The Barr government should repeal the controversial solar access building rules created through Variation 306 and replace them with a simple building envelope or a significantly increased solar fence, Shadow Minister for Planning Alistair Coe said today.

“These ridiculous rules introduced in 2013 mean many new homes cannot be positioned to a northerly aspect. The rules have wrecked the planning of new homes which have been forced into to a suboptimal design, meaning they’re energy inefficient,” Mr Coe said.

“Costs of between $15,000 and $50,000 are added to a new house because of these complex rules and much of the cost comes through excavation of blocks so that houses are lowered below the natural ground level.

“Numerous stakeholders including architects and building groups raised concerns before the rules were brought in and their fears have been realised. Disappointingly, there is now a generation of houses and estates that have been impacted by the Variation.

“Today in the Legislative Assembly, I’m calling on the government to repeal the rules, as the Canberra Liberals have committed to,” Mr Coe concluded.