MORE than 7000 new homes will need to be built across the Bathurst region over the next 20 years to cater for a growing population, Bathurst Regional Council has been told.
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Council is developing the 2036 Bathurst Housing Strategy to provide a framework for how residential development will be planned and managed in coming years.
The blueprint will particularly target the current and future housing needs for Bathurst and discuss how a range of housing styles can be encouraged.
A report to councillors by acting environmental planning and building services director Janet Bingham says council has embarked on a staged consultation process to help in the development of the strategy.
Stage 1 comprised seeking the community’s vision for future housing while Stage 2 will seek community input on the strategy’s objectives and actions.
Ms Bingham said a growing population would create challenges for Bathurst’s housing.
“Given Bathurst’s proximity to metropolitan Sydney, Bathurst is predicted to experience increasing pressure for additional residential development,” Ms Bingham wrote.
“NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s population and housing projection (2016) predicts that Bathurst’s population will reach 55,250 by 2036, an additional 12,170 people.
“Based on a predicted declining household size to 2.32 people per dwelling in 2036, this equates to an extra 7369 dwellings.
“The strategy will examine the location and type of residential development that could be provided to meet the changing needs of the Bathurst community, ensuring development is consistent with and enhances Bathurst’s urban character, manages any associated environmental risk and is appropriately serviced.”
Stage 2 of the consultation process will go on public exhibition shortly.
Council will also hold information sessions for the public during the exhibition period.