Now country people can live in each others' pockets
By DANIEL SLUGGETT and BRIDGET SHERIDAN
20may04
THE traditional quarter-acre block could be a thing of the past in the state's country towns.

The carving up of blocks ? one of the most contentious planning issues in suburban Adelaide ? looks set to become a trend in country towns, particularly those close to the city.

A shortage of houses in towns such as Tanunda, which is undergoing a population explosion, has placed vacant space at "crisis point".

Barossa, Gawler and Mount Barker councils said that increasing the densities of towns ? and creating smaller blocks ? was one way to avoid encroachment on valuable vineyards and other agricultural land.

But the move could mean the end for the traditional quarter-acre (about 0.1ha) block.

Barossa Council Mayor Brian Hurn said councils were looking at ways of controlling growth, without development imposing on agricultural land.

"There are a lot of tudor-style homes on quarter-acre blocks in the area," he said.

"We have to look at whether they will be cut up and what our policy will be."


Mr Hurn said a lot of quarter-acre blocks were owned by people nearing retirement age.

"They want to sell off some of their land to help fund their retirement," he said.

Smaller blocks are proving popular in Gawler to help accommodate a rapidly growing population.

The manager of development services for the Gawler Town Council, Michael Wohlstadt, said smaller blocks encouraged more "economic use of land".

"The fact that people are taking it up and buying smaller blocks would indicate that there is demand for it," he said.


In Mount Barker ? one of the fastest growing areas of the state ? demand for vacant land continues to soar.

Mount Barker District Council is encouraging "high density" development in key areas, such as shopping precincts.

But council principal policy planner Kylie Weymouth said the council also was mindful of retaining larger blocks to protect the amenity of the district.

"Policies to allow their re-subdivision are unlikely in the short to medium term," she said.

But she warned that councils bordering the metropolitan area would continue to create smaller blocks within existing boundaries to protect agricultural land.

"While the Government is seeking to increase population within existing areas rather than spreading, it's going to be an issue for all councils," she said.

Sad to say this is what is happening everywhere as it happens where I live now, everyone seems to want to cash in on the every increasing price of plots and if a house can be squeezed in they sell them off.

A friend of my hubbies buys the old type houses in NSW/Queensland states and builds a new house in the grounds then guts the old house and sells them on for a living....and it's a pretty healthy living at that.

Sasha :)

Bill and i owned a quarter acre block in NZ, and whilst it was lovely to have the space and a large garden, i takes a lot of looking after and maintainence. However, i do hate to see all these modern homes cramped up so close together. I find it quite ironic that Australia has so much open space, and yet they have this desire to cram everyone into a small space. It all boils down to developrs greed and making the most money they can from a block of land. Thats why we are reconsidering where to build when the time comes. I deally we would like a block of around 700-800sqm. Definitely not easy to find for a reasonable price in the suburbs.

I know what you mean PP,
that's why i ask about Aldinga. We did visit very quickly when we visited last year but not enough to have an opinion on what is is like. I though it may be a good investment oppotunity in the long run as space is running out nearer the city or is as you say to expensive for larger blocks, building will get further and further down the coast.

And in time the more shabbier areas of Aldinga may be transforemed.

Will definately have to have a look down there when we come over.

Thanks
Kevin

Its ok I suppose having a 1/4 acre but really who wants to spend hours gardening, when there is lots of other things to do. I must admit I love gardening but over the last year, Iv`e found I want to do other things and it can become a bit of a chore, we`ve not got a large block, but what we have is a cottage garden, I love my flowers especially roses they grow really well here in SA


Sheila

I love gardening too Sheila. One of the very first things that struck me when i came here was roses roses EVERYWHERE.

I really need a load of advice before i embark on buying plants for all the pots i have. I made some big mistakes in the last 6mths.

The larger plots are something you'll only find out in the country areas - don't expect anything like that anywhere near the city. We looked at maybe 20 or 30 rental houses all over the southern and eastern suburbs and the one we ended up with has probably the largest garden we saw - most of them were depressingly tiny. But then I ought to add that I'm definitely a 1/4 acre girl at heart, so what looks tiny to me maybe won't to you :eyes mouth:

Elaine