Item 7.1 - Attachment 1

Previous Council Report

 

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER         9.4

SUBJECT                   Results of public exhibition of Planning Proposal, Draft DCP and Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2 Morton Street Parramatta

REFERENCE            F2010/01017 - D01724670

REPORT OF              Project Officer-Land Use.Land Use & Transport Planning        

 


 

PURPOSE:

 

To report to Council the results of the public exhibition of the Planning Proposal, Draft DCP and Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement at 2 Morton Street Parramatta and seek Council’s endorsement to finalise these plans.

 

 


 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)     That Council consider all submissions received and adopt the Planning Proposal for 2 Morton Street, Parramatta subject to the following variations as enabled by Section 58 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:

          1)      That the Floor Space Ratio be increased from 1.2:1 to 1.3:1.

2)      That the portion of the site to be zoned Waterway be reduced to that area as shown in Attachment 4.

          3)      That a clause be introduced into the Planning Proposal that for the           purposes of calculating FSR, the whole of the site area be included.

(b)   That Council adopt the draft VPA subject to the finalisation of the legal drafting, including the matters raised in this report.

(c)     That upon signing of the Voluntary Planning Agreement, the Planning Proposal as amended be forwarded to the Department of Planning in accordance with Section 59 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and that the Director General make arrangements for the legal drafting of the required LEP amendment.

(d)  That subject to the signing of the Voluntary Planning Agreement, the draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2010 be amended, prior to its finalisation to include the outcomes of the Planning Proposal.

(e)     That Council not carry out a public hearing in respect of the Planning Proposal and the submitters requesting this be notified accordingly.

(f)     That Council adopt the site specific draft Development Control Plan (DCP) for 2 Morton Street, subject to the following amendments, with the DCP to become effective at the date corresponding to the making of the LEP amendment giving effect to the proposal:

1.      That the provision contained in draft Parramatta DCP 2010 with respect to car sharing scheme also apply to this site specific DCP.

2.      That assessment criteria be included in the draft DCP to enable the proper assessment of a development application which proposes development at or adjoining the 1 in 100 year flood line.

3.      That the wording of clause 3.2 be amended to reiterate Council’s preference for tower elements to be located closer to the interface of the foreshore land.

4.      Delete reference to clause 5.1.

5.      That the depth of buildings be measured from glass line to glass line.

6.      Delete clause 5.4 (e).

7.      Remove the 40% landscape requirement and allow for landscaping controls to be a merit assessment with an emphasis on deep soil planting within the Mixed Use zone.

8.      That car parking requirements be amended to be consistent with the draft Parramatta DCP 2010.

9.      That reference to road widening requirement for Morton Street be deleted.

10.    That the specifications for width of the road verge for Morton Street be a 3 metre footpath plus a 3 metre grassed verge.

g)      Further, that all persons who made submissions be notified of the outcome.

 


BACKGROUND

 

1.     On 1 October 2009, the landowner of 2 Morton Street, Parramatta lodged a Planning Proposal seeking the rezoning of this land from “Employment 4” (industrial use) to High Density Residential, Mixed Use, Public Open Space and Waterways.

 

2.      Council, on 19 October 2009, adopted the Planning Proposal for public exhibition, subject to it being exhibited concurrently with a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) and site specific draft Development Control Plan (DCP). As required by the Act, the NSW Department of Planning (DoP) considered the proposal and authorised the public exhibition by issuing ‘Gateway’ determination in December 2009 and updated that authorisation in February 2010.

 

3.      On 14 April 2010 Council endorsed a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, provided certain conditions were part of that agreement, including an increase in the financial contribution from the proponent to the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Parramatta River. Once these conditions were negotiated, the draft VPA was placed on public exhibition, together with the Planning Proposal, draft site specific DCP and the traffic study submitted by the land owner. The public exhibition was held from 7 August 2010 to 10 September 2010.

         

4.      Council received 51 written submissions in response to the public exhibition. This included a submission containing a petition containing 117 signatures objecting to the proposal. A summary of the comments made in submissions are contained in Attachment 3. Council also received 2 submissions which requested that it hold a public hearing on particular issues raised in those submissions.

 

5.      Section 57(5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 states that if a person making a submission so requests and Council considers that the issues raised in a submission are of such significance that they should be the subject of a hearing, the Council is to arrange a public hearing on the issues raised in the submission.

 

6.      The issues raised in the submissions are understood, are able to be fully addressed in this report and are of a type that Council generally receives in response to a proposal of this nature. The content of the submission is consistent with other submissions received and it is not recommended that a public hearing be held.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO DRAFT PARRAMATTA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN (LEP) 2010

 

7.         The proposed rezoning of the land at 2 Morton Street has been under consideration by Council for a number of years and has previously been part of public consultations as part of Council’s Residential Development Strategy and part of the public exhibition of draft Parramatta LEP 2010.

 

8.         The proponent, as provided for by the Act, is seeking the rezoning separately as a Planning Proposal to be considered independently of Council’s draft principal LEP. However, ultimately, the outcomes of the planning controls for 2 Morton Street, as determined by the Planning Proposal, will need to be reflected in the draft Parramatta LEP when it is finally made.

 

ISSUES

 

9.         The main concerns expressed in submissions relate to:

a)   Increased traffic caused by the new development.

b)   The proposal will change the character of this area from a low/medium density area to high density.

c)   The proposal will affect the environmental and heritage values of the foreshore.

d)   Will increase flood risks.

e)   Existing infrastructure is inadequate.

f)    Lack of consultation.

g)   The building heights are excessive.

 

10.       Council’s Residential Development Strategy has identified this site and the immediate area for increased residential housing. The reasoning for this is that is more sustainable in the long term to accommodate a growing population by concentrating future residential housing in locations with good access to public transport, open space, community services, open space and schools. 2 Morton Street is within close proximity to the Parramatta CBD and the University of Western Sydney as well as access to bus services and an active foreshore. This makes it a desirable location in comparison to other locations that does not enjoy the same level of access.

 

11.       The purpose of a Planning Proposal is to determine the suitability of the site to be rezoned for a particular purpose. To support the Planning Proposal and give an outline of what that the development form may look like, additional controls have been prepared in the form of a draft DCP and draft VPA that provides further public benefits to the wider community.

 

12.       The Planning Proposal identifies certain issues and constraints that impact on the development of the site. These issues will be further investigated and resolved at the time a development application is lodged. This process involves much more precise details about the look, feel and design of the development and will be measured against strict criteria. This process will also involve its own consultation phase for which the community will have further opportunity to voice their concerns.

 

CONCLUSION

 

13.       It is recommended that Council adopt the Planning Proposal, the draft DCP and draft VPA subject to modifications, as specified in the detailed report found at Attachment 1. However, as a pre requisite, that the draft VPA be signed by both parties prior to the Planning Proposal proceeding to the NSW Department of Planning for finalisation.

