Coombs development knocked back after a 'similar' application was given the green light

The application was a reconsideration attempt from Zapari to build a 149-unit development on a site slated for up to 44 dwellings. It was the second attempt from the company which had proposed 212 units originally for the site at the corner of John Gorton Drive and Terry Connolly Street.

In the notice of decision, the authority's delegate Brett Phillips, explained the number of dwellings in the revised proposal was "significantly" over the permitted Estate Development Plan.

It said the development "would have an adverse impact on the neighbourhood and landscape character of the area."

There were 90 written representations received during the public notification period for the development application, of those only 12 supported the proposal.

Zapari purchased the site from the ACT government for almost $3.4 million in February 2018.

The refusal of the proposal came a week after The Canberra Times revealed another Coombs development was given the green light after it was turned down twice.

POD Projects had proposed a 107-unit complex on a site earmarked for 40 dwellings - it was revised from an original application for 123 units. The developer took the ACT Planning and Land Authority to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal but an out-of-session agreement was reached for a 97-unit complex.

A spokesman from the planning authority said there was a "reasonable prospect" the 107-unit complex would be approved if it was taken to the tribunal and the revised plans put forward by POD Projects were consistent with the territory plan.

Wright resident, Ryan Hemsley who established the "Save Molonglo" Facebook page said there were similarities between the sites.

"The developments didn't have a great deal of merit between them so it's a surprising outcome that Zapari has been refused given they are more than happy to let POD go through with a few minor changes," he said.

"They both have the same problem and that's why it's been very frustrating to watch them refuse this one just days after they have publicly announced they let the other one go through with a few minor changes."

Mr Hemsley said he feared a similar outcome for Zapari's Coombs site if the developer chose to take the matter to the tribunal. He chose to not be party to the tribunal case for POD Projects.

"The ball is in ACTPLA's court if Zapari want to take decision to ACAT. We hope they do not capitulate, we hope they actually seek to defend their decisions," he said.

It is unclear if Zapari planned to do this. The developer was contacted for comment.

Zapari managing director Nicholas Skepev previously told The Canberra Times the number of units allowed when the government sold the site "appear to fall short of the intentions of the Territory Plan".

Another developer, 3 Property Group had proposed a complex for more than indicated yield. The project was knocked back twice but Mr Hemsley said the developer had showed him preliminary plans for a new proposal.

"They have taken it back to fit within the maximum dwelling number and for the very early concept plans, what they have come back with is a lot better," he said.