Letters to the Editor
10 November, 2026
Letter to the editor: Planning and Housing
Letter to the editor from John Elvy, Southern Highlands, regarding our story on planning.
Good afternoon,
Neville Fredericks comments on housing development in the Wingecarribbee Shire makes good sense.
Over the past 40 years, I have been an elected Councillor, Mayor and advocate for streamlining local government. Every community deserves planning guidelines that are in tune with changing housing demands. Yes, “guidelines”, not inflexible rules. Unfortunately, many councils today have become quite inflexible when considering planning applications and impose ridiculous requirements on housing projects.
There is no doubt that over the next 20 years the Southern Highlands will experience significant changes to our housing needs. Population will grow as transport improves, (potential fast train or electrification of the southern line), people exiting the city for a greener and quieter lifestyle along with those downsizing from within the highlands and other urban environments.
Neville is absolutely correct when he refers to smaller housing and better integration within the urban landscape. Planners need to investigate these demand changes. They need to understand that people want greater choice, less red tape and “tick the box” approvals. Yes, surely we can develop a template that clearly outlines what is required by council and can be approved by delegated authority. If we are the serious about addressing the rising costs of housing, then we MUST reduce red tape, simplify the approval process and implement a planning vision for the community’s future.
Our Council could be the benchmark for others to follow, so it is important that we encourage input from experienced people who have successfully implemented quality, market driven housing development.
John Elvy
Resident
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