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan Burbridge                                             Sue Stewart

Project Officer                                                 Senior Project Officer

Land Use Planning                                       Land Use Planning

 

 


Attachments:

1

Attachment 1 - Detailed report on Planning Proposal, Draft DCP and Draft VPA for 2 Morton Street, Parramatta

16 Pages

 

2

Attachment 2 - Planning proposal, Draft DCP and VPA as exhibited

72 Pages

 

3

Attachment 3 - Summary of submissions

19 Pages

 

4

Attachment 4 - Variation to land to be zone waterways

1 Page

 

5

Attachment 5 - Draft SMCMA Vegetation Map

1 Page

 

 

 


REFERENCE MATERIAL


Item 7.1 - Attachment 1

Previous Council Report

 

Attachment 1 - Detailed report

Planning Proposal, Draft DCP and Draft VPA for 2 Morton Street, Parramatta

 

 

Background to the Planning Proposal

 

On 1 October 2009, the landowner of 2 Morton Street, Parramatta lodged a Planning Proposal seeking the rezoning of this land from “Employment 4” (industrial use) to High Density Residential, Mixed Use, Public Open Space and Waterways.

 

Council, on 19 October 2009, adopted the Planning Proposal for referral to the Department of Planning (DoP) for Gateway determination to allow the proposal to proceed to public exhibition, together with a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) and draft Development Control Plan (DCP). In December 2009, the NSW Department of Planning (DoP) authorised the public exhibition and issued a Gateway determination. The authorisation was revised in February 2010 to clarify matters regarding mapping.

 

On 14 April 2010, Council endorsed a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, provided certain conditions were part of that agreement. Once these conditions were negotiated, the draft VPA was placed on public exhibition, together with the Planning Proposal, draft site specific DCP and the traffic study submitted by the land owner. The public exhibition was held from 7 August 2010 to 10 September 2010.

 

Planning proposal and its relationship to draft Parramatta LEP 2010

 

The proposed rezoning of the land at 2 Morton Street has been under consideration by Council for a number of years and has previously been part of public consultations as part of Council’s Residential Development Strategy.  It is also reflected in draft Parramatta LEP 2010, with the land proposed to be zoned part RE1 Public Recreation, part W2 Waterways, part R4 High Density Residential and B4 Mixed Use. The draft LEP, including these planning controls, was publicly exhibited from 1 March 2010 until 7 May 2010. Council also exhibited draft DCP controls for 2 Morton Street as part of the Draft Parramatta DCP 2010.

 

By submitting a Planning Proposal, the landowner is seeking to have the rezoning proceed at a faster pace than Council’s new principal LEP. The Planning Proposal will proceed independently of draft Parramatta LEP 2010. However, ultimately, the outcomes of the planning controls for 2 Morton Street, as determined by the Planning Proposal, will need to be reflected in the draft Parramatta LEP when it is finally made.

 

Results of the public exhibition

 

The exhibition involved a mail out 338 landowners within a 400-metre radius of 2 Morton Street, Parramatta, exhibition of material at the Parramatta City Library and Council’s Administration Centre. The information was displayed on Council’s website and an advertisement placed in the local newspaper advising of the exhibition. The exhibited Planning Proposal, draft DCP and draft VPA can be seen in Attachment 2.

 

At the conclusion of the public exhibition, Council received 51 submissions. One of the submissions contained a petition with 117 signatures objecting to the proposal. The signatures on the petition are from residents within the immediate area of 2 Morton Street and on the southern side of the Parramatta River. Also included are 2 submissions received during the exhibition of the draft Parramatta LEP 2010 relating to 2 Morton Street, Parramatta. Those submissions have been considered as part of this report. The landowner of 2 Morton Street also made a submission with respect to the planning controls contained in the Planning Proposal.

 

Council as part of the NSW Department of Planning Gateway determination was required to consult with particular State Government Authorities; they were the Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW Transport and Infrastructure, Sydney Metro, Department of Conservation, Environment and Climate Change and the Catchment Management Authority. Council received three submissions from these agencies. None of these agencies objected in principle to the proposal. A summary of agency submissions is included in Attachment 3. The RTA’s submission requests that Council consult with them with respect to the draft VPA. Council during the public exhibition wrote to the RTA about this issue but no response was received.

 

 

Key issues raised in public submissions

 

The key issues raised in submissions are discussed below. Attachment 3 summarises all the submissions received.

 

1.      Traffic, road network and on street parking (34 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ Concerned by the increased levels of traffic the proposed development will cause when the area already experiences traffic congestion during peak periods.

§ There are limited road access points in and out of the site. This restricts the ability for traffic to flow through the area.

§ The traffic study does not fully represent the traffic issues that affect the area.

§ A broader analysis of the long-term traffic conditions should be considered taking into account the up zoning of land surrounding 2 Morton Street, as proposed in draft Parramatta LEP 2010.

§ Proposed road extensions to New Zealand and Harvey Street are not feasible without land acquisition and proper consultation with affected landowners.

§ The increasing cost of parking in the CBD has resulted in local streets becoming dominated by parked cars.

 

Response

 

Council’s Traffic and Transport Unit has reviewed the proponent’s traffic study and provide the following comments:

 

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) “Guide to Traffic Generating Developments” (TGD) suggests a traffic generation rate of 0.29 vehicle trips per unit for high density development during peak time. Accordingly, the proposed traffic generation associated with the proposed redevelopment of 2 Morton Street would equate to an additional 169 – 195 vehicle trip per hour during peak times.

 

The Traffic study also analysed the future operation of Thomas Street at the intersections of Macarthur Street, Morton Street & Pemberton Street. The modelling assumes a growth factor of 1.5% per annum on all movements at the intersection over a 10-year period plus the additional traffic generated by the proposed development.

 

Based on this information, Council’s Traffic and Transport Unit have indicated that the traffic volumes across the road network are within acceptable limits to support the rezoning of this land. However, traffic information will be required at the development application stage addressing the following:

 

§ An assessment of the overall traffic impact and any improvements required at the Thomas Street/Morton Street & Thomas Street/Pemberton Street intersections.

 

§ Intersection improvements at Thomas Street/Morton Street & Thomas Street/Pemberton Street are considered in order to enhance traffic safety and provide traffic calming in the section of Thomas Street between James Ruse Drive & Macarthur Street.

 

§ Determine the feasibility of restricting traffic at the intersections of Harvey Street/Macarthur Street & New Zealand Street/Macarthur Street into left-in/left-out only thereby extending the right-turn bay at Macarthur Street into Thomas Street based on the analysis as per submitted Traffic Report. 

 

§ On-site parking provision to be addressed in any further traffic study associated with a development application.

 

§ That the provisions for a car sharing scheme as documented in draft Parramatta DCP 2010 be considered as part of any future development application.

 

There was a level of concern raised in submissions that the traffic study prepared for the proponent references a potential future pedestrian and road connection between Harvey Street, New Zealand Street and Morton Street, beyond the site. This was identified in the structure plan for the wider Morton Street precinct that preceded the Planning Proposal, as an option to improve circulation and connectivity within the precinct. This is not part of the Planning Proposal, nor relied on in the traffic assessment for the rezoning. The Planning Proposal will not result in the construction of new roads extending Harvey/New Zealand Street to Morton Street.   Any proposal to explore future road connections within the precinct would require the opportunity to arise with the land owners and consultation with the community.

