Australian couple bought land to build home; council ruling leaves them stuck
An Australian couple finds themselves in a challenging predicament as their plans for two modular homes on a single plot are stymied by council zoning regulations. While they juggle the burdens of paying both rent and a mortgage without having a home to show for it, recent state reforms promise to streamline modular construction approvals. These anticipated changes aim to eliminate such…
Caitlin Holme and Chris Robinson, an Australian couple, bought a large plot of land in Bulli with the intention of building two modular homes side by side. The plan was to live next door to the sister of Ms. Holme, who already had a home on the property. The couple hoped to benefit from the cost-effectiveness of modular construction, which was supported by both state and federal policy as a solution to the housing crisis.
However, Wollongong City Council rejected their application to build the homes, stating that two modular homes on the property constituted a 'manufactured housing estate,' which was not permitted under the site's zoning rules. The couple, who are raising two young children, are now stuck without a home while still paying rent and a mortgage.
They expressed disappointment and frustration with the council's decision, feeling that they had followed all the necessary steps and complied with government advice to promote modular housing. The NSW government has since introduced building reforms aimed at eliminating the distinction between modular and traditionally constructed homes in the approvals process, which it hopes will resolve the family's predicament.
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