A change to planning rules which slipped through relatively unnoticed could have dramatic consequences for the look of Canberra streetscapes.
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What has become known as the "no front fence policy" has been altered to allow developers to build walls less than a metre from footpaths in suburban areas close to shops.
Less than two years ago, draft variation 306 to the Territory Plan was passed in the Legislative Assembly.
The 80-page document, containing an avalanche of complex and intricate rule changes, was described by ACT Master Builders Association spokesman Jerry Howard as "the most complex, confusing thing on Earth".
A rash of developers have since taken advantage of the change, which has begun to alter the visual landscape of Canberra's open streets design.
For more than a century Canberra adhered to the values that underpinned Ebenezer Howard's garden city model but some believe this change puts the model at risk.
Canberra architect Stan Bevanda said the rule effectively sidelined the old no front fence policy.
It allows courtyard walls up to 1.8-metres high to be built less than a metre from the front boundary of north-facing blocks in core areas.
Core suburban areas are those which are walking distance to shops.
"You either have a no front fence policy in keeping with the Garden City character that has been longstanding or you are getting rid of it," he said.
"They are sort of changing the character of these established street scapes fairly significantly.
"From my perspective it does signal the end of the no front fence policy."
Griffith/Narrabundah Community Association was the first residents' group to stumble onto the change.
President John Edquist said it was an unwelcome development.
"It is a major change that should have been canvassed with the public," he said.
"I have no idea what was in ACTPLA's mind.
"Traditionally you just haven't been able to build walls that close to the footpath. It is just a no-no.
"It is going to totally change the look of Canberra's inner suburbs where you have these wide streets and open front gardens."
Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said the change acknowledged a specific need to protect the privacy and enhance the amenity of residents of north-facing multi-unit developments.
"The change does not result in a different landscape outcome but simply codified an outcome that was the subject of frequently approvable development applications," he said.
"As this change is limited specifically to north facing private open spaces for multi-unit developments, which mostly occurs in more densely urbanised areas, it is not likely to have any noticeable impact on the streetscape settings experienced in such areas and will not detract from the garden city values prevailing in Canberra."