 

2.   Scale of development is out of character with the locality (32 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ Concerned by the proposed height of buildings and relationship to the low scale development which surrounds.

§ Development is out of character with the predominant low density/medium density housing surrounding.

§ The development will dominate the skyline and affect existing views.

§ Building heights will reduce privacy of nearby residents.

§ Medium density development would be more suitable than high density.

 

Response

 

Council’s Residential Development Strategy (RDS) identifies 2 Morton Street and the precinct bounded by the bridges at James Ruse Drive and Macarthur Street, Thomas Street and the river, for increased residential housing. This recognises the area’s proximity to the Parramatta CBD and the University of Western Sydney, its desirable location along the Parramatta River and the preference for residential development over industrial.

 

In determining the extent of residential development suitable for this site and the immediate area, Council required that the land owner investigate suitable built form outcomes and residential densities for a wider precinct, which resulted in the preparation of the ‘Elizabeth Street Structure Plan’. This plan then underwent an independent urban design review.

 

Given the policy direction of the RDS, in the longer term, the character of this area will change to take advantage of its location on the fringe of the Parramatta CBD. The structure plan and urban design analysis undertaken for the Morton Street precinct informed the proposed residential density increases included in the draft Parramatta LEP and the Planning Proposal for 2 Morton Street. 

 

Whilst the proposed building heights for this site are significantly taller than the current buildings that surround the site, within the precinct, increased development potential is proposed to accommodate residential flat buildings and mixed use development at a range of increased heights under draft Parramatta LEP 2010. The future character of the precinct will therefore change over time to one of higher density. The proposal to include mixed-use development will help activate Morton Street and encourage use of the foreshore and to provide some uses to complement the needs of existing and future residents. While mixed-use development is encouraged, the extent that it can be achieved may be limited by site constraints in some locations, such as along the foreshore to the open space adjacent to the river.

 

The maximum height proposed for 2 Morton Street is mapped at 40 metres (equivalent to 12 storeys) to comply with the mapping guidelines. However, this height relates to only one of the proposed building locations within the site. The draft Development Control Plan contains more detailed controls for building heights over the site and indicates that the predominant building height will be 6 to 8 storeys with two taller buildings equivalent to 10 and 12 storeys being strategically located closer to the foreshore to enable a strong visual relationship between the precinct and the CBD.  Because the site slopes towards the river, the height of these buildings will not have the same visual effects as if the site was flat.

 

Other planning controls contained in the draft DCP have been introduced to minimise the impact of the height.  Upper levels of all buildings (the upper 2 storeys) are required to be setback. Section 4.1 of the draft DCP provides an indicative arrangement for how buildings may be located on the site. The indicative building layout provides for the taller buildings (8 storeys) to be orientated in a north/south direction to reduce visual bulk, encourage more modulation, reduce overshadowing and encourage dual aspect apartments for enhanced access to sunlight and breezes. The lower 6 storey buildings orientated east/west, will optimise solar access to private and public open space and the separation of these buildings will provide some view corridors through to the river. It is also proposed that new buildings be slender with their depth being between 15 and 18 metres.  All these controls are designed to reduce the bulk of buildings, enable view lines through the development site and provide a spatial variation in the height of buildings. Proposed developments will also be required to comply with SEPP 65 design requirements for residential flat buildings.

 

3.     Foreshore protection and heritage values (7 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ The proposed development will encroach on the foreshore and damage the historic and environmental quality of the foreshore, including existing wetlands.

§ Proposed development is not compatible with the natural landscape of the foreshore.

§ Development does not respect the indigenous and European heritage along the foreshore

§ Improvements to the wetlands/pedestrian links along the foreshore are worthy of consideration.

 

Response

 

Part of the Parramatta River foreshore between Macarthur Street and James Ruse is not currently publicly accessible. The foreshore land of 2 Morton Street (approximately 240 metre frontage) is private land. The Planning Proposal represents (through a negotiated voluntary planning agreement) an opportunity for at least 12, 600sqm of foreshore land to be transferred into Council’s ownership to secure this as public land. The proponent would undertake the embellishment of the foreshore, including a pedestrian/cycle pathway to link the foreshore with the CBD.

 

Some concerns have been raised that the environmental qualities of the foreshore are threatened because the development will be located adjacent to the river. However, the dedication of the foreshore land in conjunction with the redevelopment of the site will provide a substantial setback of approximately 30 – 40 metres. This will ensure that the development minimises impacts on the natural foreshore environment. These setbacks also help to protect the strong historical and heritage values of the foreshore and enable these heritage elements to be accessible to the public. The mangroves that align the foreshore are heritage listed. This listing provides further protection of the foreshore, particularly as the mangroves are important environmentally and as a significant natural landscape of the river. 

 

There are other heritage items in the vicinity of the site at 2 Morton Street. These items are primarily structures such as Queens Wharf, a stone wall located within the foreshore and buildings located within the broader precinct. Any future development application for the site will require assessment as to the potential affects on heritage items.   

 

4.   Flooding (5 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ A significant part of the site is flood prone and therefore should be protected from development.

§ The development will reduce the floodplain and increase flooding risks

 

Response

 

The Planning Proposal acknowledges that there are limitations on the development of some parts of the site related to flooding potential and that any future development will need to mitigate these flood impacts. Council, when considering a development application, will need to assess whether the development proposed increases the potential flood affectation on other development or property, or risk to human life and does not adversely affects the environment of the floodplain by causing avoidable erosion, saltation or unnecessary destruction of river bank. Detailed plans and a flood study will be required as part of any development application.

 

It is probable that some buildings closest to the foreshore reserve will need to be located and designed in relation to flood levels. It is recommended that an additional section be included in the draft DCP in relation to the architectural quality of the development and design outcomes in these instances. The basis of these controls will be:

 

§ to ensure the foreshore is a safe and secure environment that Council seek passive surveillance of foreshore area through buildings addressing and connecting to the foreshore.

§ That any proposal to elevate buildings be no greater than 1.2 metres at the foreshore interface

§ That no more than 50% of buildings along the foreshore be elevated 

 

5.   Lack of consultation and information provided (6 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ That Council consider holding a public hearing due to the significance of the proposal (two submissions).

§ The material provided as part of the exhibition did not help people understand the full magnitude of the proposed development and there is insufficient information to enable Council to make a proper assessment.

 

Response

 

Section 57(5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 states that if a person making a submission so requests, and Council considers that the issues raised in a submission are of such significance that they should be the subject of a hearing; the Council is to arrange a public hearing on the issues raised in the submission.

 

Two submissions have requested that Council hold a public hearing. The issues raised in each submission are summarised below:

 

a)     Adequacy of the traffic study prepared in association with the Planning Proposal.

b)     Concerns that there is a proposal to extend Harvey and New Zealand Street through to Morton Street.

c)      The current road network is already strained. Additional units. (approximately 600) will overload the network and cause grid lock.

d)     Proposal is out of character with the existing neighbourhood.

e)         The location of a pedestrian footbridge across the river will be problematic and will detract from the current amenity of Queens Wharf.

f)          There has been a lack of public consultation on this matter

 

The issues of concern are understood, are able to be fully addressed in this report and are of a type that Council generally receives in response to a proposal of this nature. The content of the submission is consistent with other submissions received and it is not recommended that a public hearing be held.

