OPPORTUNITIES to address “a limited range of housing options” and meet the needs of an aging population looking to downsize have been explored in the City of Melville’s draft local housing strategy.
The 78-page document was prepared in response to State Government policies which have set infill targets in Melville at 18,000 new dwellings by 2050.
The report found a “mismatch” between dwelling types and households within the City, with a high proportion of large dwellings containing four or more bedrooms and a relatively low proportion of smaller dwellings.
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READ NOW“There is a limited range of housing options in the City of Melville,” the report said.
“In particular, in comparison to the rest of Perth, there are fewer apartments and small dwellings available.
“Nearly half of all dwellings within the City are occupied by one or two people, however there is a limited number of one-bedroom and two-bedroom dwellings.”
Recommendations to address the imbalance include commencing the Murdoch residential opportunities report as early as 12 months time, starting the Canning Highway corridor study in one to two-years and beginning studies for Marmion Street and South Street in three to five years.
Gradual coding changes were suggested to provide alternative dwelling choices closer to activity centres.
With no further greenfield sites available to develop, most new housing will be provided through the redevelopment of existing residential and mixed-use sites close to activity centres.
REIWA president Hayden Groves said re-zoning pockets of the City would encourage people to consider their opportunities to re-develop.
There was also a recommendation to initiate activity centre plans for Bull Creek, Kardinya and Petra Street district centres in the longer term, and consider up-coding low density areas with high amenity as part of a scheme review within 10 years.
The draft found choices were limited for seniors looking to downsize, with people aged 45 and older placing less value on big backyards.
“This could suggest unmet demand for homes on lots that are smaller than the standard in Melville,” the report read.
Recommendations to address this included encouraging smaller dwellings close to activity centres and transport via coding changes, and continuing to allow alternative housing options including ancillary dwellings in low-density areas.
Mr Groves said seniors did not all fall under the same umbrella and wanted options, with diversity needed.
The plan is out for public comment until 5pm Friday.
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