Height Limit for New Canberra Precinct Reduced After Community Outcry

The federal government has approved amendments to Canberra's National Capital Plan, paving the way for redevelopment in the Hume Circle precinct in the city's inner-south. The changes aim to increase housing density in the area, located near Griffith and Narrabundah.

However, the National Capital Authority (NCA) responded to significant community opposition by substantially reducing proposed building height limits. Residents voiced concerns about potential traffic congestion and overshadowing from taller structures. In response, the NCA has lowered maximum allowable building heights in several sections of Hume Circle.

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So building height there, for instance in an existing low-rise residential area, was brought down to three storeys which is the current height in that area. It sends the message that part of the precinct is intended to retain its character and existing use.

Specifically, the height limit in a southern section of the circle has been reduced to three storeys, matching the existing height in that low-rise residential area. This move aims to preserve the precinct's existing character. On the eastern side, in the industrial area, heights have been reduced from a maximum of 15 storeys down to 12, with other sections capped at eight storeys.

Despite these reductions, some residents, like Ludmilla Milo from Staffordshire Terrace, express lingering concerns. While acknowledging the reduction to three storeys as a "small win," Milo worries about potential future changes to planning permissions that could allow for taller developments. She feels her future is now "in limbo" due to the uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment.

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Changing the planning permissions to keep this as three storeys, well that's a small win for us. But ... there's no guarantees. Down the track ... it could be a landmark 15-storey development here. I'm an outright owner, I'm set myself up for my future, and it's all in limbo now.