 

The purpose of a Planning Proposal is to explain the intended effect of a proposed LEP and provide justification for the making of that plan, in this case, to change the zoning of land to permit the types of land uses proposed. The exhibition material (Attachment 2) included information of this nature. It also provided, in the draft DCP the more detailed guidelines for the redevelopment of the site.

 

A separate process exists for assessing the merits of a development proposal (a development application). This involves much more precise details about the design of the development. Should the Planning Proposal be approved then the landowner is entitled to lodge a development application. If this occurs, then Council requires the lodgement of detailed architectural plans, and a statement of environmental effects demonstrating how the proposal is compliant and meets all Council guidelines. This process will also involve a public consultation phase.

 

6.   Lack of infrastructure and public transport (8 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ The area has insufficient public transport

§ The site is not within adequate walking distance of the Parramatta Railway Station

§ This area is not part of the Parramatta CBD and should not be identified as a location of increased residential housing. There is already sufficient area for this type of housing to cope with a growing population.

§ Existing infrastructure cannot cope with current population demand. Further development will only make this worse.

 

Response

 

This area has good public transport connections to Parramatta railway station in the form of bus services along Victoria Road (approx 700m from the site) and also pedestrian access to the CBD (approx 900 m from the site). It also has bus services linking to other regional areas including the Sydney CBD. While these can continue to be improved, the level of access in comparison to other locations in Parramatta is relatively high. 

 

While it is acknowledged that car travel is still the preferred travel option for most Sydney residents, it is becoming less sustainable. Traffic conditions will worsen over the next 25-30 years as population grows. Therefore, more residential housing in accessible locations to public transport to cope with this growing population will help limit the impacts on the road network and reduce the need for car travel in peak periods because of the alternative travel options available.

 

This strategy is more sustainable but for it to succeed will take time and commitment from all levels of government to ensure public transport options continue to improve. Parramatta is identified by the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy as Sydney’s second CBD. This will make Parramatta a more desirable place to live and work. Therefore it will be a position to effectively lobby for improvements to services.

 

7.   Other environmental Impacts (15 submissions)

 

Issues and concerns raised

 

§ Noise and air pollution will be a major problem during construction

§ Concerns of noise that will be generated by the additional number of units 

 

Response

 

Any approval for development will include conditions to be complied with during construction. This will include protecting the site with adequate fencing to stop erosion and siltation and to ensure that construction is carried out at appropriate day time hours.

 

The proposal will increase the number of residents in this area. However, Council has design considerations to minimise noise. These may include the use of screens, landscaping or building setbacks. Furthermore, noise pollution occurring in residential locations is subject to the Noise Control Act, enforced by the NSW Police.

 

Proponent’s submission

 

During the exhibition, the proponent lodged a submission addressing some aspects of the Planning Proposal. The key points of the proponent’s submission are outlined below:

 

a)   That the proposed open space zone be consistent with the extent of land to be dedicated as part of the draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA).

 

b)   That Council revise the extent of the Waterways zone applying to the site (also indicated in draft Parramatta LEP 2010). Council is able to apply an environmental protection clause to protect any riparian corridor or ecological communities.

 

c)   That the Floor Space Ratio is more accurately represented as 1.4:1 rather than 1.2:1.

 

d)   That a clause be introduced to enable the whole site area to be used to calculate FSR.

 

e)   That potential amendment to the draft DCP be considered. These relate to the use of the word storey, the location of tower elements, roof design, building depth, balconies and modulation of building adjoining the foreshore.

 

Responses to the matters raised by the proponent are detailed below:

 

a)   Open space zone

 

The Planning Proposal includes a set of land use maps as required by the DoP. Zoning maps for the site will be prepared at the stage when the Planning Proposal proceeds to the Department of Planning for legal drafting.  The draft VPA sets out the extent of land to be dedicated to Council as open space should the Planning Proposal be approved. The area to be dedicated for open space purposes should be used as the basis for the open space zoning.

 

b)   Removal of Waterway zone and other conditions

 

The proponent argues that the land which may be zoned as Waterway should be reduced and that the area subject to an environment protection clause should also be removed. The proponent has submitted further ecological information to support this argument. The response to this information, including comments from Council’s Open Space and Natural Resources Unit is as follows:

 

· The Baludarri Wetland (a Council reserve immediately east of the site) is an Ecological Endangered Community under the Threatened Species and Conservation Act 1995. It contains both an endangered Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest community of the Sydney Basin freshwater wetland as well as a continuous stretch of Endangered Coastal Saltmarsh in Sydney Basin saltmarsh. The site is an important fish nursery on the Parramatta River and is also used by many species of birds. The Draft Native Vegetation map prepared by the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority, shows evidence of saltmarsh communities on the eastern corner of the site (where one of the proposed tower buildings is indicatively shown to be located in the draft DCP), and near at the channel outlet. This map can be seen at Attachment 5. It is therefore important to retain an environmental protection clause in the LEP amendment to ensure proper consideration is given to these communities at DA stage. The area of the site proposed to be covered by an environmental protection clause is shown in Attachment 2.

· Water land as defined by the Fisheries Management Act 1994 is any land submerged by water, whether permanently or intermittently, or whether forming an artificial or natural body of water.

· Although a low berm (a level space, shelf, or raised barrier separating two areas) appears to exist between the edge of Councils Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) and the adjacent water land at 2 Morton Street, during high rain fall periods, water could still flow west across Council land into this water land.

 

· Irrespective of the provisions contained in the Planning Proposal, Council cannot give permission to allow any reclamation of water land according to the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Approval to reclaim land must be granted by the Minister. It is recommended that the Environmental Protection layer be retained over the south eastern corner to reinforce this requirement.

· To preserve the existing hydrologic flows within these EEC’s at Baludarri Wetland and 2 Morton Street it is recommend that all stormwater is drained to the existing outlet point at 2A Morton Street.

· To protect the existing EEC’s at 2 Morton Street, it is recommended that the W1 zone be applied to the outlet area as depicted in a map shown in the proponent submission and found in Attachment 4.

 

c)      Floor Space Ratio (FSR)

 

When Council first considered draft planning controls for this site it did not include a FSR because other controls like setbacks, heights and landscaping would control the design and set the maximum scale of development. However, Council is required by the DoP to include one and it is also relevant to the VPA.

 

A floor space ratio of 1.2:1 was extrapolated from the net floor space yields of building envelopes as proposed in the Morton Street Structure Plan 2006. The structure plan assumed that 75% of the total building envelope for residential development and 90% of the building envelope for commercial development would be calculated as floor space. The proponent argues that this FSR does not accurately reflect the yields achievable on the gross floor area (GFA) represented in the structure plan.

