The NSW government says it will soon legislate for more parking spaces to be made available for people living in boarding houses, with the proposed changes designed to reduce the demand and impact on street parking.

The minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts says the proposed changes are in response to community concerns, as well being part of an ongoing review of the State housing policies, including for affordable rental housing.

“These changes will help alleviate street parking congestion and instead put those cars into off-street parking spaces,” says Roberts.

“We’ve listened to those concerns and as a result, we intend to increase car parking provisions to 0.5 spaces per room. This is more than double the current 0.2 car spaces per boarding room in some areas.

“By providing more parking spaces for boarding house residents community amenity will be increased,” he says.

Roberts also says boarding houses were an “important form of accommodation, and part of the overall housing mix.”

The community will be able to comment on the proposed changes until 16 April 2018.