Page 3617 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 8 December 1992
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Following consideration of responses received and having regard to government policy, the ACT Planning Authority revised the draft variation by adding two specific requirements to the principles and policies: High value native trees are to be retained wherever practical; and the roof line of all development on the slopes of Harcourt and Percival hills will be at least eight metres below the skyline, and generally considerably lower.
On the financial side, I advise members that the proposed Harcourt Hill development is to be a joint venture development and consequently the Government will obtain revenue from the premium for the raw land as well as a 50 per cent share of the profits. Costs of land servicing will be covered by the developer. The committee considered and endorsed this variation as proposed.
The second variation relates to a proposed joint venture development between the ACT Housing Trust and a private developer in Torrens Street, Braddon - sections 22, blocks 6 to 9. This variation will allow the construction of 34 medium density residential units, although I think that number is still subject to negotiations, on four blocks that are currently occupied by single residential dwellings. It is a good example of the Government's commitment to more economic use of inner city areas. It is also a good example of how the Government and private enterprise can work together on urban renewal. The Australian Valuation Office will be requested to revalue the blocks in question so that a determination regarding betterment can be made.
The committee considered and endorsed this variation as proposed, but in doing so drew attention to the fact that some objectors, while supporting development in this area, had concerns about aspects of the original design and siting requirements applying to the proposal. I, too, Madam Speaker, am very interested in that aspect. The ACT Planning Authority has noted those comments and is continuing negotiations with the applicant to improve the detailed architectural treatment, to ensure that the development is compatible with design elements of the area. This information was provided to the committee by the Chief Planner during the hearing last week.
The third variation relates to four sites in Griffith - section 84, blocks 4, 5, 6 and 7 - and proposes to broaden the land use policy for these sites to include residential, including medium density dwelling, multiple unit dwelling and aged persons accommodation. The old Hunters Tavern, the Regency Motel and the former Captain Cook Hotel currently occupy blocks 5, 6 and 7, while block 4 is vacant. With the exception of the Regency Motel, the buildings on the blocks are unused.
The lessees of the blocks have submitted a joint proposal to redevelop the site for medium density housing. Section 84 is well located near the employment centres of Fyshwick, Kingston and Manuka, which provide a range of retail, community and recreational facilities. The site is also well served by public transport and utility services. The proposal is consistent with the urban design and traffic requirements for the site and is consistent also with the ACT Government's policy on urban renewal.
There are no costs to the ACT Government arising from this draft variation, and I advise the Assembly that the Australian Valuation Office will be requested to revalue the property so that a determination regarding betterment can be made. The committee considered and endorsed this variation, with the recommendation that the development proposal be restricted to two storeys on McMillan Crescent.
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