Calls for NSW government to rethink proposed planning reforms for caravans

There are calls for the New South Wales government to rethink proposed reforms which some warn could exacerbate the housing crisis. Under proposed legislative changes, if someone is living in a caravan connected to power and water for longer than six months or if the caravan exceeds 20 square metres, they would need council approval. If the proposed laws come into effect, it would represent the biggest shakeup of such planning laws in three decades, but there are questions over whether now is the right time as the state battles a housing crisis. New South Wales Planning Minister Paul Scully says the changes wouldn’t be retrospective, and people wouldn’t need a development application. Sky News understands fees would vary between councils. “In a time where we are increasingly seeing tiny homes and movable dwellings becoming permanent secondary residencies, we also want to provide our Councils with peace of mind when planning for local amenities and infrastructure,” Mr Scully said in a statement.