Plans for a 24-bed boarding house in Giralang have been rejected over concerns the building would "starkly contrast" with the character of the residential suburb.
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The ACT Planning and Land Authority has knocked back a proposal for a $1.5 million student accommodation development at the corner of Chuculba Crescent and William Slim Drive.
Architect Chi Hung Tong had applied on behalf of the property's owners for permission to demolish a single-storey home and replace it with a new two-level building, which was to include 24 ensuite bedrooms, common kitchen, living room, laundry areas and storage.
In his notice of decision, the planning authority's delegate, George Cilliers, said the nature and scale of the development would likely have an "adverse impact" on the amenity of the street.
Boarding houses are permitted in the area under the ACT planning code, but their design needs to be consistent with the "desired character" of the suburb and provide reasonable privacy for neighbours.
The proposed development "fell outside these rules", according to Mr Cilliers's ruling.
"The bulk and scale of the proposed development appears institutional in character and starkly contrast[s] to the residential character that is prevalent in the zone," the notice of decision stated.
"The large flat facade dominates the streetscape and will potentially dwarf the single-storey dwelling on the adjoining block to the east."
The authority's decision came after it received 93 submissions during public consultation on the application. Most respondents raised concerns about the building's size and design, and issues relating to privacy and traffic.
Community opposition to the proposed development has been led by Giralang resident Jeff Allen, who has lived behind the site since 1979.
Mr Allen was relieved by the planning authority's decision, saying he would have been forced to consider selling his property had the proposal been given the green light.
"In terms of how concerned I was about the development going ahead, on a scale of one to 10, I was an 11 or 12," Mr Allen said.
"I would have had 12 of the [24] rooms looking straight into my backyard - it would have been terrible."
Mr Chi - who can appeal the authority's decision - could not be reached for comment.
In January, he told Fairfax Media the boarding house was intended to provide long and short-term accommodation for students.
