Politically, the plan has broad support by both major parties and the independents, as all were represented on the committee.
The plan will take some time for community groups to digest, but some were willing to give initial reactions yesterday.
The executive director of the MBA of the ACT, Bernie Bryant, welcomed the replacement of a multitude of former National Capital Development Commission policies with one document. The plan would provide certainty.
While supporting energy-efficiency in design the MBA thought there were significant cost implications that cold be a hurdle for first home-buyers and restrict freedom of choice by consumers. It would also be difficult in old areas being redeveloped because of poor street orientation. The MBA could not support blanket energy-efficiency requirements.
The energy-efficiency plan, however, was welcomed by the conservation council. Its president, Jacqueline Rees, said the committee had wisely taken the long-term view.
Overall it was a refreshing report.
“”David Lamont’s committee has obviously heeded community concerns and tried to ensure changes to the much criticised Territory Plan that provides the Canberra community a planning process that tries to be both just and efficient,” she said “”The concept of an appeals system devoid of lawyers is most welcome, although in cases of multiple development there may need to be a more sophisticated mechanism than the proposed appeals board”.
The council was pleased that automatic third-party appeal rights would apply to multiple developments. The report could restore the confidence that the community had lost in the planning process.
The council had some queries, for example, “”the identification of a future Tennant Dam seems to preclude other options, and some details in relation to heritage listing need fleshing out”.
The deputy chair of the committee, Trevor Kaine, recognised that there were cost issues with the energy-efficiency proposals. However, the guidelines would have to be approved by the Assembly.
He thought it would be a miracle if the committee had pleased everyone. “”But we have done a pretty good job in retaining the amenity of Canberra.”