Milton is among the inner-city suburbs where plans are progressing to change parking requirements for new developments, potentially leading to fewer parking spaces in residential buildings.
The move aims to increase housing affordability by allowing developers to construct buildings with reduced parking provisions, encouraging residents to embrace alternative transport options and potentially forgo car ownership altogether.
Under the proposed changes, suburbs like Milton, Bowen Hills, West End, and Newstead would be subject to the same planning regulations as the Brisbane CBD. This would effectively cut the mandatory parking spaces for new apartments by approximately half.
Council argues that this shift will help address housing affordability issues in the inner city. By reducing the cost of construction associated with building car parks, developers could potentially pass on savings to buyers and renters. This could make inner-city living a more viable option for those currently priced out of the market.
However, the proposal has sparked concerns from some community groups who worry about the potential strain on existing public transport and active transport infrastructure. They argue that the inner city’s current transport network might not be adequate to accommodate a potential influx of new residents who may rely more heavily on public transport, cycling, and walking.
This is not the first time these changes have been tabled. Council initially presented the plan in May, gaining the support of the State Government. However, community concerns prompted this latest public consultation round, set to close on 5 November.
Following the community consultation period, the plan will undergo final reviews before potentially being adopted early next year. If approved, the changes could significantly reshape the urban landscape of suburbs like Milton and influence the future of inner-city living in Brisbane.
Published Date 21-October-2024
