Part Four(B) – Special Requirements For Territory Land

Part Four(b) sets out Special Requirements for Territory Land, for areas where the requirements are desirable in the interests of the National Capital.

In areas where Special Requirements apply, any development proposal is administered by the Territory planning authority in compliance with the Special Requirements specified in this part of the Plan.

In some cases, a Development Control Plan is required to be prepared. Development Control Plans may be prepared by either the National Capital Authority or the Territory planning authority, or undertaken jointly by agreement. Such plans are subsequently administered by the Territory.

Development Control Plans may be maps, drawings, photographs, specifications and written statements. They should include sufficient detail for the guidance and management of development in the area, and may include design, siting, scale, purpose, timing and phasing, construction, landscaping and other relevant matters.

Figure 143 illustrates Territory Land subject to Special Requirements.

Figure 143 illustrates Territory Land subject to Special Requirements.

Special Requirements for Main Avenues

It is in the interests of the National Capital that development flanking main avenues in the city is of a type and quality that will enhance the role and status of the city. For the purposes of Special Requirements, the Main Avenues are:

• Northbourne Avenue, between Antill/Mouat Streets and Barry Drive/Cooyong Street
• Adelaide Avenue, outside the Central National Area
• Canberra Avenue, between Hume Circle and the Central National Area
• Brisbane Avenue outside the Central National Area.

These Special Requirements apply to development on land (not included within Designated Areas) adjacent to the Main Avenues identified above.

Special Requirements

Development, except in relation to Northbourne Avenue, is to conform to Development Control Plans (agreed by the National Capital Authority) which seek to secure the integrity of the Main Avenues as Approaches to the Parliamentary Zone and ensure that the setting, buildings and purposes of development enhance that function.

Development Control Plans and development must:

• make provision for national uses, offices for national associations, tourist accommodation and residential development
• seek high standards of building design and finish. External materials should be predominantly light in tone and require little maintenance. Continuous glass façades should be avoided. Criteria for controlling the use of reflective glass should be incorporated.

Development Control Plans must:

• incorporate the following where Main Avenues are the final approaches to the Parliamentary Zone:
  • building height controls, to ensure that buildings are at least three storeys in height unless specifically shown otherwise in an agreed Development Control Plan. Plant and equipment must be enclosed and integrated with the form and design of the building.
  • Building setbacks to be 10 metres unless specifically shown otherwise in an agreed Development Control Plan. The area in front of the building line is to be landscaped, and exclusive of parking. Minor encroachment of basement parking into this area may be considered where this would not detract from the quality of the landscape treatment and where the parking is located beneath a driveway or other paved area. Minor encroachment by balconies, awnings and porticos may be considered if the materials and design are such that the visual integrity of the building line is retained.
• for Main Avenues with predominantly commercial frontages, provide that buildings adjacent to Main Avenues may be up to four storeys, plus plantrooms, in height.
• For Main Avenues having predominantly landscaped frontages, generally provide for buildings to not exceed the height of the established tree canopy (typically three to four storeys).
• Consider parking, vehicle access, and the traffic impacts of development. Access from and to the Avenues may be permitted where practicable and where traffic safety will not be affected adversely.

For Northbourne Avenue, development must conform to the Special Requirements set out in Section 4.28 City and Gateway Corridor, of the National Capital Plan. The provisions of section 4.28 apply to both Territory Land and National Land sites.

Notes:

Where maximum heights are already exceeded by existing buildings, extensions or rebuilding up to the height of the existing building is permitted.

It is in the interest of the National Capital that development flanking Approach Routes to the city is of a type and quality complementary to the role and status of the city. Special Requirements apply to the following Approach Routes:

• the Barton and Federal Highways from the ACT borders to their junction with Northbourne Avenue, and extending to include Northbourne Avenue north of Antill/Mouat Streets
• the Monaro Highway from the ACT border through to Morshead Drive
• Canberra Avenue from the ACT border to Hume Circle
• Pialligo Avenue from the ACT border to Morshead Drive
• Fairbairn Avenue.

These Special Requirements apply to development on all land (not included within Designated Areas) which fronts directly onto the Approach Routes AND is not more than 200 metres from their middle lines.

Special Requirements

Development, except in relation to the Federal Highway, is to conform to Development Control Plans agreed by the National Capital Authority, which seek to enhance the surrounding predominantly rural character and landscape outside the urban areas. As the Approach Routes enter the built up areas, the emphasis will shift to a more formal character.

Figure 144: City Centre area subject to Special Requirements

National interest in City Centre

City Centre, as part of Canberra’s central area (which includes the Parliamentary Zone and therefore has a dual national capital and local role), and as the dominant metropolitan centre, has a special role in the context of the Plan. The functional and symbolic relationship between City Centre and the Parliamentary Zone is critical. Because of this both the Territory and Commonwealth Governments have a legitimate interest in its future planning and development. The Territory interest relates mainly to City Centre’s role as the prime commercial and retail centre and as a location for Territory administration, major private sector business, regional and metropolitan head offices, recreational and entertainment, tourist accommodation and important cultural community activities.

