A PROPOSAL for residential development of up to five storeys in Yarralumla, has been rejected by the National Capital Authority (NCA) following extensive community consultation.

The proposal would have seen the heritage-listed former CSIRO School of Forestry site turned into a mixed-use residential precinct that includes an aged care facility and hotel – with buildings ranging in height from two to five storeys.

Part of the proponent’s redevelopment proposal involved amendments to the National Capital Plan which it submitted to the NCA for approval.

In response to community opposition to the proposal the authority has elected not to support the plan, but has indicated it’s willing to review a variation that would see buildings limited to three storeys, and a revised plan that considers the landscape of the area and established trees.

Community consultation was undertaken as part of the process, with a survey conducted by the Yarralumla Resident’s Association (YRA) finding that 62 per cent of people strongly opposed any redevelopment of the site.

According to a stakeholder consultation report, almost all stakeholders expressed concern or objection to the density and scale of buildings proposed for Forestry Place.

The 11 hectare site was sold to Gunyar Pty Ltd in 2002 with a 20-year lease allowing CSIRO to retain control of the property until 2022.

Gunyar represents the Shepherd Foundation, a registered charity that helps children with hearing loss that has a presence in Canberra, it has partnered with Sydney developer Oakstand to develop the site.

Plans for the precinct included 222 residential apartments, 54 independent living apartments, a 130 bed aged care facility, and hotel.