Introduction

The National Capital Plan (the Plan) came into effect on 21 January 1990. The subject site is adjacent to the Monaro Highway, an Approach Route as defined in the Plan. Special Requirements for Approach Routes apply ‘to development on all land (not included within any Designated Area) which fronts directly onto the Approach Routes AND is not more than 200 metres from their middle lines’. Special Requirements for Approach Routes under section 2.4 of the Plan apply to the site and state:

‘Development is to conform to Development Control Plans agreed by the Authority, which seek to enhance the surrounding predominantly rural character and landscape outside the urban areas. As the Approach Routes enter the built up area, the emphasis shall shift to a more formal character.’

The purpose of this Development Control Plan (DCP) is to provide guidance for the future development of the subject site within the framework of the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan.

Draft DCP 12/08 has been prepared in accordance with the Plan.

Part 1: Context

Background

The National Capital Authority (NCA) has received a request from CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) to establish a DCP for part of Block 1633 Tuggeranong. The DCP will guide future planning and development of the site. The site is proposed to be developed into a large scale solar farm.

On 27 January 2012, the ACT Government issued a request for proposals to support the development of up to 40 megawatts of large-scale solar generation capacity in the ACT. Part of this site has been identified as a possible location for this type of facility.

Explanatory statement

Purpose of draft Development Control Plan No. 12/08

If approved, DCP 12/08 will establish planning and urban design provisions for the site, including building height, setbacks and design, landscape character, access and parking.

Effect of draft Development Control Plan No. 12/08

Draft DCP 12/08 includes the following provisions:

• General planning and urban design objectives for future development of Part Block 1633 Tuggeranong.
• Requirements for building height and setback, and architectural quality in built form.
• Requirements for access to the site and parking.
• Providing for an enhanced landscape character along the Monaro Highway frontage.

Figure 1: Locality Map

Outline of the process

Public consultation

The NCA invites written comments on draft DCP 12/08 from community and stakeholders by 4pm on 21 September 2012. All responses received will be considered before a decision on draft DCP 12/08 is made by the NCA.

Written submissions should be forwarded to: Mr Andrew Smith, Chief Planner, National Capital Authority, GPO Box 373, CANBERRA ACT 2601, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Comments can be made by registering on the Have Your Say website or, if you are an existing user, by logging in. You may also submit your comments by using the Community Feedback Form available here.

Or delivered by hand to: National Capital Authority, Treasury Building, Ground Floor, King Edward Terrace, PARKES ACT 2600, Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday

Copies of Draft Development Control Plan No. 12/08 are available below or at the National Capital Authority, Treasury Building, Ground Floor, King Edward Terrace, PARKES ACT 2600, Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or at the National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive, Commonwealth Park, Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am and 4pm weekends

A public information session will be held on Thursday 23 August 2012, between 12noon and 1.30pm at NCA Offices.

Further information is available from Jordan Smith on (02) 6271 2888 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Part 2: Draft Development Control Plan No. 12/08

1 Preamble

The subject site is adjacent to the Monaro Highway, an Approach Route as defined in the National Capital Plan (the Plan). Special Requirements for Approach Routes apply ‘to development on all land (not included within any Designated Area) which fronts directly onto the Approach Routes AND is not more than 200 metres from their middle lines’. Special Requirements for Approach Routes under section 2.4 of the Plan apply to the site and state:

‘Development is to conform to Development Control Plans agreed by the Authority, which seek to enhance the surrounding predominantly rural character and landscape outside the urban areas. As the Approach Routes enter the built up area, the emphasis shall shift to a more formal character.’

The provisions of this Development Control Plan (DCP) apply to part Block 1633 Tuggeranong. In the absence of a provision in the Plan to the contrary, all development should accord with the relevant provisions of the Territory Plan. Where an inconsistency arises between the Territory Plan and the National Capital Plan, the National Capital Plan prevails.

The subject land is Territory Land outside the Designated Area of the Plan and therefore the ACT Government is responsible for assessing development applications relating to the subject area. In doing so, the ACT Government is required to ensure any proposal is not inconsistent with this DCP or the Plan.

The Monaro Highway road reservation forms part of the Designated Areas of the Plan and therefore the National Capital Authority (NCA) is responsible for granting works approval within the Monaro Highway road reservation.

2 Planning and urban design objectives

The character of this locality contributes to the quality and experience of the Monaro Highway as a significant Approach Route to the National Capital. In this respect, development of the area must respond to the following general objectives set out for Approach Routes:

Identify and enhance distinct realms and elements that will introduce visitors to the inherent characteristics of Canberra.

Recognise and reinforce the importance of the setting of the Capital by directing views to the rural landscape and surrounding hills and by ensuring adjacent development respects the natural features, character and scale of the landscape.

Guide planning and design so that built elements are sited within a landscape setting with filtered screening of views from the Monaro Highway.