The Commonwealth’s interest in City Centre is different and is related to:

• maintaining the geometry and intent of the plan for City Centre which is integral to the integrity of the Griffin Plan as a work of national and international significance and the role of the Griffin Plan as the principal organising framework for City Centre and the Central National Area.
• its location at the apex of the National Triangle, the centrepiece of Griffin’s Plan. The point of the apex is City Hill which will ultimately become the symbolic and geographical centre of City Centre as it develops to the south and west.
• its position as a visible and identifiable element within the ‘amphitheatre’ ie the central basin, which contains Canberra Central. It is a major component of the vista north from Parliament House and other parts of the Parliamentary Zone. Consequently, it can not be considered separate or isolated in a visual sense from these key national capital elements. Existing policies on height and colour have also ensured that City Centre is seen as a cohesive and homogeneous mass when viewed from various vantage points within and on the edge of this amphitheatre
• its location straddling the most important entrance route to Canberra (i.e. Northbourne Avenue) in general and the Parliamentary Zone in particular.
• the nature of the topography surrounding Canberra Central (rolling hills and sweeping horizontals) the predominance of the landscaping, and the comparatively low profiles or silhouettes of the majority of the features of the Central Basin, which demands that development in City Centre does not overwhelm or detract from key national capital features (the Parliament House in particular) in terms of height, bulk, colours and materials.
• the Main Avenues converging on City Centre provide important strategic corridors linking major centres of Commonwealth and municipal activity in the Central National Area – for example Government, University, Defence and City Centre administration. These Main Avenues are suitable for the development of higher densities of retail, employment and residential activity to support key public transport corridors and provide the principal visual and symbolic connections between the city and the landscape.

National Capital interests in City Centre can be summarised as:

• overall consideration of height, colour, materials, and architectural and environmental quality, aimed at ensuring that City Centre’s continued development is of a harmonious and high quality nature, consistent with its role and its location within the Central Basin in general, and its relationship with the Central National Area in particular.
• specific interest in areas within London Circuit because of their critical importance at the apex of the National Triangle.
• specific interest in the avenues which form axes terminating on City Hill. They have symbolic importance on Griffin’s Plan in visually connecting the city to its natural setting, and their treatment and their landscaping should be of a high standard.
• particular interest in ensuring that City Centre’s future development conforms with the metropolitan strategies for a decentralised distribution of employment as set out in employment location policies of the Plan.

City Centre has a multi-faceted role as the most important metropolitan centre, as the apex of the National Triangle, a location astride an important entrance route to Canberra and the Parliamentary Zone, and a significant element in the physical structure of central Canberra.

It is in the interests of the National Capital that the development of City Centre balances these roles.

Principles for City Centre

City Centre’s continued development should recognise its metropolitan significance and role, achieve a satisfactory relationship between City Centre and other development and features of the Central area, and meet the following principles:

1. Future development and redevelopment in City Centre should aim both to reinforce City Centre’s role as the prime metropolitan centre, and contribute to a diverse, lively and attractive character.
2. The design of buildings and the amenity and environmental quality of the main public spaces should result in an accessible, attractive, high quality and distinctive centre consistent with City Centre’s role as the major metropolitan centre and its location at one point of the National Triangle, Griffin’s major organising element of the Central National Area.

Policies for City Centre

The following Policies apply within those areas of City Centre identified in Figure 144.

Transport and movement

Long term impacts of development must be taken into account. Measures for discouraging through traffic from using the City Centre road network in peak periods must be considered. Future demand for car parking should be met by the construction of structured car parks in locations that service needs throughout City Centre while aiming to minimise congestion, and/or by on-site provision of parking spaces. Vehicle access and traffic management throughout the area should seek to maintain the ease and comfort of moving around the city, catering to a diversity of pedestrian, cycle, vehicular and public transport modes.

Urban Design

1. The symbolic importance of the Main Avenues radiating from City Hill (Northbourne, Ainslie, Constitution, Edinburgh and University Avenues) and their role as the main public transport corridors should be complemented through the landscape and architectural treatment on abutting blocks.
2. The design and development of City Centre should continue to reflect the geometry and fine grain pattern of streets and blocks of the Griffin Plan.
3. The design and development of streets should provide a continuous planting of large scale street trees and high quality landscape character that fosters a compact, connective and pedestrian-friendly environment for central city living.
4. The massing, height, colours and materials used for buildings in City Centre should result in a harmonious and high quality urban design outcome with a recognisable city edge.
5. Buildings in City Centre must be of permanent construction.
6. The height of buildings in City Centre may be less than but not more than nine storeys provided that:
   • plant rooms and other service elements may be allowed above this height subject to being set back from the building edges and screened from street level view.
   • one or more taller building(s) per section up to a maximum height of RL617 will be considered only in accordance with an approved comprehensive design for the whole section. Comprehensive section designs should seek to use building height to emphasise and reinforce the geometry of the Griffin Plan and the symbolic Main Avenues radiating out from City Hill.
   • where an existing building exceeds the height limitations set out above it will be permissible to consider rebuilding to the same height as the existing building or lower.

Figure 145: Kingston Foreshore area subject to Special Requirements

The Commonwealth’s interest in Kingston Foreshore is to ensure the Lake Burley Griffin Foreshore in East Basin continues to be developed as a major landscape feature helping to unify the National Capital’s central precincts. The Kingston Foreshore area forms a prominent urban environment when viewed from within and across East Basin, and from key tourist vantage points such as from Mount Ainslie and Mount Pleasant. Ensuring a notable visual quality, as part of the lake foreshores vista, will be important to maintaining the unity of the central precincts of the National Capital. The Kingston Foreshore area, which is subject to the following Special Requirements, is that land at Kingston bounded by Bowen Park, Wentworth Avenue (and including the Avenue), Cunningham Street, The Causeway through to Jerrabomberra Creek, Jerrabomberra Creek and a line approximately seven metres behind the wall of Lake Burley Griffin (refer Figure 145). Development in the Kingston Foreshore area (the ‘area’) is to retain a working boat harbour and lake maintenance facility and conform to the following Aesthetic Principles.

