New planning system commences operation in ACT
Source: Environment Business newsletter, April 9th, 2008
"Planning reforms that aim to simplify the ACT’s planning system and make housing more affordable have taken effect in the ACT. The ACT Government’s new planning system includes a new Territory Plan that will place further restrictions on the redevelopment of single and multiple residential dwellings in some of Canberra’s suburbs. The new Territory Plan will provide that no more than three dwellings can be built on individual standard residential blocks of 1400 square metres or more that have a street frontage of 20 metres or less in areas that have been zoned as Residential Core Areas.
The reforms are also intended to improve the design of multi-unit developments to ensure solar access and passive solar orientation, and protect the privacy of adjoining residences.
The two key amendments to the ACT’s Planning and Development Act that aim to simplify the planning process and promote housing affordability under the new planning system include new measures to ensure land that is allocated for housing is used for that purpose and is not left undeveloped; and allowing over-the-counter sales of leases for single dwellings ."