Reminder to comment on proposed residential planning changes

The ACT Government is reminding Canberrans to comment on proposed planning changes, one designed to encourage more housing to be developed in existing suburbs and another aimed at maximising solar access of new homes and developments.

 Draft Variation No. 303 to the Territory Plan includes: 

• a change to the minimum block size for dual occupancy development; and

• new rules for secondary residences, sometimes referred to as "granny flats" that will provide greater opportunities for small additional dwellings suitable for our ageing and changing population.

Comment on this Draft Variation closes on 23 August 2010. 

A second Draft Variation – No. 301 (Estate Development Code) - in part includes: 

• mandating that 95 per cent of single dwelling blocks in an estate are positioned to enable buildings to have direct sun in winter. The new code contains tables which identify the block size, block dimensions, slope and orientation which make blocks suitable for improved solar access.

  Comment on this Draft Variation closes on 16 August 2010. 

The ACT Government is determined to make Canberra a more environmentally sustainable city, but wants to ensure it does so in a way that suits the majority of the Canberra community. 

Dealing with climate change is the biggest medium to long-term challenge we face. Although there’s no quick fix, we need to keep working to reduce our impact on our environment. This includes making homes more solar and energy efficient and ensuring the city can cope with a growing and aging population without resorting to urban sprawl. 

I urge Canberrans to have their say on these proposed new and important changes to planning Canberra’s future. 

For more details and to make comment visit www.actpla.act.gov.au/territoryplan