Tamworth Regional Council has approved a major change allowing people to build secondary dwellings, or granny flats on certain rural properties. The decision was made at the 11 November Council meeting as part of the Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy 2024, which aims to make housing more available and flexible across the region.
The Strategy found that housing in Tamworth is becoming harder for many people, and while there’s no quick fix, a combination of actions can help. Council says that during community consultations, many people said they wanted the option to build secondary dwellings on farms or rural blocks so they could house ageing parents, adult children, farm workers or extended family without needing to subdivide land.
After two years of discussions with community groups, government agencies and industry, Council has agreed to change the planning rules.
Deputy Mayor Cr Jeff Budd said, “A lot of work has happened over the last two years in terms of consultation with the community and state government authorities.”
Tamworth Council believes it is the first in the New England region to allow granny flats on certain rural lands.
The Planning Proposal is being finalised now and should be officially approved early in the new year. Once that happens, eligible rural landowners will be able to apply to build a secondary dwelling.
Council says the change should help with two major issues: the shortage of rental properties and the need for better succession planning on farms. The region’s population is ageing, and many older residents want to stay on their land. A second small home can help families care for parents or hand over farm responsibilities more smoothly. These dwellings can also be rented out, which is allowed under current laws. Council says tenant rights are protected under NSW tenancy legislation, just like any other rental.
The Tenants’ Union of NSW agrees secondary dwellings can be useful, but warns that landlords must understand their responsibilities.
Chief Executive for the Tenants’ Union Leo Patterson Ross said, “Secondary dwellings can help families stay together as they age, but when they’re rented out, it’s important that boundaries, access and utilities are clear and that landlords understand their obligations.”
Not every rural property will qualify. Council worked with the Department of Primary Industries to ensure secondary dwellings are kept off the region’s most valuable farming land. They won’t be allowed in areas like the proposed Namoi Regional Jobs Precinct, where land is being reserved for intensive agriculture such as beef and poultry production. Only certain rural zones will be eligible.
There are also limits on size and location. A secondary dwelling can be no larger than 130 square metres or 25% of the main house (whichever is bigger) and must be within 100 metres of the main home. These rules help prevent clusters of houses from forming in unsuitable areas and ensure farming operations aren’t disrupted.
Council doesn’t expect the change to place extra pressure on roads, utilities or other services. Each proposal will still need to go through the standard development assessment process, which checks environmental impacts, access and whether the dwelling fits the surrounding area. Existing planning laws also let Council refuse applications that could cause conflict with nearby farming, even if they meet the size and distance requirements.
Council says the change gives rural families more flexibility while protecting important agricultural land.
“There can be an easier pathway for the building of secondary residences on properties, but at the same time, protecting the integrity of agricultural business in certain areas. [It’s] a great outcome
for the community”, said Deputy Mayor Cr Budd.
With the new rules expected to begin early next year, rural landowners in the Tamworth region will soon have new options to house family members, plan for the future, and help ease the housing shortage.
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