Foreshore Precinct Landscape

The landscape of the precinct adjacent to the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore Designated Area should be of an open space parkland character consistent with that in Bowen Park. The landscape should permit views into the development through informal tree planting and should include landscape treatment of a high quality allowing for pedestrian and cycleway movement through the area.

The edge of Jerrabomberra Creek should be landscaped as open space allowing for pedestrian movement and have a character not inconsistent with the role of the Creek as the edge to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

Built form and materials

Massing of building development addressing the lake edge

The massing of building development directly addressing the lake edge is to be articulated and modulated to present a varied appearance and avoid an apparent unbroken wall of development when viewed from the lake.

Colour

The colour scheme of development is to be generally light in tone. Some highlighting with darker colours may be acceptable where these do not present the dominant colour scheme when viewed from or across the Lake.

Roofs

A variety of roof forms, materials and colours should be introduced into the area.

Building Height

The overall height of buildings in the area is to be generally consistent with that of the tree canopy of mature trees in the area. This can be achieved through buildings being a maximum of four storeys except for some taller buildings or focal elements where these do not significantly impact on the landscape of the area or detract from the massing of the Kingston Powerhouse building.

Materials and Finishes

Materials on buildings and structures near the Lake edge are to be of a durable and low maintenance nature with a high quality in the materials used. Buildings fronting the Lake edge should generally avoid the use of highly reflective materials.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting in the area should generally use full cut-off light fittings and up-lighting of buildings and structures should be carefully designed to keep night time overspill lighting to a minimum.

The overall lighting impact should not compete in prominence with the lighting of the National Triangle. The area should be lit predominantly with high pressure sodium light sources for streets and mercury vapour for pedestrian routes. Lake frontage external lighting should use metal halide sources.

Wentworth Avenue

The landscape of Wentworth Avenue is to create a strong balanced planting regime of trees along the Avenue in terms of the species used and spacing. Planting used on both sides should generally be consistent in terms of type and spacing.

The landscape of the median area is to be progressively upgraded to a character consistent with that of Telopea Park being large canopy trees in a grass setting. Car parking in the median may be permitted in the short term pending the phasing out of such parking consistent with the implementation of a parking strategy for the Kingston area which does not involve parking in the median of the Avenue.

The design of street furniture (including lighting) used in the Avenue should generally be consistent with the design of such facilities used on other major Avenues leading to the centre of the National Capital. Signage in the Avenue should be limited to traffic control signs and to direct the public to commercial centres in Kingston and the foreshore area.

Developments along the Avenue should address the Avenue but should generally have vehicular access from a road other than directly from the Avenue. Development having direct vehicular access to the Avenue should include a predominantly landscaped frontage treatment exclusive of parking but may include canopies covering set down areas. The landscape of the frontage should respond to the pattern of movement systems created from the Kingston Centre to the foreshore area.

Figure 146: Haig Park area subject to Special Requirements

Figure 147: Telopea Park area subject to Special Requirements

It is in the interests of the National Capital to ensure that important open space places are conserved.

Development of land within open space places must conform with Development Control Plans agreed by the Authority. The Plans are to meet the following:

1. to conserve landscape and environmental qualities, having regard to the historic and aesthetic importance of the area the following requirements will apply:
   1. historical context will be considered and established planting patterns respected.
   2. functional linkages to other open space elements should be enhanced.
   3. Utility of the areas for recreation should be optimised to the extent possible within aesthetic constraints. Provision should be made for appreciation and use of the areas by visitors to the city.

4.28 City and Gateway Corridor

Location

These Special Requirements apply to development on all land (not included within Designated Areas):

• adjacent to the Main Avenue of Northbourne Avenue between Antill/Mouat Streets and Cooyong Street/Barry Drive
• which fronts directly onto the Federal Highway from the ACT border to its junction with Northbourne Avenue and extending to include Northbourne Avenue north of Antill/Mouat Streets, AND is not more than 200 metres from its middle line.

Northbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway are defined in Figure 148.

Figure 148: Extent of Northbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway for the purposes of section 4.28

Background

A traveller’s first perception of a city’s character is gained upon approach and arrival. When arriving in Canberra it is important that the traveller is aware of the special symbolic and functional significance of the National Capital. The Federal Highway is a principal northern approach route to the National Capital, transitioning into Northbourne Avenue.

Design and development of the corridor should heighten the traveller’s first perception of the National Capital, and enhance recognition of the special symbolic and functional significance of the National Capital. Expectations should be built up by progressively formalising the design character as the corridor approaches the city centre.

As the final approach to the city centre and Central National Area, the design of Northbourne Avenue and development flanking the avenue, should be of a standard that places it alongside other significant urban boulevards both nationally and internationally. Northbourne Avenue should be distinguished by a formality that is uniquely Australian.

