28 October 2026
Find out more about these changes and how they may apply to your planning applications.
We have redefined how garden area is calculated in the planning system, making it easier to meet the deemed to comply standards for new residential developments.
Uncovered driveways and uncovered areas designated for car parking will now count towards a residential development’s deemed to comply eligibility.
We have also removed the restriction that garden area must have a minimum dimension of 1 metre before it can contribute its eligibility.
These updates make the garden area provisions more flexible and allow for more site-specific responsive outcomes.
Why are these changes being introduced?
In March 2025, we introduced the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code to make it faster and easier for more liveable and sustainable medium-density housing to be approved. The Code established standards for good development outcomes, including requirements for tree canopy, site coverage and landscaping.
Since its introduction, we heard feedback that existing minimum garden area requirements are difficult to reconcile with the Code’s objectives.
The changes will make it easier for new residential developments to meet mandatory garden area requirements and support the delivery of low- and medium-density housing under the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code.
You can learn about the changes by reading the updated planning practice note: PPN84: Applying the minimum garden area requirement.
Page last updated: 28/10/26