General News
19 May, 2023
Study to address new housing needs
A growing critical housing shortage in Horsham and Natimuk is behind Horsham Rural City Council's latest push to consider housing options and requirements to the year 2038. Communities and places director Kevin O'Brien said the rural city was...
A growing critical housing shortage in Horsham and Natimuk is behind Horsham Rural City Council's latest push to consider housing options and requirements to the year 2038.
Communities and places director Kevin O'Brien said the rural city was experiencing increasing housing pressures in availability, diversity and affordability.
"The demand for housing is outstripping supply," he said.
"And there is a particular gap in the provision of smaller lots and smaller dwellings.
"It is imperative that the council considers the long-term housing needs for at least the next 15 years."
An update of the Horsham Planning Scheme would indicate clear focus on housing growth, medium residential densities and provision of more affordable housing.
"It is also important to provide balance for the protection of neighbourhood 'character' and for places with heritage value," he said.
"We need to better understand who we're planning for by identifying varying housing needs across the community now and into the future in Horsham and Natimuk."
The council plans to seek community input during the 18 months the study is expected to take to complete.
The council has called for tenders for the work which will start after appointment of a planning consultant.
The first stage will assess current housing supply and constraints to growth, as well as identifying "residential character" and opportunities for social and affordable housing.
An amendment to the Horsham Planning Scheme will ensure findings and recommendations are implemented.
The Victorian Planning Authority and Horsham Rural City Council are funding the project.
"This will enable important work to support well planned and sustainable communities," Mr O'Brien said. "We want our community to have more choice in the type of housing available."