Objectives for City and Gateway Corridor

1. Create an identifiable approach, which increases in formality as it gets closer to the city centre and Central National Area, and which clearly signifies the symbolic and functional roles of the National Capital.
2. Encourage a design-led approach to development with a focus on high quality interfaces between built form and urban landscapes.
3. Ensure that buildings and landscape exhibit design excellence in recognition of the corridor’s role as a key northern approach route to the city.
4. Create a landscape setting, including deep root plantings, to provide amenity, assist with climate control, and create comfort for pedestrians.
5. Encourage sustainability as a base requirement for all new buildings.

Land use

Land use for all sites, including both National Land and Territory Land, must be in accordance with the relevant zone identified under the Territory Plan.

Transitional arrangements for development applications

Development applications submitted to the Territory planning authority prior to 4 April 2019 are not subject to the provisions of section 4.28 of the National Capital Plan. Development applications lodged prior to this date are subject to the provisions of the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan as in force at the time of the application being made.

Detailed conditions of planning, design and development

Building envelope

Building heights

Northbourne Avenue

Buildings adjacent to Northbourne Avenue are to be a maximum of 25 metres in height above datum ground level measured from the front boundary adjoining Northbourne Avenue. Where a building includes a residential apartment that incorporates a two story or mezzanine unit, (above ground level), building height may be increased to 27.5 metres.

Buildings at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue with Antill/Mouat Streets are to be a maximum of 32 metres above ground level.

Where building height limits are 25 metres, 27.5 metres or 32 metres, minor building elements for roof top plant, are permitted where they do not increase the building height as it presents to public street frontages. No habitable room or occupiable room (being rooms where people may be present in the normal use of a building) is permitted above maximum prescribed height limits.

Where maximum permitted building heights are already exceeded by existing buildings, extensions or rebuilding up to the height of the existing building is permitted, provided all other planning and design requirements are met.

Development at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue with Macarthur/Wakefield Avenues must accord with Figure 149. Buildings up to RL617 are permitted at the locations identified in this figure. No building elements are permitted above RL617.

Mid-block links on sites at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue with Macarthur/Wakefield Avenues are to be provided through each site connecting rear streets to Northbourne Avenue. The exact locations of mid-blocks links may be determined by proponents. The mid-block links must be a minimum of 10 metres in width, and remain publicly accessible at all times.

Federal Highway

Maximum permitted building heights adjacent to the Federal Highway are:

• Between Antill/Mouat Streets and Panton Street/Barton Highway – 18 metres (refer Figure 150).
• Between Panton Street/Barton Highway and Flemington Road/Phillip Avenue – 12 metres (refer Figure 150).
• Between Flemington Road/Phillip Avenue and the ACT/NSW border – 8.5 metres.

Any minor building elements, including roof top plant, should not increase the building height as it presents to public street frontages. No habitable room is permitted above maximum prescribed height limits.

Where maximum permitted building heights are already exceeded by existing buildings, extensions or rebuilding up to the height of the existing building is permitted, provided all other planning and design requirements are met.

Maximum building height for development shall:

• be measured from the level of the block boundary closest and directly adjacent the Federal Highway
• be measured from a line perpendicular from the road reservation. The height of the road reservation boundary may be normalised, taking the measure five metres either side of the culvert, where it passes over culverts and other localised earthworks.

The extent of developable land to the west of the Federal Highway may be adjusted where public access via a shared path and naturalisation of Sullivans Creek is included as part of a development proposal.  

Figure 149: Development requirements, including permitted building heights, at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue with Macarthur/Wakefield Avenues

Figure 150: Permitted building heights from Antill/Mouat Streets to Phillip Avenue and Flemington Road

Building setbacks

Northbourne Avenue

Buildings must be set back a minimum of 10 metres from the property boundary adjacent to Northbourne Avenue.

Basements and balconies must not extend into the setback area adjacent to Northbourne Avenue. Minor encroachment such as awnings or architectural details may be considered if the materials and design are such that the visual integrity of the building line is retained.

Service areas and facilities such as loading zones, water/gas metres, water tanks, waste enclosures, and basement ramps are not permitted forward of the building line on the Northbourne Avenue frontage.

A composition of soft landscaping must be provided between the building line and block boundaries to Northbourne Avenue and major cross streets. Hard surfacing, other than for pathways and driveways, should be avoided. Parking spaces and porte cochere vehicle drop off areas are not permitted.

Rear and side setbacks must be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Territory Plan.

Federal Highway

Minimum required building setbacks to the Federal Highway are to be in accordance with Figures 151 and 152, and as follows:

• Where a building is 8.5 metres or less in height, setbacks are to be in accordance with the Territory Plan.
• Between Antill/Mouat Streets and the Barton Highway/Panton Street –on the eastern side or the road, 6 metres from the property boundary closest to the Federal Highway; on the western side of the road, 24 metres from the property boundary closest to the Federal Highway.
• Between the Barton Highway/Panton Street and Flemington Road/Phillip Avenue – 70 metres from the centreline of the Federal Highway.
• On the northern side of the Federal Highway between Flemington Road and the ACT/NSW border – 30 metres from the Federal Highway road reservation.
• On the southern side of the Federal Highway between Phillip Avenue and Stirling Avenue – 6 metres from the Federal Highway road reservation.
• On the southern side of the Federal Highway between Stirling Avenue and the eastern boundary of Block 18 Section 75 Watson – 15 metres from the Federal Highway road reservation.
• On the southern side of the Federal Highway between the eastern boundary of Block 18 Section 75 Watson and the ACT/NSW border – 30 metres from the Federal Highway road reservation.