 

FSR is a crude measurement for determining the total floor area of a development relative to the site area. The standard LEP template determines FSR from gross floor area (GFA). However, the definition of GFA excludes those areas which are not usable floor space, i.e. – stair wells, lift cores. This in effect makes the GFA actually a measurement of net floor space because it relies on a total after some exclusions have been made.

 

Advice from Council’s Urban Design unit and industry standards support 80% of the total building envelope for residential development as a more appropriate assumption to use for calculating net floor space. Based on this revision a FSR of 1.3:1 would be more accurate for the site.

 

d)   Clause for calculating FSR

§   Under both the Parramatta LEP 2001 and draft Parramatta LEP 2010, floor space ratio means the ratio of the floor space area of the building to the area of the allotment on which the building is or is proposed to be erected. As part of the site at 2 Morton Street will be dedicated to Council, the proponent is seeking a clause to ensure that the FSR is calculated using the whole site area prior to dedication.

This is the basis for the quantum of floor space reflected in the Morton St Structure Plan 2006 for the site and the subsequent urban design work. It is therefore appropriate that a clause be included in the LEP amendment following the Planning Proposal.

 

e)   Proponent submission about the site specific draft DCP

 

The proponent’s submission relating to the draft DCP includes the following suggested changes. A response to each suggestion is outlined immediately below each suggestion:

 

a)      That as some parts of the proposed development may protrude above natural ground level, they may be considered a storey. Therefore reference in the draft DCP should only relate to habitable storeys.

 

Response: Current controls state that any wall protruding more than 1.2 metres above existing ground level constitutes a storey. The purpose of this control is to manage bulk and to prevent a building appearing to be higher than the controls allow. This is a standard control and is important in this case because any development fronting the foreshore should seek to provide passive surveillance and a relationship with passive open space. Therefore, the control of 1.2 metres storey control is appropriate to maintain those principles. This control should be incorporated into the site specific DCP.

 

b)      That clause 3.2 be more flexible by saying that the tower elements will generally be located closer to the foreshore.

 

Response: While it is a preference from a urban design perspective that the taller elements of the building be down the slope closer to the area to be dedicated as foreshore, it is acknowledged that there maybe justifiable merits for an alternative design. Therefore, it is agreed that clause 3.1 be amended to say that it is Council preference for taller buildings to be located closer to the interface with the foreshore.

 

c)       The building typologies generally require upper level setbacks. Therefore, the additional requirement of setbacks which have a common boundary with a lower height limit is already suitably covered.

 

Response: Setbacks with common boundaries of a lower height have been compensated for by the requirement of upper level setbacks and variation to the articulation of buildings. Therefore it is agreed that clause 5.1 be deleted.

 

d)      That building depth for typologies A, D,E be defined as glass line to glass line.

 

Response: A building depth control in general terms is a reference to the internal layout of buildings whereby that internal depth will determine the extent of solar access and natural ventilation. Given the importance of this outcome and its relationship to the internal layout, it is appropriate that a reference be made that it is measured glass line to glass line.

 

e)      That clause 5.4(d) be re-worded to take into account that not all buildings will front the public domain.

 

Response: It is considered that a merit assessment of this issue is more appropriate. It is a desirable outcome that new development front the public domain to improve passive surveillance and for buildings to provide a visual and physical connection to the public domain. 

 

Clause 5.4(e) requires all balconies to be a combination of projected and enclosed forms whereas this is not a requirement of SEPP 65.

 

Response: Part 3 of SEPP 65 provides great detail on the design and incorporation of balconies with apartments. It is therefore reasonable to delete this provision and rely on SEPP 65 controls.

 

f)  Clause 5.5 be deleted as this is a provision for which DCPs should not mandate uses. Furthermore, the ability to achieve mixed use on parts of the site is affected by flood levels.

 

Response: Clause 5.5 of the draft DCP does not mandate Mixed Use development. It provides controls for which are matters for consideration where mixed use is zoned for and provided for in a development application. The consideration in the DCP is to ensure that where mixed use can occur, that it be done with active street frontages, provide adequate access for residents of apartments and is designed with intention to facilitate pedestrian movement and access.

 

g)      That the landscape requirement for the mixed use zone be reconsidered as a 40% area may not be achieved given the area is narrow.

 

Response: The key control which is of most importance relates to deep soil zones to ensure some substantial plantings and growth. The draft DCP for Morton Street provides controls for deep soil planting. As such, the minimum landscape requirement can be amended to be a merit assessment.

 

h)       That visitor or limited street parking be provided at grade in recognition that the land slopes.

Response: Council’s draft Parramatta DCP does not mandate basement car parking although in development like this, it is preferable. The site specific DCP for Morton Street should be consistent with the way car parking controls are applied to the rest of the LGA.

 

i)  Delete reference to the requirement that as part of this development, Morton Street will be widened to be consistent with Broughton Street.

 

Response: This road widening requirement is an error. Any widening of the road is dependent only on the Council depot site being redeveloped. Any redevelopment of 2 Morton Street does not require any road widening.

 

j)  Clause 5.7 implies that all entrances to development need to front the foreshore road. Planning for flooding may affect this.

 

Response: It is considered that a merit assessment of this issue is more appropriate. It is a desirable outcome that new development front the public domain to improve passive surveillance and for buildings to provide a visual and physical connection to the public domain. 

 

k)       Clarify the specifications relating to the width of the verge for Morton Street.

 

Response: This provision should be clear by stating that a 3 metre footpath plus a 3 metre grass verge is required.

 

 

Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement

 

Issues raised by submissions

 

The majority of submissions received to the public exhibition relate to the Planning Proposal and draft DCP controls for 2 Morton Street. Three submissions have been received concerned with the proposal to construct a pedestrian bridge across the Parramatta River, which is part of the proposed VPA. The concerns raised are outlined below:

 

§            There is no need for a pedestrian bridge.

§            The proposed location of the pedestrian bridge is impractical.

§            The costs of the proposed pedestrian bridge are insufficient.

 

Response

 

Under the draft VPA, the proponent proposes to make a financial contribution towards a pedestrian bridge across the Parramatta River as one component of the VPA. The pedestrian bridge has been identified by Council as an important piece of new infrastructure to further improve the access to and along the Parramatta River.

 

The detailed design and exact location of the pedestrian bridge will be determined at a future date corresponding to the staged development of the site. The construction of the bridge will require a separate approval. The purpose of the draft VPA sets out the commitment of both the proponent and Council to deliver it. The contribution from the proponent ($1.75 million) will not pay for the full construction cost of approximately $3 million and Council will need to fund part of the work itself. However, Council has determined that it is willing to enter into the VPA on this basis.

 

 

Other comments relating to the draft VPA

 

The draft VPA as exhibited reflects a negotiated outcome based on principles endorsed by Council and generally agreed by the proponent. However, there are several matters that need to addressed in the final drafting. These are indicated below:

 

§ The security from the proponent in respect of commitments.

§ The calculation formula used for indexation of cash payments.

§ Details of the transfer of a section of road in Morton Street.

