At Cubitt’s we pride ourselves in having a team of planners and architects who are familiar with all the local council regulations in the ACT. The state has different regulations when it comes to approving secondary residences, and its important you have confidence that the builder and planners you choose know exactly how its done.
The ACT requires a Development Application (DA) to be approved prior to the commencement of any building, including secondary residences, or ‘Granny Flats’. In this process, a floor plan must be submitted to your local council showing the Granny Flat is compliant with the Australian Standard AS 4299 Adaptable Housing (Class C), which ensures the residence is easily adaptable to cater to the needs of people with disabilities.
In the ACT the development of some land could also have the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT) (Planning Act) applied. This Act established a three tier system of assessment tracks: code, merit and impact. Generally for a secondary residence, Cubitt’s will submit your application using the Merit track process. Here’s a little about how it works.
A merit track development application is assessed against the rules or criteria in the applicable assessment code of the Territory Plan, which a legal document that guides planning and development in the ACT to provide the people of the ACT with an attractive, safe and efficient environment in which to live, work and play.
The aim of the merit track is to provide an assessment that provides the opportunity for applicants to demonstrate that the development would facilitate the best design outcome for a site and for neighbours. At Cubitt’s we take care of council applications so you don’t have to. Included in our documentation to council will be the evidence of why your secondary residence is good for the area.
The following is a summary of what information we’ll include in your merit track application to help the assessor:
- the relevant code of the Territory Plan
- objectives for the zone
- suitability of the land for the development
- all representations made in the application
- probable impact of the development, including environmental impact.
Merit track DAs for secondary residences must be publicly notified with a sign stating the development proposed must be placed on the property, a notice placed in a newspaper and letters sent to adjoining neighbours.
Cubitt’s are highly experienced in submitting planning application required for ACT secondary residence developments. Contact Cubitt’s for a Site Inspection so we can tell you everything that will be involved for your property
Find out how Cubitt's can work for you
Our free Site Assessment could help you sketch out what a secondary residence could look like on your property. Knowledge is non-negotiable. Our Design Consultant will measure out your site and help you fully understand the possibilities for your block, and be able to discuss in detail your options for a CDC or Development Application. When you’re planning to build, you want assurance that your site is suitable, and that you are not going to be impacted mid-build by unforeseen or surprise costs. We provide a thorough, free, upfront feasibility study for your Granny Flat which gives you an assured green light to build.
Free On-Site Assessment at Your Property
Interested in finding out how to make a positive investment from a Cubitt's Granny Flat or Home Extension? Get in touch for a no-obligation site inspection today.
We require your name, email and phone number to get back to you - and the more you can tell us about your build project, the more effectively our local teams can help.
Or call:
Post Author
Author
VIEW MORE OF OUR
Recent Blogs
Building Your Accommodation Business from Scratch in Rural NSW: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re envisioning a cosy bed and breakfast or a cluster of serviced apartments, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn your dream of building an accommodation business into a prosperous reality.
What the Inland Code Means for Your Rural NSW Granny Flat Project
Are you considering adding a Granny Flat to your property in rural or regional New South Wales? The Inland Code does not permit complying development for the erection of secondary dwellings, commonly known as granny flats. This means that for the 69 Local Government Areas (LGAs) falling under the Inland Code, obtaining approval for a Granny Flat requires a Development Application (DA).
Unlocking Affordable Housing: Cubitt’s Calls on Premier Minns to Take a Cue from QLD
Cubitt’s Granny Flats advocates for affordable housing solutions, drawing inspiration from Queensland’s grant incentives for smaller builds.
ACT Land Zone RZ1 – You Can Now Build a Dual Occupancy up to 120m and Subdivide Your Block
ACT Canberra residential zone 1 (RZ1) blocks measuring 800 square meters or more are now eligible for the construction of two homes. Here is a quick FAQ on some elements of this change to help you start planning your ACT Dual Occupancy
End of Year Sale! $10k Cashback Offer When You Sign in 2023
To set up our schedule for 2024 we are offering an amazing $10k off your tender price while it’s still valid.
Top 50 NSW Suburbs With Granny Flat Potential
There could be a million residential properties across the nation with the potential to accommodate a Granny Flat. Is your suburb on the top 50 list?