Service areas and facilities such as loading zones, water/gas metres, water tanks, waste enclosures, and basement ramps are not permitted forward of the building line on the Federal Highway frontage where associated with multi-unit housing proposals.

A composition of soft landscaping must be provided between the building line and block boundaries to Northbourne Avenue and major cross streets. Hard surfacing, other than for pathways and driveways, should be avoided. Parking spaces and porte cochere vehicle drop off areas are not permitted where associated with multi-unit housing proposals.

All other setbacks must be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Territory Plan.

Figure 151: Required building setbacks for Federal Highway (south)

Figure 152: Required building setback for Federal Highway (north)

 

Building separation

Minimum separation distances for buildings on blocks with a frontage to Northbourne Avenue or Federal Highway greater than 35m wide are:

Building height	Between windows in habitable rooms/unscreened balconies	Between windows in habitable and non-habitable rooms	Between non-habitable rooms
Up to 4 storeys	12m	9m	6m
5 to 8 storeys	18m	12m	9m
9 storeys and above	24m	18m	12m

Where blocks have a front boundary to Northbourne Avenue or the Federal Highway and are less than 35 metres wide, building separation distances may be reduced provided all of the following are achieved:

• reasonable levels of visual and acoustic privacy
• suitable areas for soft landscaping and deep root planting.

Where a building is located on a block abutting a lower density zone, building setbacks to the relevant boundary of sites zoned for lower density should be increased by three metres.

Greater building separation may be required by the Territory planning authority where increased building separation may achieve better amenity outcomes.

Building separation is measured from the outer face of external walls or outer edge of balconies as relevant. When applying building separation distances to buildings on adjoining sites, apply half the minimum separation distance measured to the boundary where possible.

Note:

Minimum building separation distances apply to buildings within development sites, between residential and non-residential uses, and to buildings on adjacent sites with a shared boundary.

Length of buildings

Long buildings that limit permeability, block views, and disrupt a pedestrian-scaled neighbourhood system should be avoided.

Buildings are limited to a maximum length of 55 metres. For the purpose of this clause, ‘building’ refers to an element or elements of a building above datum ground level. The application of the maximum length does not apply to basements.

Longer buildings may be permitted at lower building levels where strong design justifications is provided, such as provision of continuous, active street frontages. Where this is the case, pedestrian mid-block links between 5 and 10 metres wide must be provided at least once every 55 metres through the built form. Longer buildings may also be permitted at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue with Macarthur/Wakefield Avenues, where the buildings run perpendicular to the Northbourne Avenue.

Building design and architecture

Building facades

Façade design is to include the use of articulation and modulation to clearly express the organisational or structural grid of the buildings, and to break up the mass of longer buildings.

A balance of light and shadow on the façade is to be created throughout the day through the use of balconies, deeper window reveals, integrated shading, rebates, and expression of structural elements.

Façade materials must be of high quality. A use of robust, low maintenance materials in the higher parts of a building, and natural, tactile and visually interesting materials at the lower levels should be used. Corrugated metal building materials as wall cladding is not permitted for those parts of a building visible from Northbourne Avenue or the Federal Highway.

Building entries must be clearly defined and identifiable from the street.

Private open space

 Private open space must be incorporated into the design of all residential dwellings. The following provisions apply to proposals for multi-unit housing or where multi-unit housing is a component of the development.

Minimum balcony areas for dwellings wholly on an upper floor level are:

• Studio apartments – 4m² (no minimum dimension)
• 1 bedroom apartments – 8m² with a minimum dimension of 2 metres
• 2 bedroom apartments – 10m² with a minimum dimension of 2 metres
• 3+ bedroom apartments – 12m² with a minimum dimension of 2 metres.

For dwellings wholly or partially at ground level or on a podium or similar structure, a private open space must be provided of the following minimum size:

• Studio apartments – 18m² with a minimum dimension of 4 metres
• 1 bedroom apartments – 24m² with a minimum dimension of 4 metres
• 2 bedroom apartments – 24m² with a minimum dimension of 4 metres
• 3+ bedroom apartments – 36m² with a minimum dimension of 6 metres

Storage units, or plant and equipment (including air conditioning plant) are not permitted on balconies. Clothes drying facilities may be provided where they are screened from view of streets and other public spaces.

Balconies must be designed to allow views and passive surveillance of the street while maintaining visual privacy and allowing for a range of uses on the balcony. Balconies must be designed in accordance with the following:

• Balustrades to balconies up to 12 metres above datum ground level must be solid.
• Full width and full height glass balustrades are not permitted below 20 metres above datum ground level.
• Between 12-20 metres above datum ground level, balustrades must be solid for a minimum of 50 per cent of the balustrade height, commencing at the level of the balcony. Glass elements may be used above the solid component of the balustrade.

To maintain visual and acoustic privacy, partitions between adjoining balconies must be constructed of solid materials designed to have low noise penetration properties. Glazing or other light weight materials are not permitted as a partition between balconies. Operable screens, shutters, hoods and pergolas are encouraged to control sunlight and wind.

Private open spaces must not extend more than four metres into the building setback area, and must not occupy more than 40 per cent of a building frontage.

Roof design

The design of the roof should be integrated into the architecture of the building, use high quality materials, and provide a positive addition to the streetscape. Continuous, horizontal parapets extending the full length of the building are not permitted.

