FOKE, in its submissions objecting to the NSW Government’s ad hoc spot rezoning, higher density State Significant Developments (SSDs) in Ku-ring-gai, has identified yet another serious failing.  Not only do they fail affordability, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, livability and heritage protection – they fail children. 

FOKE has identified serious deficiencies  in NSW Government’s commitment to providing child-friendly apartment homes. They demonstrate ignorance for how children live, play and grow.

The SSD proposals that FOKE has examined and made submissions on do not provide adequate access to natural light, fresh air and ventilation and sufficient  space to play—essential for children’s health and wellbeing.

The child-unfriendly designs fail to properly consider the indoor and communal open space play needs for children.

Children need safe places where they can play with peers, interact with neighbours and experience community life. Such spaces support physical activity, social interaction and mental wellbeing.

Family-friendly high-density living also requires access to green and natural spaces within easy walking distance. Yet the SSD proposals provide little meaningful access to nature. Gardens and green landscaping appear sterile and poorly designed, limiting opportunities for children to explore and play.

Children’s play areas should be visible from apartments and supported by open, welcoming building layouts.

If apartment living is to become the norm for more families, developments must ensure that children have safe homes, access to nature and shared spaces that support healthy growth and community life.

Noise from children playing on private terraces or in communal areas can lead to complaints from neighbours and discourage the use of shared spaces. Developments should therefore include buffer zones between “noisy” and “quiet” activity areas.

The failure to incorporate child-friendly design places additional pressure on parents and may lead to conflicts with neighbours and strata management. Apartment developments must ensure that children have safe, healthy and accessible communal spaces.

References

• JMI Policy Paper – Planning for the inclusion of families with children in apartments – Dr Sophie-May Kerr, May 2024
• UNSW, Australian apartment living may have a more child-friendly future, 28 November 2024

5 March 2026