PUBLIC MEETING
5pm Tues 18 Aug at Sunset Park, Nightcliff
Should the:
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CLP proposal to reduce min lot sizes be supported?
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Lee Point housing project be moved to Berrimah?
Find out what our elected reps think on these planning matters and have your say.
Organised by PLAN and Friends of Lee Point
Comments on reducing min lot size
Overview
All Planning Scheme amendments need to promote sustainability, that is, balance the needs of the present with the needs of future generations.
Planning Scheme Amendment PA 2026/0205 is a NT Government initiative to reduce minimum lot sizes in Zone LR (Low Density Residential) from 800 sqm to 450 sqm, enabling denser housing options Territory-wide… read more PA2026/0205.
Submissions close midnight Friday, 21 August 2026.
About these comments
The following feedback is provided to spark discussion and encourage public participation. Please note that these points focus primarily on Darwin and may not address all issues.
Positives for Darwin
ENVIRONMENT
- Reduces urban sprawl: Building in established urban areas avoids native habitat loss and fragmentation elsewhere.
SOCIAL
- Better access to services: Higher population density in an area encourages more retail and related services.
- Improved public transport: More people using public transport leads to more frequent and efficient services.
ECONOMIC
- More affordable lots: Smaller lots are generally more affordable.
- Lower infrastructure costs: Connecting more lots to the same essential service infrastructure provides a more cost-effective service per lot.
- Lower municipal costs: Creates more efficient rubbish collection and use of public roads.
Negatives for Darwin
ENVIRONMENT
- Increased temperatures: Loss of urban canopy and forest will increase temperatures in Darwin.
- Loss of urban wildlife: Reduced suburban habitat from infill development means fewer birds and local wildlife in Darwin suburbs. Little or no area will be left for medium to large trees.
SOCIAL
- Reduced outdoor areas: Children will have less backyard space to play in, and adults will have smaller areas for entertainment and relaxing.
- Loss of local heritage: Tropical gardens and tropical character of Darwin is likely to decline.
ECONOMIC
- Property appeal impacts: Property prices and neighbourhood appeal could be negatively affected in some suburbs.
- Increased energy use: Flow-through ventilation becomes less practical due to noise and privacy considerations from closer neighbours, leading to increased air-conditioning.
- Traffic congestion and parking problems: Problems are expected to worsen in certain areas due to more cars.
- Limited affordability impact: Creating smaller 450 sqm lots will not translate to genuinely affordable houses or rents in all cases.