3.2 Secondary Dwellings
Part 3 – Land Use Controls
This section outlines the objectives and controls for secondary dwellings (granny flats). These are designed to support the primary use of the land while ensuring that the site's overall density, character, and amenity are maintained.
Secondary Dwellings are primarily governed by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (specifically Chapter 3, Part 1) (Housing SEPP). The requirements of the Housing SEPP prevail over the controls in this DCP. This section provides supplementary guidance to ensure that where the Housing SEPP allows for local discretion, the development remains sympathetic to the local neighbourhood character and results in high level outcomes.
Objectives
Scale and Size: To ensure the secondary dwelling remains visibly smaller compared to the primary dwelling, while balancing built and unbuilt areas on the site.
Context and Character: To ensure the design, materials, and setbacks complement the architectural form of the primary dwelling and the established character of the surrounding area, including existing buildings along rear laneways.
Privacy and Space: To minimise visual bulk and protect the solar access and privacy of neighbouring properties through strategic siting, adequate setbacks and skilful design.
Laneway Activation and Safety: To encourage passive surveillance of rear laneways by incorporating openings that face the public domain.
Controls
General siting, scale and design
Detached secondary dwellings are to:
- a)Have a maximum ridge height of 6.0m above existing ground level if designed with a pitched, hipped or gabled roof
- b)be a maximum of 3.5m in height if designed with a flat or skillion style roof
Detached secondary dwellings are to be single storey however can:
Include a loft room/space wholly enclosed within the roof form (dormer windows are allowed) where a pitched, hipped or gabled roof is used
Be two storeys where it adjoins a rear lane
The secondary dwelling is to be located and designed so as to not result in loss of solar access to neighbouring properties, or to the primary dwelling on the site itself, which breaches the solar access requirements of Part 2.4 – Amenity.
Stairs to upper levels or lofts are to be internalised.
A Secondary Dwelling may be incorporated into the body of the primary dwelling, at either ground level or above, subject to the setback and amenity controls contained in this DCP for alterations and additions to a dwelling.
External materials and colours are to match or complement the main house.
Side and rear setbacks will be assessed as per the setback controls of Part 3.1 of this DCP.
Secondary Dwellings - Amenity
Secondary dwellings are subject to all relevant controls contained in Part 2.4 - Amenity and Part 3.1 - Dwellings of the DCP.
Private Open Space (POS) - ground level secondary dwellings to have a minimum area of 3m x 3m directly accessible from the living room.
Secondary dwellings located at first floor level are to incorporate a balcony as private open space, designed to:
- a)Not exceed 1.5m in depth or 3.0m in length
- b)Be recessed or screened to mitigate overlooking to neighbours
- c)Be accessed off a living area
A detached secondary dwelling is to have a minimum separation from the primary dwelling of 6.0m. Council may require a greater separation on larger lots or when either the primary dwelling or the secondary dwelling are, or would be, two storeys or greater.
Secondary dwellings may be built to the laneway boundary unless a greater setback is required for vehicle manoeuvring or pedestrian safety.
Secondary dwellings abutting a lane are to comply with the height limits for external wall height and maximum roof ridge height contained in Table 3.2.1.
Table 3.2.1. External wall height and ridge height of an ancillary building to a laneway
| 'Type' and width of laneway | Maximum external wall height | Maximum roof ridge height |
|---|---|---|
| 'Narrow lane' (<5m) | 3m | 5m |
| 'Medium lane' (5.1m – 8m) | 3.6m | 6m |