Does the orientation of my block affect what can be approved?
The direction your block faces can make some development layouts easier to achieve than others.
For example, the position of north affects where sunlight reaches the dwelling and outdoor areas and where shadows from a new building will fall. This can influence where the dwellings, living areas and private open spaces are best located.
For a dual occupancy, we would consider the block's orientation early in the design so both dwellings can receive suitable sunlight while limiting unnecessary overshadowing of neighbouring properties.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) – Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026
Short Answer
Yes. The orientation of a block can affect how a development is designed and whether it can achieve the required planning outcomes, particularly for solar access, private open space, building siting and impacts on neighbouring properties.
Orientation does not usually determine by itself whether development is permitted, but it can influence the development potential and achievable layout of the block.
Detailed Explanation
Block orientation is relevant to the assessment of residential development because it directly influences the proposal's ability to achieve solar access and amenity outcomes.
ACT Planning identifies access to natural sunlight as a matter considered in development applications. It also confirms that dual-occupancy design and siting need to address impacts on neighbouring blocks, particularly solar access and privacy.
For dual and other multi-occupancy housing, the current Missing Middle Housing Design Guide 2026 specifically recognises solar orientation, together with site slope, adjoining buildings, block dimensions and block shape, as site conditions that influence the appropriate dwelling layout.
Accordingly, when assessing a particular block, we would consider its orientation alongside the applicable requirements for solar access, building setbacks, building height, private open space and the solar building envelope. Orientation itself is not necessarily a restriction on development, but it can materially affect the design needed to achieve those requirements.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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