3 Land use

3.1 Land use on the site shall be consistent with the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan.

4 Built form

4.1 Buildings and major structures shall not exceed 12 metres above natural ground level. Natural ground level shall have that meaning ascribed by the Territory Plan.

4.2 The quality, scale, form and siting of buildings or structures within the area should contribute to and not detract from, the rural landscape character of the Monaro Highway.

5 Building setback

5.1 Buildings and structures on Block 1633 should be setback a minimum of 30 metres from the property boundary on the Monaro Highway frontage.

5.2 Buildings and structures shall not encroach on the landscape zones as shown in DCP Drawing 12/08.

6 Colours and materials

6.1 Material selection for external finishes of buildings and structures should be appropriate to the site and landscape. Highly reflective, white and/or zincalume on roofs and walls will not be permitted.

6.2 Colours of external finishes of buildings should be sympathetic to the rural landscape. High contrasts in colours will not be permitted.

7 Fencing

7.1 Fencing to site boundaries is allowable, provided it:

• is of a rural or agricultural character
• does not exceed 1.2 metres in height.

7.2 If security fencing is required, it must be of a consistent design and standard and shall not be located within the landscape zone.

7.3 All fencing, whether to the site boundary or internal shall:

• not appear solid, bulky or obtrusive
• be highly integrated with landscape design and allow filtered views into the site
• be constructed of high quality materials that minimise maintenance and maximise longevity
• not be constructed of pre-coloured metal, or solid materials.

8 Landscape design

8.1 Development along the Approach Route should enhance the rural and native woodland character of the area. Landscape of a high standard is to be designed and constructed as an integral part of the development, and is to conform to the principles shown on DCP Drawing 12/08. A landscape plan for the site is to be submitted to the Territory for approval as part of the development application documentation.

8.2 A high standard of landscape design is required for the Monaro Highway frontage. This frontage should be maintained and enhanced with native trees and shrubs. Mature native trees are to be retained where possible.

8.3 Planting within the landscape setback must allow for filtered views into the site. These views will be interspersed with groups of native vegetation. Plant material used shall comprise of endemic trees and shrubs.

8.4 The woodland zone, identified in DCP drawing 12/08 shall not be developed and material accompanying development applications should demonstrate actions that mitigate negative effects on this area.

8.5 All landscaping should be considered in the context of bushfire risk mitigation and be in accordance with Planning for Bushfire Risk Mitigation General Code of the Territory Plan.

8.6 A tree assessment must accompany all development applications.

9 Roads, vehicular access and car parking

9.1 The final number of access points to Block 1633 from the Monaro Highway frontage shall not exceed two. The actual locations of site access will be determined or agreed by the relevant approval authorities.

9.2 Car parking shall not be visible from the Monaro Highway. Car parking areas should be carefully designed and sited within the natural and built form so as to appear integrated with the landscape.

10 Signs

10.1 Signs are to be in accordance with the signs general code of the Territory Plan. Signs are to address internal roads only. A single site identification sign, of high quality design, may be erected in the landscape zone. No other signs will be permitted in road verges.

11 Mechanical plant and electrical equipment substations, storage and service areas

11.1 All mechanical plant and equipment is to be contained within buildings or located within service enclosures. Such elements are to be carefully sited and should not be visible from the Approach Route.

11.2 Storage and service areas (including storage sheds) are to be suitably screened and must not to be visible from the Monaro Highway.

12 Lighting

12.1 All outdoor lighting, including security and car park lighting shall be designed and sited to minimise light pollution. Outdoor lighting shall use full cut-off light fittings. Any up-lighting of buildings should be carefully designed to keep night time overspill and glare to a minimum.

12.2 A full cut-off light fitting allows no light to be directed upward. No light dispersion or direct glare is allowed to shine at or above a 90 degree, horizontal plane from the base of the fixture. The lens/diffuser should not project beyond housing and minimal light should be emitted above 80 degrees as per Figure 1.

13 DCP drawing

The above provisions should be read in conjunction with the DCP Drawing 12/08, which forms part of this DCP.

Attachments:

Draft Development Control Plan 12/08 Consultation Report	[Draft Development Control Plan 12/08 Consultation Report]	44 Kb	06-Dec-2012
Draft Development Control Plan 12/08 Consultation Report	[Draft Development Control Plan 12/08 Consultation Report]	398 Kb	06-Dec-2012
Draft development Control Plan 12/08	[Draft development Control Plan 12/08]	625 Kb	10-Aug-2012
Draft development Control Plan 12/08 Drawing	[Draft development Control Plan 12/08 Drawing]	104 Kb	10-Aug-2012
Draft development Control Plan 12/08 Consultation Report	[Draft development Control Plan 12/08 Consultation Report]	216 Kb	06-Dec-2012