Lots of things have happened but not much has changed for Stellulata Cohousing since our last update.
In February 2021 the draft Territory Plan Variation related to our small cohousing project (DV376) was released for public comment. Thank you to the people who made submissions – 13 of the 14 were very supportive. All the documents related to the variation, including the submissions, are available on the ACT Government Planning website. (Update 1 Oct 2021 - a consultation report has been prepared and a slightly adjusted wording for DV376 has now been referred to the Standing Committee.)
In March, ABC Radio and The Canberra Times reported on our project.
In April, we submitted our Development Application (DA 2021 38521) which was initially rejected on some technical grounds.
During May and June, we made some revisions but delayed resubmitting the DA until we had revised the early draft of our Residential Travel Plan. This document explains how we will encourage greater use of public transport and active travel (walking and cycling) while minimising single use car journeys by our residents and visitors.
In July, Ian gave evidence to the Inquiry into DV365 on Cohousing and Boarding Houses being held by the Standing Committee on Planning, Transport, and City Services. The committee’s final report on the issue is on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.
In August we got distracted by an unfortunate proposal to create a health facility next door in a residential zone. Thank you to all our neighbours in Section 25 who also made submissions against DA 2021 38926. The DA documents might still be on the Planning website and we will wait to see what happens.
In September, we resubmitted our Development Application and encountered some more technical issues which were quickly resolved.
Now we wait, again. Our Territory Plan Variation (DV376) should have reached the Minister’s office by now but still has to be considered by the Standing Committee on Planning and there is also the opportunity for the ACT Legislative Assembly to disallow the change. The Covid-19 outbreak in Canberra has delayed some government and legislative actions but we still hope it will be finally approved this year.
(Update 1 Oct 2021 - a consultation report has been prepared and a slightly adjusted wording for DV376 has now been referred to the Standing Committee.)
The Development Application is working its way through the Planning departments and we expect it will be approved “subject to the approval of DV376” in the next couple of months.
We hope we will be able to provide you with some (good) news sooner next time.
In the meantime, enjoy a photo of Joss and Trish camping near a stand of Eucalyptus stellulata trees in Namadgi National Park.