Can a dual occupancy be built on a battle-axe block?
Yes. A dual occupancy can be designed on a battle-axe block, subject to meeting the applicable planning requirements.
The ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide specifically provides an example of a dual occupancy on a battle-axe block. In the example, the block also fronts public open space, and the dwellings are positioned to provide front gardens and direct access to the public open space, supporting activation and passive surveillance
Whether a particular battle-axe block can accommodate a dual occupancy will still depend on the site's circumstances and compliance with the applicable Territory Plan requirements.
Reference: ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide – Site and Land Use → Irregular Blocks – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3092411/ACT-Missing-Middle-Housing-Design-Guide.pdf
Short Answer
Yes, potentially. The ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide specifically illustrates a dual occupancy on a battle-axe block. The development must still meet all applicable planning requirements.
Detailed Explanation
Yes, subject to the applicable Territory Plan requirements. The ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide expressly illustrates dual-occupancy development on a battle-axe block under its guidance for irregular blocks.
Figure 14 demonstrates a dual occupancy on a battle-axe block benefiting from frontage to public open space, with the buildings positioned to provide front gardens and direct access to that open space.
The illustration demonstrates that a battle-axe configuration is not, by itself, treated by the Design Guide as preventing dual occupancy development. Approval remains subject to compliance with the applicable statutory planning controls.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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