Report on Consultation Works Approval (WA20054) Australian National University Construction of proposed 500 bed student accommodation building

Transcription

1 Report on Consultation Works Approval (WA20054) Australian National University Construction of proposed 500 bed student accommodation building September 2015

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Public consultation National Capital Plan Commitment to community engagement Summary of public consultation Public consultation process Submissions received Comments to NCA website Comments from ACT Government Agencies Conclusion... 5 Attachment 1 Location Plan... 6 Attachment 2 Photographs of signs on site... 7 Attachment 3 Canberra Times advertisement... 8

3 1. Introduction Under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, the National Capital Authority (NCA) prepares and administers the National Capital Plan (the Plan) to ensure Canberra and the Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance. The Plan sets out the broad planning framework for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Areas designated as having special characteristics of the National Capital are subject to detailed planning policies and guidelines. Any buildings or structures, demolition, landscaping or excavation works in Designated Areas require the approval of the NCA. The NCA considers such proposals in the context of the relevant provisions of the Plan. On 6 August 2015, the National Capital Authority (NCA) received a Works Approval application from Purdon Planning Pty Ltd, on behalf of the Australian National University (ANU) for the construction of a new 500 bed student accommodation building at the ANU on the corner of Clunies Ross Street, Daley and Dickson Roads, Acton (Attachment A Location Plan). The following report details the public consultation process undertaken by the NCA relating to this application. 2. Public consultation 2.1 National Capital Plan Under the Plan, the requirements for public consultation apply, but are not limited to, certain residential developments, telecommunications facilities (that are not considered low impact) and amending or issuing an instrument under the Plan (including Development Control Plans). 2.2 Commitment to community engagement The NCA s Commitment to Community Engagement (February 2015) details how the NCA conducts consultation. The purpose is to achieve a greater level of consistency and transparency in the NCA s decision making process. The NCA will make an assessment of whether a proposal is consistent with the National Capital Plan and if it requires public consultation. An assessment will be made in relation to adverse impacts on: public space and community amenity environment, heritage or landscape values amenity of the locality in terms of materials, finishes, scale, massing, design and quality consistency with an existing Heritage Management Plan. When an application for works is lodged and consultation is required, consultation with the community and stakeholders will be undertaken by the applicant, the NCA, or both. The protocol for applications for works which require consultation under the National Capital Plan is set out in Attachment B of the Commitment of Community Engagement. As the application for the construction of the 500 bed student accommodation building was assessed as having the potential to have impacts on public space and community amenity, environment, landscape values, amenity of the locality in terms of materials, finishes, scale, massing, design and quality, full public consultation was undertaken.

4 Summary of public consultation 2.3 Public consultation process Public consultation was undertaken on the works approval application and took the form of: Between 15 August 4 September 2015 publishing details of the proposal, including the applicant s plans and planning report on the NCA s website Between 15 August 4 September 2015 placing three A1 size signs on site (one fronting Clunies Ross Street, one on both Dickson and Daley Road s) Attachment B photos of signs On 15 August 2015 notification was placed in the Canberra Times (Attachment C) The NCA writing to adjoining neighbors/lessees advising of the consultation process and inviting comments. Letters were sent to: CSIRO, Australian Botanic Gardens, Ursula Hall, Burton and Garran Hall and St John 23 rd College. Referring the application to ACT Government including; ACT Heritage Council, ACT Environment Protection Authority Liaison (EPA), ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna Liaison, and ACT Roads. 2.4 Submissions received The NCA received no formal written submissions during the consultation period however three comments were post on the comments section of the NCA website in relation to the proposal. In relation to the ACT Government at the time of writing comments had only been received from the ACT EPA Comments to NCA website A summary of the comments received and an NCA response appears below: Comment 1 - As a student of a UC Unilodge (Weedon) not having outdoor access or windows that can be opened is a major flaw. Furthermore the air conditioning is shared between rooms which has led to problems with students smoking in their rooms stinking up floors and are hard to identify the source apartment ( Steph 17 August 2015) NCA Response The comment relates to the writer s experience at a different student accommodation facility at The University of Canberra and therefore does not relate directly to the current application. It should be noted however that the proposed design does include operable windows allowing occupants to manage their own ventilation. Comment 2-1. Music practice studios are an essential requirement. 2. A bar area to host functions and sell refreshments is also needed. 3. The living/study spaces are not sufficiently separated to allow parties/all-night study sessions to go on simultaneously without interruption to each other NCA Response The building incorporates a series of social hubs as well as a reception hall which will provide opportunities for study or music practice as well as hosting of functions. A number of common areas are located on each level for student interaction. The matter of separation between student rooms and the common areas is a matter for in-house management (restricted hours of access etc.). Comment 3 - Project would help to bring some more life to that side of campus and connection to CSIRO. Good to see high quality architectural design being embraced by the ANU. NCA response This is a positive comment about the proposed building and is noted Comments from ACT Government Agencies

5 The application was referred to the ACT Environment Protection Authority (EPA), ACT Heritage Council and the ACT Conservator for Flora and Fauna and Roads ACT. At the time of writing only a response from the EPA had been received. The EPA raised no objection to the project subject to a number of conditions relating to removal and soil testing following demolition of the existing buildings on site. These conditions will be included on any decision notice for the site. 3. Conclusion The NCA s consultation process was carried out in accordance with the Plan and the NCA s Commitment to Community Engagement (February 2015). Three web based comments were received during the consultation period. The NCA is satisfied that the major concerns of the community have been addressed and that sufficient opportunity was offered to members of the public to comment on the proposal.

6 Attachment 1 Location Plan

7 Attachment 2 Photographs of signs on site

8 Attachment 3 Canberra Times advertisement