Page 87 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 11 February 2020
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The Territory Plan amendments are intended to provide guidance for future development in the Calwell group centre, particularly in relation to the desired built form and character. This variation consolidates the commercial CZ1 core zoned area of the group centre—specifically, block 41 section 787, which is the strategic location within the group centre that was previously included in two different commercial zones.
It is now entirely within the CZ1 core zone and earmarked for increased building heights. The variation also increases the area of land in the CFZ, community facilities, zone by rezoning part of block 8 section 788, along Johnson Drive, from the transport services zone, TSZ, to CFZ, community facilities zone. This is intended to promote community uses in the location consistent with the master plan.
Restrictions on the use have been implemented to focus commercial services uses, particularly industrial trades and the like, within the existing commercial CZ3 services zone areas. This will improve the amenity of the group centre, consistent with the recommendations of the master plan.
The existing building heights in the Calwell group centre have been retained, predominantly two storeys, under variation 355. However, there is a site-specific allowance for up to four storeys towards the eastern edge of the centre. This is intended to provide a moderate increase in development opportunities in this location, consistent with the master plan.
Variation 355 introduces new rules and criteria into the Calwell precinct code to improve public spaces, pedestrian places and thoroughfares. These include requiring active building frontages to have awnings, to maintain solar access to public places and to improve public safety throughout passive surveillance measures.
Variation 355 was released for public comment between Friday, 10 August 2018 and Monday, 24 September 2018. A total of three written submissions were received. A range of issues were raised, including car parking, solar access and upgrades to public domain. The key issue relating to the suitability of block 41 section 787 for residential ground floor uses was raised as well. In consultation with the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate the variation was amended to retain ground floor commercial uses on this block. This is consistent with the intent of the master plan.
I referred the draft variation to the Standing Committee on Planning and Urban Renewal. The standing committee conducted an inquiry into the variation and released its report in September 2019. The report recommended the approval of draft variation 355, subject to five recommendations. The ACT government prepared a response to this standing committee report, which was tabled on 26 November 2019.
The government agreed to amend draft variation 355 in response to recommendation 4 to allow residential ground floor uses on block 41 section 787 Calwell, except on the primary active frontages. The variation has been amended accordingly.
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