Middle-Ring Brisbane suburbs set for zoning changes under ‘Anti-Sprawl’ plan

The city has unveiled a plan that will see up to 6,000 new homes built in the middle ring suburbs over the next decade.

Brisbane City Council (BCC) is proposing new changes to the Low to Medium Density Residential Zone (LMR), which could see up to 6000 new homes created by 2032.

Under the ‘More homes, sooner’ planning change, building heights and plot sizes would be adjusted to allow for more homes in the city’s middle ring.

According to BCC, the LMR zone covers 14% of the city’s residential areas and the changes would allow more terraced houses, units, apartments and terraced houses in locations close to public transport, shopping centers and other services.

Suburbs that are located wholly or partly in LMR zones – and will therefore be affected by the zoning changes, include:

BCC mayor Adrian Schrinner said the amendment is part of the council’s ‘anti-sprawl’ housing strategy.

“We are committed to an approach that tackles sprawl, allowing more homes to be built while protecting Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle and bushland areas,” he said.

“Our changes will help ease pressure on construction costs and make it easier for young people and downsizers to find homes in well-serviced middle-ring suburbs.”

The changes could enable up to 6,000 new homes by 2032. Photo: Getty

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Specifically, the proposed changes for the LMR zone include:

• Increasing the permitted building height from two to three floors to three floors

• Increasing the permitted building height to four floors in some locations near public transport or shops

• Reduction of the minimum block size from 260 m² to 120 m²

• Simplifying the development review process.

The changes will also allow low-density residential plots within 300 meters of a shopping center to be subdivided into 300m2 blocks – an increase from the current 200m limit.

Parking regulations will also be adjusted to provide more affordable housing options.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) welcomed the proposal, noting that the housing crisis requires that “no stone should be left unturned”.

“Importantly, this also means looking at our existing suburbs in the context of a developing and growing city to see how we can potentially accommodate a greater diversity of housing, with the ultimate aim of making changes that enable people to find a home in a place they want to live, at a price they can afford,” said Kirsty Chessher-Brown, CEO of UDIA Queensland.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) said the changes would introduce more diverse housing options for a range of buyers.

“It is pleasing to see that Council recognizes that reducing the minimum lot size is an important step in increasing housing choice and a proven way to reduce the cost of new homes,” said HIA Queensland Executive Director Michael Roberts.

“This set of planning reforms will help the industry build smaller, more affordable homes, which are often the gateway for first home buyers and crucial for downsizing seniors.”

Local residents can share the first feedback via the BCC website. The formal consultation will begin in early 2026.

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