Background
We've listened to what the community would like to see within our suburbs, including more trees, well-designed homes, and new development that fits in with existing neighbourhoods.
The City wants infill development and grouped dwellings* (ie, units) to have a positive impact on neighbourhoods, and to result in quality, well-designed homes that people want to live in. To achieve this, the City is proposing a new approach through changes to Local Planning Policy 1.2 Residential Design Guidelines, and Scheme Amendment No. 149.
Please note that this project does not include any residential zoning/coding changes and these requirements are proposed to apply to future grouped dwellings where they are already permitted under the current zoning/coding.
What Are The Proposed Changes?
Scheme Amendment No. 149
Proposes to introduce the requirement for grouped dwellings to provide a 9m2 garden area (minimum dimension of 3m) to fit a small-medium tree. This requirement would be in addition to other open space and outdoor living area requirements. The purpose of this is to protect the green leafy character of neighbourhoods; provide shade and create a pleasant street environment; and to replace loss of trees and landscaping from development and reduce the heat island effect.
Modified Local Planning Policy 1.2 Residential Design Guidelines
Proposed changes include design guidance requiring new grouped dwellings to:
- Include features of interest, so regardless of their style they are a compatible addition to the streetscape
- Ensure driveways, access and parking do not dominate
- Ensure they are well designed, comfortable homes, including meeting key internal layout standards now required for apartments (eg. minimum sizes for bedrooms so they are functional).
- Ensure they are sustainable, considering solar orientation; daylight; shading and glare control; natural ventilation.
Extension to Advertising
We understand that in current circumstances people are experiencing disruptions and a focus on other priorities. In response we have extended the advertising period until 23 April 2020 to enable sufficient time for people to respond.
* Grouped dwelling – means one of a group of two or more dwellings on the same lot such that no dwelling is placed wholly or partially vertically above another, except where special conditions of landscape or topography dictate otherwise, and includes a dwelling on a survey strata with common property.
