Media release

New inquiry into proposed rezoning of Belconnen Section 65 Block 42

The Standing Committee on Environment and Planning has announced it will undertake an inquiry into Draft Major Plan Amendment to the Territory Plan 011 – Belconnen Section 65 Block 42.

‘Under section 70 of the Planning Act 2023, the Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development refers all draft major amendments to the Territory Plan to the Committee for consideration prior to taking action,’ said Jo Clay MLA, Committee Chair.

This draft amendment – referred to as DPA-11 – seeks to rezone the former Arscott House site, owned by the University of Canberra and previously used for student accommodation, from a Community Facility Zone to a Commercial CZ2 Business Zone. The amendment would enable future commercial development on the site and make amendments to the Belconnen District Policy, including provisions relating to maximum building heights, active frontages, the inclusion of community facilities, and measure to limit the overshadowing and overlooking impacts on the adjoining school.

DPA-11 raises important questions about the future use of a strategically located site adjacent to the University of Canberra and near the Belconnen town centre. The Committee is also interested in the impacts of other cases where concessional leases have been paid out and the land repurposed for commercial development.

Ms Clay said, ‘The Committee will consider whether the amendment delivers the appropriate balance between development opportunities and community benefit, and whether it will support the future planning, character and liveability of Belconnen. For these reasons the Committee sees value in conducting an inquiry.’

Details on the inquiry are available on the inquiry webpage: Inquiry into DPA-11 - Belconnen Section 65 Block 42 - ACT Legislative Assembly

Information about how to make a submission is available on the Assembly website: www.parliament.act.gov.au/get-involved/guides/submissions.

Submissions close on Friday 25 September 2026. Pursuant to section 71(5) of the Planning Act 2023, the Committee must report by 21 January 2026.

13 August 2026

STATEMENT ENDS