The word "planning" is fascinating and varied. At a time when many other sectors are more global and interconnected than ever, planning regulations, policies, and laws remain inherently different. Planning systems worldwide have found unique responses and solutions to local and national challenges. Here at PlaceChangers, we take inspiration from practices elsewhere, especially regarding the trend toward more sustainable and user/community-focused development planning.
The team at PlaceChangers has grown in different parts of the world, including Germany and Australia. For many years, Alex lived in Sydney and Canberra, for instance, in Australia, a land with many varied influences in its development, including the original owners of the lands, various waves of outside immigration, partly colonisation, and in recent years strong population growth for what remains a massively large yet sparsely populated country. In 2022, there were only 26.01m people in an area 32 times the size of the UK!)
Join us as we explore property and town planning processes in Australia, especially regarding socially engaged and responsible planning, which PlaceChangers regularly supports with its digital tools for place reviews and engaging resident consultations in the UK and through partners like Xyst in New Zealand.
A quick look at development planning in Australia
It’s crucial to understand the differences in residential planning compared to the UK due to variations in urbanisation, climate, historical development, and regulatory frameworks. Let’s look at them in more detail:
Planning Regulations and Processes
While heavily influenced by Britain over the years, Australia is a well-developed and more clearly structured federal democracy. In Australia, development policy is mainly down to federal states, which have consistent frameworks for development. Municipalities have local plans (“Planning Schemes”) nested within those state-level frameworks and perform the statutory planning function, including planning permission (see here). For comparison, there are 537 municipalities in Australia, of which 55% are regional, rural, or remote councils, and 25% are urban (source).
United Kingdom
Complex Planning System: Involves multiple government levels.
Stringent Codes: Strong building codes and historic preservation laws.
Public Consultation: Significant community involvement in the planning process.
Australia
Variable Regulations: Differ significantly between states and territories.
Streamlined Process: Generally, approval processes are more straightforward.
Sustainability Emphasis: Focus on environmental impact in new developments.
Key industry bodies
In each country, the UK and Australia, there are some key industry bodies responsible for looking after key parts of the wide range of professionals operating in the architecture, planning, and construction sectors.
As of 2023, 22,000 planners lived across all nations of the UK (source). In comparison, in 2021, there were an estimated 13,691 town planners in Australia (source). That suggests that the share of planners in Australia as part of the population is 147% of that in the UK, an increase of 82% since 2006.
As of 2020, 42,547 architects were registered across the UK (source). In comparison, in 2022, an estimated 15,695 registered architects were in Australia (source). That suggests that the share of planners in Australia as part of the population is 88% of that in the UK.
United Kingdom
RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute): The key body for all town planners, with chartered status to maintain quality standards in the profession.
TCPI (Town and Country Planning Institute) is an industry body championing best planning practices. In recent years, it has focused on things such as 20-minute neighbourhoods and planning for health.
The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) is an internationally well-known and regarded institution that oversees architects and the profession. The RIBA Plan of Work is well known for providing guidance on structure and the architecture process.
Australia
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA): Comparable to the RTPI in the UK, it represents over 5000 Australian planning professionals.
Australian Institute of Architecture (AIR): Similar to the RIBA in the UK, the AIR represents over 14,600 Australian-registered architects.
The Property Council of Australia (PCA): Represents 2,300 member companies that are the nation’s major investors, owners, managers, and creators of properties and places that matter.
Urban Density and Pressures
Most of Australia's population is located in the southeast corner of the continent, broadly reflecting the distribution of registered architects, where much of the development activity and population growth happens in those areas. Australia is one of the most urban countries in the world, with 90 per cent of the population living in just 0.22 per cent of the country's land area. 90.3% of the Australian population lived in urban areas in 2021, whereas this was the case for 84.4% of the UK population in 2023. However, the population density in the UK was 279 people per square km, while only three people per square kilometre in Australia in 2023! Indicative of the persistent levels of house price increases in the UK combined with population growth and Australia’s high levels of outside immigration, urban sprawl is a topic both in UK planning and Australia.
United Kingdom
Higher Population Density (279 people / square km): This is particularly evident in cities, leading to more compact urban areas.
Green Belt Preservation: Emphasis on preserving countryside and green belts around cities.
Australia
Lower Population Density (3 people / square km): Especially outside major cities.
Urban Sprawl: Cities expand outward due to the availability of land.
Housing Types and Layouts
Residential development styles in Australia and the UK exhibit distinct characteristics shaped by their histories, climates, and urban planning philosophies.
Australian residential developments are generally more recent, with many homes built post-World War II during periods of suburban expansion. Australian homes are typically larger, with a preference for detached houses on spacious plots, reflecting the country’s vast land availability and cultural inclination towards the "Australian Dream" of homeownership. 66.3% of Australians own their homes (2020). While urban densification and apartment living have grown in Australian cities, particularly in recent decades, the overall urban density remains lower compared to the UK, with more emphasis on suburban sprawl.
In contrast, most of England's housing stock is owner-occupied and built before 1919 (source). 63% of UK residents own their home (2018). In the UK, residential buildings tend to be older, often dating back to the 19th or early 20th centuries, with a prevalence of terraced houses, semi-detached homes, and compact apartments, particularly in urban centres. This results in higher urban densities and a focus on conserving land within the constraints of older city layouts.
While the typologies are similar in both countries, comprising detached single-family homes, terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and modern apartments, Australian homes are depicted with larger plots and contemporary layouts. In the UK, homes feature more compact layouts and historical buildings.
United Kingdom
Homeownership: 63% in 2018
Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: Significant proportion along with flats.
High-Density Housing: Focus due to limited space for new developments.
Mixed-Use Developments: Integration of residential, commercial, and public spaces.
