I opposed redevelopment proposals for The Chimes in Potts Point which would see 80 low-cost studio and one-bedroom homes demolished for only 34 apartments in a building almost double in scale.

The application is going through the state significant development pathway under new rules that allow the state government to approve height and floor space above what planning rules permit for the delivery of affordable housing because nine of the 34 apartments would be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years. My submission argued that there would be a housing affordability loss due to both a net loss in the number of homes and a loss of 80 low-cost homes. The existing 80 plus residents of The Chimes, most first home buyers, essential workers, or anyone on a low or medium income would not be able to afford the 25 market-priced luxury apartments, or the nine community housing apartments when they are sold off in 15 years. Potts Point is one of the few places that offers one-bedroom and studio apartments in the city, which means displaced residents will have few housing options and the redevelopment would impact on the area’s historic social fabric.

The state government must not let its housing affordability provisions be used as a loophole to remove low-cost housing and housing supply for profit. If housing affordability policies are applied in isolation and permitted to act at cross purposes, they will not help resolve the housing affordability crisis.

Submissions are due today and I encourage you to make one.

To lodge a submission: HERE.

My submission: HERE.