The ACT government has defended the climate friendliness of its new planning regulations, saying the environment will be better protected under the changes.
The new Territory Plan restricts re-development of single and multiple residential dwellings according to the spirit of the 2003 Garden City provisions, planning minister Andrew Barr says.
No more than three dwellings can be built on individual standard residential blocks of 1400 square metres or more and which have a street frontage of 20 metres or less in former residential core areas, now known as Residential Zone 2 Suburban Core Zones.
But Mr Barr said the new planning policies are not just about making sure dwellings are appropriate for the size of the block.
"(They also) take into account other issues such as neighbourhood characteristics, solar access, landscaping and parking," he said.
"The reforms will... help to improve the design of multi-unit developments to improve access, further protect the privacy of adjoining residences, ensure solar access and solar passive orientation."
Greens MLA Deb Foskey has criticised the new regulations, saying they do not go far enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in residential developments. |