Historical Urban Planning: Older cities with historical buildings and narrow streets result in less uniform planning.
Conversion of Old Buildings: Trend towards converting industrial buildings into residential spaces.
Australia
Homeownership: 66.3 in 2020
Detached Single-Family Homes: Predominantly this type.
Larger House Sizes: Compared to the UK.
Availability of Land: More land is available for new housing developments.
Modern Layouts: More contemporary city layouts with wider streets and bigger plots are designed to maximise natural light in large living areas.
Suburban Living: Predominantly suburban with typical detached houses.
Climate Considerations
The climates in Australia and the UK significantly shape residential development and architectural styles, reflecting the necessity of adapting to different weather conditions and environmental factors.
Australia's vast geography results in a diverse climate ranging from tropical in the north to temperate and desert conditions in the south and central regions. This variety influences housing designs, with features such as wide verandas, pergolas, and shading devices to mitigate the intense heat and sunlight. Houses often integrate sizeable outdoor living spaces, a vital part of the lifestyle, accommodating the frequent use of gardens and patios year-round. Additionally, Australian homes are designed with ventilation in mind, using materials and structures that allow for airflow to cool interiors naturally.
In contrast, the UK's temperate climate is characterised by relatively mild temperatures but cooler weather overall, necessitating a focus on insulation and energy efficiency in residential buildings. With one of the oldest housing stocks in the world, UK building regulations increasingly emphasise thermal performance. With a significant focus on home ownership and smaller spaces, there needs to be more emphasis on outdoor living spaces.
United Kingdom
Temperate Climate: Relatively mild temperatures.
Building Regulations: Focus on insulation and energy efficiency due to cooler weather.
Outdoor Living: Less emphasis compared to Australia.
Australia
Varied Climate: From tropical to temperate to desert conditions.
Hot Weather Features: Verandas, pergolas, and shading devices are included.
Outdoor Living: Integral part of housing design.
Attitudes towards development
Similarly to the UK, attitudes by residents towards development vary from mildly critical to not in my backyard in Australia. New research showed shifting attitudes, as similar housing pressures as seen in the UK affect Australian urban areas: As The Nightly reports, “Supply is one of the biggest issues underscoring Australia’s housing crisis and remains a focus of the Federal and State governments,” with 54% indicating a positive view on new homes being built in their area.
Similarly, research in the UK showed similar trends. As the House Builder Federation reports: “78% of respondents agree there is a housing crisis in the UK; 68% of respondents agree building more homes is vital; 80% of respondents are supportive or not opposed to new homes being built in their local area. In the UK, the issue of where to make is often a contested factor. Those supporting development will likely advocate development on previously developed land and much less so if on green land or green belt.
United Kingdom
80% of respondents are supportive or not opposed to new homes being built in their local area
70% of our 1,600 respondents stated a preference for new housing to be built on brownfield sites (Copper Consultancy)
Australia
54% indicating a positive view on new homes being built in their area
Priorities for Community Engagement in Australia
In Australia, the planning process is shaped by the country's diverse geography, environmental concerns, and the need to address social equity. Given Australia's vast size and varying regional characteristics, effective community engagement requires a tailored approach that reflects the unique needs and preferences of different areas, whether urban, suburban, or rural.
Local Needs and Contextual Relevance
Australia's diverse geography means that planning requirements can vary significantly from one region to another. Engagement processes must be sensitive to these differences, ensuring that each community's unique characteristics and needs are recognised and addressed. This localised approach is crucial for gaining community support and ensuring that developments suit their specific contexts well.
Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
Sustainability is a central priority in Australian urban planning, strongly focusing on incorporating green initiatives and mitigating environmental impacts. Community engagement often emphasises the importance of integrating sustainable practices into development projects. This includes gathering input on how developments can enhance environmental resilience and align with the community's commitment to sustainability.
Social Equity and Inclusion
Community engagement in Australia also prioritises social equity, ensuring that developments benefit all population segments, including marginalised groups. This involves actively seeking out the perspectives of diverse community members and ensuring that their voices are heard in the planning process. The goal is to create inclusive spaces that meet the needs of all residents.
Transparency and Building Trust
Trust between developers, planners, and communities is essential for successful planning outcomes. Transparent engagement processes help build this trust by ensuring that community input is genuinely considered and reflected in final decisions. Clear communication about how feedback influences planning outcomes is crucial in maintaining community trust and fostering a sense of shared ownership in development projects.
Innovative and Creative Solutions
Australia’s planning system encourages innovative approaches to address current and future urban development challenges. Community engagement often involves collaborative brainstorming sessions, where residents can contribute creative ideas that help shape forward-thinking and adaptable urban solutions.
By focusing on these priorities, Australian planning processes aim to create developments that are functional, sustainable, and reflective of the communities they serve, enhancing overall livability and social cohesion.
Conclusion
Comparing residential planning in Australia and the UK reveals that while both countries face similar challenges, such as urbanisation and housing affordability, their responses are shaped by distinct historical, geographical, and cultural differences.
Australia's vast land availability and varied climate have led to a focus on suburban expansion and the integration of outdoor living spaces. At the same time, the UK’s more constrained environment has driven a higher urban density and the preservation of historical urban layouts. These differences underscore the importance of context-sensitive planning that addresses the unique needs of each region while striving for sustainability and community well-being.
As urban populations grow and environmental concerns become more pressing, the future of residential planning in both countries will increasingly rely on innovative and flexible approaches that balance development needs with social and ecological responsibilities. By engaging communities in the planning process and leveraging local insights, planners and developers can create living environments that are functional, efficient, vibrant, and inclusive, ensuring that urban growth contributes positively to the quality of life for all residents.
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