§ Negotiating a Section 94A payment for floor space if achieved in excess of the maximum FSR.

 

These aspects will addressed by Council’s Legal Counsel and the proponents to finalise the VPA.

 

Summary and conclusion

 

Council has received a number of public submissions concerned about the proposal and the extent of development proposed. Most submissions are concerned that the proposal will change the character of the area and does not complement the existing character. Concerns about traffic management and design of buildings will require full assessment at development application stage, based on detailed plans and information provided by the applicant and with further community consultation.

 

It is recommended that Council adopt the proposal in support of its long-term strategy to increase residential housing on the edge of the Parramatta CBD to accommodate a growing population, to create a gateway at the river entrance to the CBD and enhance the river foreshore. In adopting the proposal, the following are recommended:

 

a)    The finalisation of the draft VPA as described in this report.

b)    That Council amend the Planning Proposal to allow a maximum FSR of 1.3:1 as discussed in this report.

c)    That the portion of land for Waterway purposes be reduced as shown in Attachment 4.

d)    That a clause be introduced into the LEP amendment(s) for the Planning Proposal that enables the whole of the site to be considered when calculating FSR.

e)    That the extent of area set aside for open space correlate to the area of land to be dedicated under the VPA.

 

f)     That a more detailed traffic study be prepared for any future development application as outlined by Council’s Traffic and Transport unit.

g)    That Council make a series of amendments to the draft DCP for 2 Morton Street as outlined below:

§ introduce a control in the draft DCP to address design requirements in relation flood prone areas as discussed in this report.

§ require car sharing schemes to apply to this development.

§ That the wording of clause 3.2 be amended to reiterate Council’s preference for tower elements to be located closer to the interface of the foreshore land.

§ Delete the reference to clause 5.1 which require requires a certain roof pitch where there are buildings with varying height limits.

§ That the depth of building be measured from glass line to glass line.

§ Delete clause 5.4 (e) relating to enclosed and projected balconies.

§ Remove the 40% landscape requirement and allow for landscaping controls to be a merit assessment with an emphasis on deep soil planting within the Mixed Use zone.

§ That car parking requirements be amended to be consistent with the draft Parramatta DCP 2010.

§ That reference to road widening requirement for Morton Street be deleted.

§ That the specifications for width of the road verge for Morton Street be a 3 metre footpath plus a 3 metre grassed verge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Item 7.1 - Attachment 1

Previous Council Report

 









































































Item 7.1 - Attachment 1

Previous Council Report

 

 

Submission Number

Property Address

Contents of submission

1

114 Thomas Street, Parramatta

§ Foreshore is sacred and should be protected.

§ The foreshore has a heritage value.

§ Concerned that the development will encroach the river and effect important wetlands.

§ There is a lack of public transport in the area.

§ This proposal is penalising existing residents.

2

14 Gould Place, Parramatta

§ Development is out of character with the area.

§ Concerned by the development and the likely flooding impacts.

§ The area is already affected by traffic congestion. Traffic from James Ruse Drive will be backed up creating serious problems. This is also an issue in Thomas and Macarthur Street.

§ The size and height of the proposed development is excessive.

§ Opening Harvey Street or New Zealand Street will create further traffic problems.

3

43 Morton Street, Parramatta

§ Lack of public consultation and the available information supplied by Council is inadequate. A proposal of this scale should incorporate a public display.

§ The proposal in its current form is out of character with the adjoining area and will greatly impact on existing residents. There is currently no high density development in this location.

§ Height of buildings proposed is excessive causing significant visual impacts. Submitter provides details of the reduced levels (RL’s) for the area and holds the view that the buildings will dwarf everything in its surrounds.

§ Council should look to protect some parts of the river from buildings.

§ This area is not a gateway to Parramatta. The gateway begins further downstream. Beautifying this area is of more importance.

§ Area contains a floodplain and should not be filled as a consequence of the proposed development.

§ The staging of this development will effect parking provisions. This has not been addressed.

§ Proposed road extension to New Zealand and Harvey Street does not clarify issues of acquisition. Submitter assumes these are long-term ideas that may never eventuate.

§ The traffic study has errors and therefore its reliability should be questioned.

§ Proposal may affect Council’s depot activities.

§ The location of the footbridge with Noller Parade is impractical. The clearance and excessive ramp required means it will never be built. Council should reconsider the cost of this footbridge.

§ Concerned by the impacts on an area already congested with traffic in peak periods.

4

n/a

The residents of the community have signed a petition (containing 117 signatures) opposing the proposed development of 2 Morton Street , Parramatta on the following grounds:

§ Scale of the proposed development will impact negatively on the local community

§ The increased traffic and pedestrian movement through local streets.

§ The current low-density skyline will be dominated by the proposed height of the unit development. Two towers of 10-12 storeys will be part of this development with the other units consisting of 6-8 storeys.

§ The development is out of context and out of character with the existing neighbourhood

§ The proposal to open up Harvey Street and New Zealand Street to allow access to the site is inappropriate.

 

5

5 Harvey Street, Parramatta

§ Why is there a necessity to amend the current Parramatta LEP 2001 when Council has prepared and is working on draft Parramatta LEP 2010. The community should be provided with reason why the Council has departed from the protocols of complying with the standard LEP. Submitter recommends that a decision on this matter be deferred until after the making of draft Parramatta LEP 2010.

§ If the Planning Proposal sets a maximum FSR then the developer should adhere to this ratio.

§ The Planning Proposal is underpinned by the intent to construct the West Metro. Now this link is cancelled, Council should place more emphasis on transport solutions.

§ The predominance of 1-bedroom dwellings is not the most efficient manner for Council achieving its planning targets. The area needs to provide more housing for families and provide an adequate social mix. The submitter recommends that Council impose controls requiring a greater mix of 2 and 3 bedroom units

§ Development should be built to the highest environmental standards

§ The impact of car usage is a concern. Council should look to introduce through its DCP a car share scheme as part of the development.

§ The traffic analysis does not take into account any realistic traffic increase surrounding the study area. The draft LEP foreshadows significant growth as described by the Elizabeth Street structure plan. It is almost certain that this growth will be greater than the 1.5% increase in traffic movements modelled in the traffic study

§ That because Thomas Street only has marginal connection to James Ruse Drive then it should not be considered a Collector Road but a local road. As a result, the traffic projections proposed will result in this road being over used.

§ The traffic study should provide more detail on the impacts on intersections such as at Macarthur and Thomas Street.

6

7 Melville Street, Parramatta

 

§ The rezoning is contrary to its immediate surrounding which are mostly family homes.

§ High density living encourages more transient (non-permanent residents).This has impacts on the neighbourhood.

§ The development will not result in improvements to the urban environment.

§ Such development on the edge of the river is unattractive for visitors coming to Parramatta by ferry.

§ Mixed-use development is unnecessary due to the proximity of the Parramatta CBD.

§ The general area is already choked with parked vehicles. Further traffic introduced by the new development will create further problems.

7

1 Pemberton Street, Parramatta

§ The rezoning is contrary to its immediate surrounding which are mostly family homes.

