These rules seek to introduce a new form of housing that allows more homes to be built in established suburbs without impacting their existing character, heritage and streetscape.

The draft ‘Future Living Code Amendment’, led by the State Planning Commission, is an initiative from the Housing Roadmap.

It encourages existing homes to be retained, altered, and extended to create ‘co-located’ housing, rather than demolishing a house and subdividing the site to build multiple homes.

This new form of co-located housing is unique in that all homes within the development are of similar stature, without the hierarchy of, for example, a house and a granny flat. It is also unlike conventional units because the existing home is retained and open space is shared.

The changes not only aim to preserve the character of these neighbourhoods but help preserve mature trees and established gardens, as well as build a greater sense of community, through shared open space rather than small private gardens.

Each home that is part of the co-located housing development could be bought and sold separately and would be managed through a community title scheme.

While this new form of housing was originally conceived for older people wishing to downsize in their own community, co-located housing is also expected to appeal to a range of South Australians looking for more diverse, small and affordable housing options.

The State Planning Commission has worked in partnership with the University of South Australia, City of Unley, Town of Walkerville, City of Campbelltown, City of Burnside, City of Prospect and Alexandrina Council to develop the draft code amendment.

The new rules would apply to well-established neighbourhoods in these six council areas, and would create a model that could be applied to other areas of the state in the future.

For more information and to share feedback on the draft Future Living Code Amendment, visit the YourSAy website.