THE Canberra Liberals want the government to remove the proposed 120m² size restriction on second dwellings and allow for separately titled dual occupancies on RZ1 blocks over 800m².

“The government’s policy on dual occupancies as it currently stands is not fit for purpose,” said Liberal planning spokesman Peter Cain.

“There are approximately 40,000 eligible RZ1 blocks, many of which are over 1000m². This means that a 120m² second dwelling will not appropriately maximise utilisation of these larger blocks.

“Why restrict a property owner on a quarter-acre block to building a 120m² second dwelling under only a unit title? It prevents a wider range of housing sizes being made available to the market.

“Local building and construction industry stakeholders are concerned that this size limit will act as a deterrent to construct a second dwelling.”