§ High density living encourages more transient (non-permanent residents).This has impacts on the neighbourhood.

§ The development will not result in improvements to the urban environment.

§ Such development on the edge of the river is unattractive for visitors coming to Parramatta by ferry.

§ Mixed-use development is unnecessary due to the proximity of the Parramatta CBD.

§ The general area is already choked with parked vehicles. Further traffic introduced by the new development will create further problems.

8

14 Noller Parade, Parramatta

§ Wants more assurances that the redevelopment will result in the protection of the riverfront  which has been neglected over a long period of time.

§ Interested in high quality development. Although the height of the development may be of concern, preference is for good design.

§ Unsure how the extension of other local roads will be achieved.

§ Would like the Council depot site cleaned up and possibly returned as foreshore.

§ The development and details of a footbridge should be approved before this development proceeds. Such a footbridge should be funded by the developer.

§ More clarification is needed in terms of how resident concerns will be alleviated.

9

3 Noller Parade, Parramatta

§ The height of the proposed towers is excessive.

§ Will be an intrusion of privacy.

§ Decreased sunlight to surrounding houses.

§ The footbridge is not wanted.

10

16 Grandview Street, Parramatta

§ The extent of residential development (possibly 600 units) on this site is unreasonable given the increase in vehicles it will generate.

§ The exiting of residents from this development onto major roads, i.e. - Victoria Road is unsafe.

§ If this development is to proceed, the developer should be required to fund a major improvement to vehicle access between Thomas Street and James Ruse Drive.

§ The proposed 12-storey height limit in relative terms is higher than all other buildings. 

11

200 George Street, Parramatta

§ The proposal would create overshadowing of the public foreshore therefore damaging the natural wetland environment.

§ The height of the proposed buildings will overshadow houses to the south who will lose access to solar energy.

§ There is insufficient traffic or public transport infrastructure to cater for this increase in development. It will create traffic problems on already inadequate roads.

§ The proposal will detract from heritage sites in the immediate vicinity. The attractions to both tourists and locals will be destroyed by an overpowering skyline.

12

14 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ The probable height (10-12 storeys) is totally out of character for this urban area. If they were to be there at all, a reduction to six storeys would be a little more reasonable.

§ The increase in traffic and already heavy flows may force traffic onto Gore Street and will affect the intersection of Macarthur and Thomas Streets.

§ The traffic impacts could make living in this area uncomfortable.

13

1 Noller Parade, Parramatta

§ The proposal is an overdevelopment of the site.

§ It will impact on the whole of Parramatta City and its surrounds, particularly on its infrastructure, transport and environment.

§ In comparison to the development proposed, the existing industrial development could be considered low impact.

§ Will affect permanently all residents on either side of the river.

§ The building height will affect people’s privacy and impact on views and vistas.

§ The location of this development is insensitive to heritage aspects of Queens Wharf and Noller Parade.

§ That a public hearing be held on the issues raised in this submission.

 

14

16 Wandsworth Street, Parramatta

§ Such a large development is totally out of keeping with the area, which is mostly one and two level detached houses, with some slightly taller townhouses.

§ The development will generate increase in noise, traffic and parking.

§ This proposed development is the equivalent of several streets worth of occupants.

§ The proposed development does not consider the heritage value of the area.

§ This area is not the Parramatta CBD. It is a suburban area.

15

12 Harvey Street, Parramatta

§ The proposed development will affect what little area of historic foreshore is left along the Parramatta River. This foreshore is integral to both Indigenous and European heritage.

§ The proposed development site must be preserved as riverbank and left intact for thew future.

§ Such density should not be built on a natural and sensitive site.

§ High-rise buildings are completely out of character with the local suburban neighbourhood.

§ The site is a flood area with a history of flooding. Buildings and hard surfaces will decrease the ability for land to absorb rainfall and greatly increase runoff.

§ The proposed development and increased population will place a great strain on the local road system.

§ The idea to extend Harvey Street is impractical, particularly as the street is so narrow and would require the demolition of the Aged Care Facility. Opening this road and New Zealand Street will add further congestion to main arterial roads such as Macarthur Street.

§ The building footprints and heights will have a negative visual impact on the natural appearance of the foreshore.

§ Locating taller buildings near or along the riverbank will interfere with river breezes from the east.

16

1/28-30 Broughton Street, Parramatta

5/6 Broughton Street

This submission represents the views of 5 people who reside in these two properties.

§ The site is not within walking distance to Parramatta Railways Station. Train travel is not a valid option.

§ The frequency of trains is too low. Major infrastructure projects are long term and are unlikely to be funded.

§ The distance to bus stops is more than 10 minutes with bus travelling speeds to low to make it an attractive option.

§ Car travel is the most preferred and convenient way to get to work. The proposed development is located within a “pocket” with limited access point to major roads. These major roads are already over their capacity.

§ New development does not integrate with existing landscape character. This development conflicts with Council’s design principles that new development must fit within the existing landscape character and be sensitive to site attributes.

§ The development will impair the rights of local residents. Views from Broughton Street will be destroyed.

§ If the site is to be redeveloped, it should be houses, townhouses and 3-4 storey unit blocks.

§ The building setback in the draft DCP for Morton Street of 3 metres conflicts with Council’s current DCP 2005 which requires houses to be setback 5-9 metres. The DCP also limits development to six storeys for which this proposal contravenes.

§ Unemployment will rise significantly after the development. There are not enough jobs in the area to accommodate the new population.

§ The University of Western Sydney will be affected by immigration policies, which will see a drop in overseas students. Therefore, the need for rental accommodation to take advantage of the close proximity to the University is overstated.

§ This area is flood affected. We would like to see more details on the possible affects on flooding as a result of this proposal.

17

22 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ Homes in surrounding streets with views will be deprived of such views in the future.

§ Will create traffic problems in Thomas Street and at the intersection of James Ruse Drive.

§ It is wrong that anyone can take over or decide to widen local streets to allow access for noisy trucks going to and from this building site.

§ The site could be made into a wonderful park for local residents.

§ This project is much out of character with the area.

18

7 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ Scale of the proposed development will impact negatively on the local community.

§ The proposal will increase the amount of traffic and pedestrian movement in local streets.

§ The current low-density skyline will be dominated by the proposed height of the unit development. Two towers of 10-12 storeys will be part of this development with the other units consisting of 6-8 storeys.

§ The development is out of context and out of character with the existing neighbourhood.

§ Does not support  the proposal to open up Harvey Street and New Zealand Street to allow access to the site.

19

5 Gould Place, Parramatta

§ The rezoning proposal is not consistent with the zoning in the immediate and surrounding area. The predominant zoning for this area is low-rise housing consisting of single and two storey dwellings. 

§ The proposal for development up to 34 metres is completely foreign to the area. This is an intrusion. This height level contradicts the draft LEP and DCP because the proposed development should enhance and reinforce the character of the locality.

§ The area is predominately a natural environment. This natural area will change if the proposed development proceeds. It will have a visual impact and change the aesthetics of the area.

§ The proposed development will change the noise and pollution levels in the area.