Service elements and roof top plant must be integrated into roof design and not be visible from public areas, including streets.

The design of roofs and parapets should be articulated and express the layout and structure of the building.

Roof design should incorporate sustainability features to maximise solar access to internal building spaces during winter and provide shade during summer.

Communal open space areas and rooftop gardens may be considered. Fully enclosed structures on roof tops are not permitted. Structures such as pergolas must not occupy more than 10 per cent of the total roof area and must be set back a minimum of three metres from the façade below.

For sites between Panton Street/Barton Highway and ACT/NSW border, flat roofs or facades with wide fascias giving the impression of a flat roof are not permitted.

Ceiling heights

Ceiling heights should promote natural ventilation and daylight access to internal building spaces, and contribute to the flexibility of building use over the life of the building.

Northbourne Avenue

Minimum floor to ceiling heights within buildings on sites adjacent to Northbourne Avenue shall be as follows:

Ground floor directly facing Northbourne Avenue (uses other than residential) – 6.0 metres (mezzanine permitted over 30% of ground floor)

Ground floor (residential) – 3.3 metres

Ground floor (other uses, including commercial/office use) – 3.6 metres

Residential (general) –

• 2.7 metres floor-to-ceiling minimum for all habitable rooms (with the exception of kitchens, which are permitted to have a minimum 2.4 metre floor-to-ceiling height), and 2.4 metres for all non-habitable rooms.
• For two-storey units, 2.4 metres minimum for second storey if 50 percent or more of the apartment has 2.7 metre minimum ceiling heights.
• For two-storey units with a two-storey volume living space, 2.4 metre minimum ceiling heights.
• Attic spaces are permitted, with a 1.8 metre minimum wall height at edge of room with a 30 degree minimum ceiling slope.

Federal Highway

Minimum floor to ceiling heights within buildings on sites fronting the Federal Highway shall be as follows:

Ground floor (all uses except residential) – 3.6 metres

Residential (general) –

• 2.7 metres floor-to-ceiling minimum for all habitable rooms (with the exception of kitchens, which are permitted to have a minimum 2.4 metre floor-to-ceiling height), and 2.4 metres for all non-habitable rooms.
• For two-storey units, 2.4 metres minimum for second storey if 50 percent or more of the apartment has 2.7 metre minimum ceiling heights.
• For two-storey units with a two-storey void living space, 2.4 metre minimum ceiling heights.

Attic spaces are permitted, with a 1.8 metre minimum wall height at edge of room with a 30 degree minimum ceiling slope.

Resdiential apartment designs

The layout of rooms within an apartment must be functional, well organised and provide a high standard of amenity. Dwellings are required to have the following minimum internal areas:

Dwelling type	Minimum internal area
Studio	40m²
1 bedroom	50m²
2 bedroom	70m²
3 bedroom	100m²

 

The minimum internal areas include only one bathroom. Additional bathrooms increase the minimum internal area by 5m² each. Additional bedrooms increase the minimum internal area by 12m² each.

Common circulation spaces

The maximum number of dwellings off a circulation core on a single level must be no more than nine.  A high level of amenity for common lobbies and corridors should be demonstrated through the provision of access to ample daylight and natural ventilation, common areas for seating and gathering, and generous corridors with greater than minimum ceiling heights.

Corridors longer than 12 metres from the lift core should be articulated, for example by a series of foyer areas with windows and spaces for seating, and wider areas at apartment entry doors and varied ceiling heights.

Primary living room or bedroom windows must not open directly onto common circulation spaces.

Environmental performance

Energy efficiency

Development should incorporate passive solar design to optimise heat storage in winter and reduce heat transfer in summer. Potential design options include the use of smart glass or other technologies (particularly on north and west elevations), maximising thermal mass in the floors and walls of north facing rooms, overhangs and shading devices such as awnings, blinds and screens.

Operable screening such as louvres, sliding, folding or retractable elements should be designed to provide shade and protection from natural elements. Operable screening elements must be integrated with building design.

Building design must incorporate shading and glare control, particularly to manage sun penetration in warmer months. Design features could include:

• balconies or sun shading that extend far enough to shade summer sun, but allow winter sun to penetrate living areas
• shading devices such as eaves, awnings, balconies, pergolas, external louvres
• horizontal shading to north facing window
• vertical shading to east and particularly west facing windows
• operable shading to allow adjustment

Residential use

 Developments with residential components must provide a variety of apartment designs such as dual aspect apartments, shallow apartment layouts, two storey and mezzanine level apartments. Building design must achieve the following:

• Living rooms and private open spaces of at least 70% of apartments in a building must receive a minimum of 3 hours direct sunlight between 9am and 3pm on the winter solstice (21 June).
• A maximum of 15% of apartments in a building receive no direct sunlight between 9am and 3pm on the winter solstice (21 June).

All habitable rooms must have an operable window in an external wall with a total minimum glass area of not less than 15% of the floor area of the room. Courtyards, skylights and high level windows (with sills above 1700mm) may only be used as a secondary light source in habitable rooms.

‘Snorkel’ arrangements are not permitted as a mechanism to provide natural light or ventilation.

All habitable rooms should be naturally ventilated. Building design should demonstrate consideration of the building’s orientation to maximise capture and use of prevailing breezes, depths of habitable rooms, openable windows and the use of awnings and louvres to funnel breezes. Light wells must not be the primary air source for habitable rooms.

