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Media Release - Department of Planning Sydney: 13 June 2008 STATEMENT REGARDING THE DRAFT NSW HOUSING CODE A serious misconception about the NSW Government’s draft housing code continues to be regularly aired in the media despite its blatant inaccuracy, and needs to be addressed once and for all. There have been a number of local newspaper reports recently claiming that, under the proposed code, only a listing on the NSW State Heritage Register would stop buildings with heritage significance being able to be demolished without the need for development application approval. This is not true. In addition to items that are State listed, every item listed locally through a council’s local environmental plan (of which there are more than 25,000 throughout New South Wales), as well as items within local heritage conservation areas would require approval to be demolished. Clearly this provision ensures that any item that has been identified as being of heritage significance is appropriately protected. Moreover, the draft code currently on exhibition for public comment, only applies this demolition provision to single storey dwellings on lots over 600 square metres in size, not to any other type of building, including commercial or industrial buildings. Any suggestion that buildings such as the Queen Victoria Building or Centrepoint Tower are under threat of demolition from the draft code is completely fanciful. The draft code has been designed to allow homeowners to achieve no more than a 10-day turnaround for small-scale home designs which: • Protect privacy and sunlight access for neighbours; • Provide sufficient outdoor space; and • Don't overcrowd the block. The draft code is on exhibition until July 4 and during this time it is vital that the proposed changes are reported accurately, not in a way that is likely to mislead members of the public.
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