordable Housing Action Plan to go on public exhibition
The ageing population is finally cutting through with the people who matter.
At this month’s meeting of Singleton Council in NSW’s Hunter Region, it was pointed out there is only one over-55s community, the 30-unit All Saints’ Property Trust's All Saints Court Retirement Village, in the town of almost 26,000 people.
Mayor Sue Moore wants support from Council to increase the development options in the over-55s housing market.
“It is essential that Council proactively plans for this shift by encouraging the development of suitable Over 55 and retirement living options within our local government area,” she stated in her minute.
“Providing these opportunities not only supports our ageing population but also helps to free up existing housing stock for younger families, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable housing market.”
In the calling for a review of the Singleton Local Environment Plan, she sought:
- A diverse range of housing options that meet the needs of residents at different life stages;
- Encourage efficient and sustainable use of land, particularly in areas with strategic transport links and community infrastructure.
- Maximise the community benefit of public land, including health precincts and central public spaces.
- Promote innovative housing solutions, such as tiny homes and manufactured homes, to increase affordability and choice.
The Mayor also sought the rezoning of land surrounding the bypass for development and to optimise the use of land adjacent to the hospital for community, health, and compatible residential purposes.
She recommended Council commence the process to reclassify Community Land to Operational Land to support affordable housing outcomes, while maintaining community benefits.
In addition, the Mayor called for an investigation of opportunities for a park to support affordable housing outcomes.
Council was also recommended to place the draft Singleton Affordable Housing Action Plan on public exhibition. The Action Plan has been developed to identify realistic, evidence-based and locally appropriate actions to facilitate the supply and availability of affordable housing within the Singleton LGA.