The number of apartments with natural cross ventilation is maximised to create a comfortable indoor environment for residents. At least 60% of apartments should be naturally cross ventilated in the first nine storeys of a building.

Street frontage

Finished ground floor levels set below the adjacent finished public footpath pavement levels on Northbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway are not permitted. The fall from the building entrance to the kerb must generally be less than 2%. Where datum ground level of a site is below the adjacent footpath level, ground floor levels must not be set below datum ground level.  

Where residential use is proposed at ground floor level, a vertical separation up to 450mm above the adjoining finished ground level within the site or adjacent verge is permitted to assist in providing privacy.

Where commercial uses are located on ground floors of buildings, buildings must be designed to ensure a direct connection for building users to the adjacent verge and setback area to ensure street continuity.

Service areas must be integrated within the building design to avoid impacting the public domain. Basement car parks and ramps to basement car parks must not be visible from the street.

Landscape

Landscape corridors

Landscape design for development along the Federal Highway and Northbourne Avenue corridor is a fundamental character feature of the gateway into the city centre. It should unite development with the existing landscape character of Canberra, soften the impact of larger building form and provide visual relief to the urban condition, consistent with Canberra’s status as the bush capital.

New plantings must not diminish the heritage significance of places and objects on the ACT Heritage Register, or affect public appreciation of the qualities of these places. Development must provide substantial tree and understorey planting, supported by functional, safe and attractive areas of open space. Development must continue to deliver Canberra as a city in a landscape.

The spaces between buildings must be landscaped to a high quality and promote green links between the private and public domain.

Landscape spaces must be designed to clearly differentiate between areas intended for public and private use, maximising the functionality of both. Landscaped areas must be designed for maximise user comfort and safety.

Planting within front setback areas should consist primarily of trees, as opposed to shrubs or other low vegetation. A minimum of 30 per cent of plantings within setback areas should be capable of achieving at least 15 metres in height. 

All developments must renew the adjacent road verge in accordance with the principles outlined in this section.

Mature trees should be retained to the maximum extent practicable and integrated into landscape design. Where existing trees must be removed, they must be compensated for by planting elsewhere on site.

Landscape design must enhance environmental performance and microclimate. This could be achieved by planting appropriate trees near eastern and western façades for shade, planting a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees to provide shade in summer and allow sunlight access in winter, and incorporating green walls and roofs into building design.

All Landscaping within development sites must complement the landscape design themes evident in the corridor:

ACT/NSW Border to Stirling Avenue

Development must meet the requirements for the identified landscape realms and themes for the Federal Highway at section 4.15.4 of the National Capital Plan.

South of Stirling Avenue

The scale of landscape must respond primarily to the height of adjacent buildings, ensuring the landscape is the dominant element. Built form should be screened through the use of plant material.

Between Stirling Avenue and Antill/Mouat Street, an ‘informal park boulevard’ should be established. This ‘informal park boulevard’ should primarily comprise tree species endemic to the Canberra region and capable of reaching 20 metres in height. Species such as Eucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus microcarpa and Eucalyptus polyanthemos are considered suitable. Spacing between trees should be no greater than 15 metre centres.

South of Antill/Mouat Streets

A ‘formal landscape avenue’ containing consistent street tree planting within the verge and extending into the front setback area.

Landscape design must reflect the formality of Northbourne Avenue, and include rows of trees, regulatory in planting, and formal hedging.

Landscape design and planting should respond to Canberra’s blend of endemic and introduced species, reinforcing the ‘bush capital’. Plant species should be chosen for their effectiveness and adaptability to Canberra’s climate to reduce heat islands and to maximise shade.

Sullivans Creek

Development adjacent to Sullivans Creek must assist in enhancing Sullivans Creek as a multi-functional creek corridor that enhances environmental values, improves ecological connectivity and wildlife, and integrates Aboriginal heritage and culture into its design. Proposals must demonstrate how the following objectives are met:

• increased active travel opportunities and links to other destinations within the open space network
• public access through the site via active travel routes
• improvement in safety and surveillance
• acknowledgement of  the cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  The naturalisation of Sullivans Creek must be explored by proponents as a way of improving stormwater management of the waterway, and enhancing ecological values.

Deep soil zones

A planting zone, no less than five metres wide, should be provided within the front setback areas and be retained for deep soil planting.

Front setback areas should be retained for deep soil planting.

A minimum deep soil zone dimension of five metres should be applied where located on site.

Deep soil zones should be located to retain existing significant trees and to allow for the development of healthy root systems, providing anchorage and stability for mature trees. Landscape and building design must demonstrate:

• the consolidation of basement and sub-basement car parks beneath building footprints
• adequate clearance around trees to ensure long term health
• co-location with other deep soil areas on adjacent sites to create larger contiguous areas of deep soil.

Access and parking

Northbourne Avenue

Vehicle access, including verge crossings and driveways, to sites shall be located and designed to ensure pedestrian and cycle priority. The design of vehicle access arrangements to sites fronting Northbourne Avenue should ensure that pedestrian and cyclist desire lines and paths are maximised, the width of the vehicle access way is minimised and its materials integrate with landscaping within the verge and setback.

Where possible, sites should share vehicle access via a shared space with adjoining properties that extends from Northbourne Avenue to the rear street frontage. The space should be designed to prioritise pedestrian and cyclist movement, contain high quality public realm treatments, including tree planting, footpaths and lighting that add visual interest.

