Quality Residential Environments - Development Criteria

All proposals for residential development will be expected to conform to all of the following criteria: (a) the development respects the surrounding context and is appropriate to the character and topography of the site in terms of layout, scale, proportions, massing and appearance of buildings, structures and landscaped and hard surfaced areas; (b) features of the archaeological and built heritage, and landscape features are identified and, where appropriate, protected and integrated in a suitable manner into the overall design and layout of the development; (c) adequate provision is made for public and private open space and landscaped areas as an integral part of the development. Where appropriate, planted areas or discrete groups of trees will be required along site boundaries in order to soften the visual impact of the development and assist in its integration with the surrounding area; (d) adequate provision is made for necessary local neighbourhood facilities, to be provided by the developer as an integral part of the development; (e) a movement pattern is provided that supports walking and cycling, meets the needs of people whose mobility is impaired, respects existing public rights of way, provides adequate and convenient access to public transport and incorporates traffic calming measures; (f) adequate and appropriate provision is made for parking; (g) the design of the development draws upon the best local traditions of form, materials and detailing; (h) the design and layout will not create conflict with adjacent land uses and there is no unacceptable adverse effect on existing or proposed properties in terms of overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing, noise or other disturbance; and (i) the development is designed to deter crime and promote personal safety.