ACT Government Proposes Allowing Townhouses on All Residential Blocks

The ACT government has proposed changes to residential planning rules that would allow townhouses, terraces and low-rise apartments on all residential blocks in the territory. The changes would also permit block consolidation and subdivision. Developments up to three storeys would be allowed on some blocks that already permit townhouses.

Steel said the changes are intended to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030. He described the reforms as the most significant update to the Territory Plan since self-government. Steel said the changes would provide housing options between large apartment buildings and single detached homes.

He added that existing urban areas could accommodate more housing without restricting medium-density options to outer suburbs. "We're not expecting every single block in every single street to be developed overnight. This will occur over many decades," Steel said.

David Shearer, director of projects at SPACELAB urban design and town planning, said many Canberra suburbs are losing population and need more missing-middle housing. He said streetscapes are well protected under current policies. Shearer raised concerns that the Lease Variation Charge tax system is not aligned with the proposed planning changes.

Steel said the government is reviewing the tax system as part of the budget process. Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton said his party broadly supports the reforms but will examine the details. He said controls must be set correctly to balance density concerns with the need to house a growing population.

The government is scheduled to respond to an assembly inquiry and complete public consultations on the reforms by July.