Where a site cannot accommodate shared access arrangements, a maximum of one crossover per block is permitted. The crossover and driveway should be located along or close to the side boundaries rather than towards the centre of the block.

To minimise potential conflicts, pedestrian and cyclist, and vehicle access to sites should be clearly separated and distinguishable. This may include changes in surface materials, level changes, or the use of landscaping for separation.

Car parking should be provided in basements. Podium and multi-level car parking structures fronting Northbourne Avenue are not permitted. On-grade parking is discouraged and will only be permitted if the following criteria are met:

• parking is located to the rear of the site away from Northbourne Avenue and major cross streets
• cars are screened from view to the maximum extent possible of streets, buildings, communal and private open space areas
• parking is incorporated into the landscape design of the site, by extending planting and materials into car parking space
• light coloured paving materials or permeable paving systems are used and shade trees are planted between every 4-5 parking spaces to reduce increased surface temperatures from large areas of paving.

Car park entries should be located away from Northbourne Avenue.

A traffic and parking assessment should accompany development proposals for any site for consideration by the relevant authority.

Federal Highway

The visual impact of large car parking areas must be minimised through adequate screening and landscape treatment that appropriately considers view lines and safety. Podium and multi-level car parking structures fronting the Federal Highway are not permitted.

Careful consideration should be given to the access, internal circulation and parking of service and heavy goods vehicles within the area.

A traffic and parking assessment should accompany development proposals for any site, for consideration by the relevant authority.

Lighting

All outdoor lighting, including security and car park lighting, must be designed and sited to minimise light pollution. All outdoor lighting (including lighting fixed to structures) must use full cut-off light fittings. Any uplighting of buildings should be carefully designed to keep night time overspill and glare to a minimum.

Specialty lighting should be used to highlight any ACT border marker.

Signage

Northbourne Avenue

Careful consideration should be given to the integration of signs with building design and landscaping to ensure they do not detract from the Northbourne Avenue frontage. Any signage not affixed to a building must be within a landscape setting.

Signage across a site should be designed in accordance with a cohesive and coordinated theme, and respond to the scale, proportion and detailing of the development.

To minimise visual clutter, individual commercial tenancies should have no more than one sign fronting Northbourne Avenue. For residential development, a single wall sign is permitted, of no more than 10% in size of the façade on which it is located. Larger developments may include legible and discrete way finding signage. 

Permitted road signs are those that could reasonably be expected along a main thoroughfare, such as directional signage and street signs, and that are required by relevant traffic authorities. No commercial advertising is permitted on road signs.

Changeable message signs, animated or flashing signs, and third party advertising signs are not permitted on building facades or roofs visible from, or within setback areas to, Northbourne Avenue.

Federal Highway

Careful consideration should be given to the integration of signs with building design and landscaping to ensure they do not detract from the Federal Highway frontage. Any signage not affixed to a building must be within a landscape setting.

Signage across a site should be designed in accordance with a cohesive and coordinated theme, and respond to the scale, proportion and detailing of the development.

All signs on buildings must be below the eaves or parapet capping of a building. A maximum of one wall sign visible from the Federal Highway road frontage will be permitted per building. The maximum permitted size of a wall sign is four square metres, or 10% of all space, whichever is the lesser.

Permitted road signs are those that could reasonably be expected along a main thoroughfare, such as directional signage and street signs, and that are required by relevant traffic authorities. No commercial advertising is permitted on road signs.

A single free standing pylon/column sign is permitted for the EPIC service station site (Block 4 Section 72 Lyneham and Block 429 Gunaghlin). No other free standing signage is permitted.

Temporary freestanding signage will be permitted where associated with events at EPIC. Such signage must be consistent with Territory signage policies or the Signs General Code of the National Capital Plan, depending on location.

Fencing

Fencing along site frontages to Northbourne Avenue, or within the setback area to Northbourne Avenue, is not permitted.

Private open space for ground floor dwellings fronting Northbourne Avenue may be enclosed by courtyard walls. Courtyard walls to private open space fronting Northbourne Avenue must be:

• not higher than 1.8 metres above datum ground level, with solid components not higher than 1 metre
• constructed of high quality materials (pre-coloured metal, unfinished timber panels, chain-link, barbed or razor wire is not permitted)
• integrated with landscaping.

For sites fronting the Federal Highway, fences are to be designed in a manner that is integral with the landscape design using high quality materials. The use of pre-coloured metal, chain-link, barbed or razor wire is not permitted where visible from the Approach Route.

All fencing to site boundaries must not be bulky or obtrusive.

Design Review Panel

Design concepts for any development or redevelopment proposals must be considered by the National Capital Design Review Panel (NCDRP) prior to a development application being lodged with the National Capital Authority where the proposal is on National Land, or the Territory planning authority where the proposal is on Territory Land. Proposals involving only extensions to existing buildings and/or refurbishment proposals involving substantial external works will be considered by the NCA and Territory planning authority on a case-by-case as to whether they are subject to the design review process. The exception to these requirements are development proposals relating to single dwelling housing and secondary residences, which are not subject to the design review process.

Each item raised in the advice provided by the NCDRP must be addressed by a proponent and subsequently be considered during the assessment of any proposal by either the National Capital Authority or Territory planning authority.

Definitions

For the purposes of section 4.28, the definitions of the Territory Plan apply.