When there is a new building proposed close to your home or in the near vicinity it can be difficult to know what can and cant be built. When a new building is proposed a Development Application is usually lodged although certain developments are exempt from this requirement.
The rules applying to a Development Application are complex and can be difficult to access but the resulting building could affect your lifestyle so it may be important that you make a comment.
The aim these provisions is to provide a balance between ‘certainty’ and ‘flexibility’.
One of the important provisions is the Plot Ratio which is used to control the scale of a development. It is calculated by dividing the area of the site by the gross floor area of the proposed building. This can be particularly important in a primarily residential area.
Click for an Overview of the ACT Planning system which may help you understand the process better.