Principles for Objective one — Urban desPrinciples for Objective one — Urban design and heritage

Principles for Objective one – Urban design and heritage

a. The National Capital role requires that planning and development, in Canberra Central in particular, and generally throughout the Territory, should reflect contemporary thinking in urban design practice.

b. Planning controls should seek to ensure that development in all forms, including landscaping in urban and non‑urban areas, complements and enriches its surroundings.

c. Substantial works of architecture, engineering and landscape within the Territory should be designed to contribute positively to the overall composition, symbolism and dignity of the National Capital.

d. Development in the National Capital should seek to achieve harmony between architecture and landscape to give continuing effect to the City Beautiful and Garden City characters of the city.

e. Within Canberra Central, roads, bridges, waterways and public landscaping projects should reinforce and complement the geometric lines of the Main Avenues.

f. Vistas to major landscape features must be protected from and enhanced by development.

g. Buildings in Canberra Central should be of a height generally not greater than the height of the mature tree canopy (typically 3‑4 storeys), except where otherwise permitted by the Plan. In Canberra Central no building or structure which protrudes substantially above the tree canopy must exceed a height of RL617.

h. Opportunities should be encouraged for the enhancement and reinforcement of the physical, symbolic and visual linkages to adjoining areas of the Inner Hills and the Central National Area.

i. Urban development will be planned in a manner which promotes community vitality and safety, applies the principles of crime prevention through environmental design and recognises the needs of people with disabilities.

j. New development, including public spaces, should:

 exemplify sustainability principles

 demonstrate excellence in urban design, landscape and architecture

 facilitate pedestrian connectivity and bicycle movements where appropriate

 encourage energy efficient development and land use.