Structure plans are different to concept plans, but it may not be obvious. Cycling is not mentioned much in the Territory Plan. Here are extracts from the West Belconnen Structure Plan.
Context
This article is one of a series of articles reviewing cycling in the Territory Plan. The first series covers the concept plans. This series covers the structure plans
Does a concept plan exist for this area? YES, found here.
Structure or concept plan?
What is a structure plan?
Planning and Development Act 2007, 71.
A structure plan sets out principles and policies for development of the future urban areas.
What is a concept plan?
Planning and Development Act 2007, 71.
A concept plan—
(a) applies the principles and policies in the structure plan to future urban areas; and
(b) is a precinct code in the territory plan (see section 55 (3)) that guides the preparation and assessment of development in future urban areas to which the concept plan relates.
West Belconnen Structure Plan
Structure Plan West Belconnen, Land located West of Macgregor and Holt in the district of Belconnen, 22 July 2017, Territory Plan, accessed 16 June 2021.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
The planning principles and policies for the broad structure are that:
7. an integrated cycling route network should be created within and between communities consistent with ACT and national standards;
Structure Plan West Belconnen, Land located West of Macgregor and Holt in the district of Belconnen, 22 July 2017, Territory Plan, accessed 16 June 2021, page 2
6.3 Social principles
21 Neighbourhoods will be planned to encourage walking and cycling to reduce vehicle dependence, with a legible and permeable hierarchy of roads, conveniently located commercial and community facilities, a network of open spaces, an on and off road system for pedestrians and cyclists where appropriate and provision for accessible public transport.
Structure Plan West Belconnen, Land located West of Macgregor and Holt in the district of Belconnen, 22 July 2017, Territory Plan, accessed 16 June 2021, page 4
6.4 Economic principles
25 The main commercial centre will be located near a major road and provide the main concentration of employment, commercial and community activities in the area. The centre will be well serviced by public transport and link effectively with the wider pedestrian and cycling network.
Structure Plan West Belconnen, Land located West of Macgregor and Holt in the district of Belconnen, 22 July 2017, Territory Plan, accessed 16 June 2021, page 4
6.6 Landscape and Open Space Principles
42 Provision will be made for open space links between the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, Ginninderra Creek and Strathnairn Village suitable for cycling, pedestrian and equestrian use.
43 Provision will be made for open space links to the Molonglo River Corridor and to the existing off road path network in Belconnen for the purposes of pedestrian, equestrian and cycle use.
Structure Plan West Belconnen, Land located West of Macgregor and Holt in the district of Belconnen, 22 July 2017, Territory Plan, accessed 16 June 2021, page 6
7.13 Transport
109 Shared paths (bicycle/pedestrian) will provide access to key features within West Belconnen including the conservation corridor, Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek corridors, the group centre, schools and Strathnairn. The paths will also connect to existing shared paths that link West Belconnen with the wider Belconnen district, Canberra City and beyond.
Structure Plan West Belconnen, Land located West of Macgregor and Holt in the district of Belconnen, 22 July 2017, Territory Plan, accessed 16 June 2021, page 14
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