Middle-ring Brisbane suburbs set for zoning changes under ‘anti-sprawl’ plan

The city has unveiled a plan that would see up to 6000 new homes built in middle-ring suburbs over the next decade.  

Brisbane City Council (BCC) is proposing new changes to its low-medium density residential (LMR) zone, which could create up to 6000 new homes by 2032.  

Under the “More Homes, Sooner” planning amendment, building heights and lot sizes would be adjusted to enable more housing in the city’s middle-ring suburbs.

According to BCC, the LMR zone makes up 14% of the city’s residential areas and the changes would allow for more townhomes, units, apartments and row houses in locations close to public transport, shopping centres and other services.  

Suburbs that are either partially or fully located in LMR zones – and will therefore be impacted by the zoning changes, include: 

• Morningside 

• St Lucia 

• Moorooka 

• Zillmere 

• Bulimba  

• Indooroopilly 

• Nundah 

• Oxley  

• Toowoong  

• Wynnum  

BCC mayor Adrian Schrinner said the amendment forms part of the council’s “anti-sprawl” housing strategy. 

“We’re committed to an anti-sprawl approach that enables more homes to be built while protecting Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle and bushland areas,” he said.  

“Our changes will help relieve construction cost pressures and make it easier for younger people and downsizers to find a home in well-serviced middle-ring suburbs.”  

Specifically, the proposed changes for the LMR zone include:  

• Increasing the allowable building height from two to three storeys to three storeys  

• Increasing the allowable building height to four storeys in some sites located near public transport or shops 

• Reducing the minimum block size from 260sqm to 120sqm 

• Simplifying the development assessment process. 

The amendments would also allow low-density residential lots within 300 metres’ walking distance of a shopping centre to be subdivided into 300sqm blocks — up from the current 200-metre limit.  

Parking rules will also be adjusted to help deliver more affordable housing options. 

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

“Importantly, this means also looking at our existing suburbs in light of an evolving and growing city to see how we might be able to accommodate greater levels of housing diversity, with the ultimate aim of providing changes to facilitate people being able to find a home in a place that they want to live, at a price they can afford,” UDIA Queensland CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown said.  

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

“It’s pleasing to see Council recognise that reducing the minimum lot size is a key step in increasing housing choice and a proven way to reduce the cost of new housing,” HIA Queensland executive director Michael Roberts said. 

“These suite of planning reforms will assist industry in constructing smaller, more affordable dwellings, which are often the entry point for first homebuyers and vital for downsizing seniors.”   

Local residents can share initial feedback via BCC’s website with formal consultation set to begin in early 2026.  

Are you interested in the latest in buying and building new? Check out our New Homes section.  

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