Released 26/07/2018
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman has today used his ability to ‘call-in’ and approve a development proposal for a new local centre for Giralang.
“Under the discretion I have in the Planning and Development Act 2007,I have called in and approved the development application for a new local centre for Giralang,” Minister Gentleman said.
“I have used my call-in powers in this instance because I consider the proposal will provide a substantial public benefit, particularly to the community of Giralang and surrounding suburbs with delivery of a long overdue local centre.
“I trust that the use of my ability to ‘call-in’ this new development application will at last signal the end to a long and frustrating journey for the people of Giralang.”
The initial decision to establish a new local centre was made on 17 August 2011 by the then Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell. Since then, for seven years, the people of Giralang have been denied that facility as a result of a series of prolonged legal challenges that eventually escalated to the High Court.
The new local centre will be a contemporary mixed-use development, with ground floor commercial uses, including a 1000m² supermarket and other commercial tenancies; basement parking; and 50 residential units over four levels.
New parking spaces will also be provided on Menkar Close; and the existing carpark for Giralang Primary School will be improved to provide a new drop-off arrangement and new parking spaces.
“The contemporary mixed-use nature of the facility will benefit the community by combining retail, commercial and living opportunities,” Minister Gentleman said.
“This new dynamic for Giralang will mean greater variety and choice in housing as well as a local centre that will be better integrated as a place, combining living opportunities with retail and commercial spaces. Off-site works, such as parking, landscaping and greater pedestrian connectivity, will provide additional public benefit to the community – particularly for the adjoining school by providing improvements to the current parking and set down arrangements.
“In granting the approval I have noted and acknowledged concerns raised by members of the community and imposed conditions on the development as part of my decision. I have also noted significant support from members of the Giralang community for this development.”
Conditions imposed include requirements for additional accessible parking spaces; improved pedestrian links; additional bicycle parking; protection of existing trees; and verge management and temporary traffic management.
The proponent undertook extensive community consultation during late 2017 and early 2018 prior to lodging the development application with the planning and land authority on 7 March 2018.
Under Section 159 of the Planning and Development Act 2007 the Minister for Planning and Land Management may consider a development application if he or she considers it will respond to a major policy issue, have a substantial effect on achieving objectives of the Territory Plan and provide a substantial public benefit.
Following such approval the decision cannot be reviewed by a third party in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases