THE new Territory Plan proposes changes to the Residential Zone 1 (RZ1) that will allow dual-occupancy developments on large blocks.

The ACT government has updated district strategies, the new Territory Plan and new design guides in reforms to the territory planning system announced on Monday.

The new plan says any block more than 800 square metres in an RZ1 zone will be able to accommodate a modest second dwelling, up to 120sqm in size, and be able to unit title that second dwelling.

The ACT government says requirements such as the mandatory site coverage provision and the requirement for soft landscaping and tree planting will be enforced on these new developments.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr says the new planning documents reflect the government’s commitment to the National Housing Accord and the National Planning Reform Blueprint agreed by all states and territories at national cabinet.

“We have recently increased housing supply in existing suburbs through the Mr Fluffy buyback scheme. This experience demonstrated that, with the right protections in place, suitable housing can be built in existing suburbs, close to existing services and where people want to live,” he says.

Planning Minister Mick Gentleman says: “We have worked with the community and industry professionals over the last few years to make sure we have a modern planning system that supports Canberra’s growth.

“We listened to and considered all the feedback we received, and these documents strike the balance with the range of views we’ve heard across Canberra, best practice and planning for growth and sustainability. We have listened to feedback and concerns regarding new housing – particularly infill developments.

“As one of the fastest growing jurisdictions in Australia, more people will be living in the ACT each year. The changes to the planning system set us up well to accommodate this growth while enhancing and protecting the aspects we value most, such as access to services, infrastructure, and natural spaces that contribute to connected communities.

“The new Territory Plan and design guides sets the outcomes that developments must achieve. Development applications will need to demonstrate how new developments meet the assessment outcomes in the Territory Plan, and on specific development types, show they respond to the design guidance set out in the design guides.

“The new planning system is expected to commence on November 27 after the Territory Plan has been approved by the Legislative Assembly.”

Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins describes the new ACT planning system as a “new era for planning in the ACT”.

He says the MBA has long called for planning reform to help address the ACT’s chronic lack of affordable and appropriate housing, and the reforms contained in the new Territory Plan go some way to addressing these needs.

The modest housing reforms contained in the new Territory Plan will allow increased housing choice in our established suburbs following several years of consultation with industry and community.”

“The outcomes-based approach, combined with the District Strategies, Design Guidelines and Technical Specifications provide a more contemporary way of encouraging design innovation, providing flexibility and maintaining the character and streetscape that is valued by Canberrans,” he says.

“With the ACT planning system project now nearing completion, it is important government align other policies including infrastructure planning, taxation and proposed developer regulation to its planning and housing objectives so that investment is attracted into Canberra to create more housing, expand our economy and build the infrastructure necessary to support our growing city.”