All proposed developments five storeys and above will be scrutinised by the territory's design review panel, under a move designed to lift the quality of Canberra's multi-storey buildings.
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![From October 1, all proposed developments five storeys and above will be scrutinised by the National Capital Design Review Panel. Picture: Karleen Minney From October 1, all proposed developments five storeys and above will be scrutinised by the National Capital Design Review Panel. Picture: Karleen Minney](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc76fdq9jjolvule133j0.jpg/r0_917_4256_2827_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The National Capital Design Review panel will be in permanent operation from October 1, having existed on an interim basis since September 2017.
The panel, which was established by the ACT government and National Capital Authority, provides design advice and recommendations to government and developers as they prepare applications for large-scale developments.
The panel has provided guidance on 26 projects since its inception, including stage one of light rail, Manuka Oval media centre and the Liangis family's contentious hotel proposal.
Most recently, it has been scrutinising Morris Property Group's planned 400-home development at the site of the old Stuart Flats.
The panel's workload is set to increase significantly after the Assembly passed laws to broaden its scope.
Under the changes, developers seeking to build five storeys or above will be required to present to the panel before lodging a development application.
The panel does not have the power to approve or reject applications. However, when its advice is provided, the applicant will need to detail a response to the feedback in its development application.
An ACT government spokesman said the five-storey trigger for a panel referral would help ensure "good development outcomes" in the city, town centres and on main roads.
The Canberra Times understands the government will on Tuesday publish the panel's terms of reference.
ACT Property Council executive director Adina Cirson said the industry was "very supportive" of a review panel, provided it did not create further delays to the ACT's already log jammed development assessment process.
"What we don't want to see is that extra time delay," Ms Cirson said.
A tender process will be used to select the 25-30 industry professionals who will form the panel's wider pool of members.
Three to five members will be selected to advise on particular applications.
The government spokesman said it was working with industry to ensure a smooth transition to the new system on October 1.