§ Morton Street and other local streets are classified local roads. These streets should carry only low volumes of traffic (less than 2000 vehicles per day). The proposed development will cause traffic congestion decreasing the safety and property value of home owners.

§ There is not enough space or infrastructure to cope with the influx of people and traffic.

§ The extension of the bike path and over pass to the river should be issues that Parramatta Council deal with regardless of this development.

§ This proposal will affect local businesses in the area.

§ The proposed development will remove industrial land which is needed for employment purposes.

20

6 Gould Place, Parramatta

§ The rezoning proposal is not consistent with the zoning in its immediate and surrounding area. The predominant zoning for this area is low-rise housing consisting of single and two storey dwellings. 

§ The proposal for development up to 34 metres is foreign to the area. This is an intrusion. This height level contradicts the draft LEP and DCP because the proposed development should enhance and reinforce the character of the locality.

§ The area is predominately a natural environment. This natural area will change if the proposed development proceeds. It will have a visual impact and change the aesthetics of the area.

§ The proposed development will change the noise and pollution levels in the area.

§ Morton Street and other local streets are classified local roads. These streets should carry only low volumes of traffic (less than 2000 vehicles per day). The proposed development will cause traffic congestion decreasing the safety and property value of home owners.

§ There is not enough space or infrastructure to cope with the influx of people and traffic.

§ The extension of the bike path and over pass to the river should be issues that Parramatta Council deal with regardless of this development.

§ This proposal will affect local businesses in the area.

§ The proposed development will remove industrial land which is needed for employment purposes.

21

7/81-83 Thomas Street, Parramatta

§ Significant development at 2 Morton Street, Parramatta would result in unacceptable levels of vehicular traffic on local narrow roads, given the area is poorly serviced by public transport.

§ Completion of the cycleway/walkway along the Parramatta River should be a high priority in addition to reducing traffic hazards.

§ The area surrounding 2 Morton Street is flood prone. No development should take place below the 1 in 100-year flood level due to the risks to people and property. Further, the area designated as prone to high risk flooding related to the site is significantly reduced.

§ The proposal for 2 Morton Street is a massive overdevelopment. Past surveys reveal residents' interest in preserving the look and feel of the neighbourhood. Residents would like to maintain the amenity of the area by restricting zoning to medium density. This restriction in zone should also apply to the industrial area, including Council's depot.

§ The DCP's depiction of traffic pathways to and from 2 Morton Street, Parramatta are misleading. There is no requirement for the developer or Council to provide these means of access. All this does is provide evidence that the current roads and access are inadequate.

22

12 Broughton Street, Parramatta

This submission represents the views of 2 people who reside in these two properties.

 

§ Was not notified about the proposed development.

§ When purchasing their house the submitter was told this area was low density.

§ Does not want high density across the street, because it would create noisy crowds.

§ This development will tower over their property. This makes the submitter uncomfortable.

§ It will create more traffic in the area which is hazardous and dangerous.

23

5/28-30 Broughton Street, Parramatta

§ The area only consists of low-density housing. It was only meant to have this type of housing.

§ Not pleased that they were not notified earlier about this proposal.

§ The submitter likes living in this area because of the peace and quiet. The submitter will lose their views of the river and foreshore.

§ This proposed development will make this area very busy, loud and increase traffic.

§ This proposed development is not right for any community living here and will not be supported by the community.

24

Grandview Street, Parramatta

§ The proposed development will increase traffic and pedestrian movements through local streets. With more than 600 units proposed, the traffic turning onto Macarthur Street from Thomas Street already takes a few minutes. The proposed development, especially in peak times will make this worse.

§ The current low density skyline will be dominated by the proposed buildings.

§ The development is out of context and character with the existing neighbourhood.

25

8 Broughton Street, Parramatta

§ The proposed development will adversely impact on the local community, which the proposal fails to consider.

§ Our local community is a low/medium density area with dwellings no more than 2 storeys. High-rise development is totally out of character with the existing neighbourhood.

§ The proposed development will result in a large increase in the number of people and vehicles. This will make it more dangerous for pedestrians, especially young children and elderly people.

§ The submitters house, which is across the road from the proposed development will be overshadowed and overlooked on. It will affect their access to sunlight and their privacy will be violated. It will change the lifestyle they currently enjoy.

§ It is unfair to the community who did not choose to live in a high-density area.

§ This location provides the community with a nice and quiet living environment with easy access to the CBD.

§ This proposal may put at risk the environment and waterways especially from the affects of pollution and rubbish.

26

39 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ High-density residential development is totally out of character with the surrounding suburban precinct.

§ Surrounding streets are already suffering adversely from increased traffic flows and demand for parking.

§ Oppose the 10-12 storey height limits. Land to the west and south west of the Parramatta CBD already allow for this style of development. Believe that east Parramatta should be preserved as a more traditional suburban precinct.

27

12 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ The 40-metre building height limit will have a negative visual impact over the surrounding residential area which are a maximum of two storeys. These proposed buildings will be visible from Victoria Road and are considered out of character with the location.

§ It is not possible to extend Harvey Street through to Morton Street. There is no consideration given to property acquisition to deal with this issue and nor should Council compulsorily acquire any land.

§ The surrounding streets are not capable of carrying more traffic. While the traffic study relies on RTA standards, they have not applied those standards consistently. The traffic study does not consider the congestion in Thomas Street caused by parents and students of the local high school. It also doesn’t consider the 40km speed limit in peak periods.

§ Other local roads are not designed for higher levels of traffic. The study also relies on the sites proximity to the West Metro Station which is no longer a priority.

§ The only public transport is the Parramatta Railway hub. For this to be within easy walking distance will require the proposed pedestrian bridge to be built.

§ A more realistic limit needs to be placed on the development than what is proposed. The proposed 640 units will place an onerous strain on all residents of the surrounding areas and unfairly burden them with visual affects.

28

39 Morton Street, Parramatta

§ Concerned by the lack of notification given to residents about this development proposal. There is a lack of information and each resident should have been notified in writing.

§ The submitter bought in this area because it contained low-density housing. Does not support any changes to it, especially the extent of change proposed with this development.

§ This site will be 4 times taller than any other building in the vicinity. It would dominate the skyline and detract from the quality of the foreshore.

§ The independent study makes an error by stating that Morton Street is open from Victoria Road. This is not the case. It was closed because it was dangerous for vehicles to enter Victoria Road on a blind corner.

§ How are existing residents going to benefit from high density living, increased traffic and pressures on already stretched infrastructure.

29

33 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ The area is made up of single dwellings and some townhouses. The proposed development with between 580- 673 dwellings would have a major impact on this community.

§ The proposal will cause major problems during construction with the amount of equipment and transportation needed.

§ The local streets are not wide enough to cope with the increased traffic generated.

§ Parking will be difficult for local residents because of CBD workers parking in the area. It is unlikely that each of the proposed dwellings will have provision for one or more parking space within a car park.

§ The possible opening up of Harvey Street and New Zealand Street through to Morton Street could be a hazard. These streets are narrow and will increase the risk of accidents.

§ Traffic cutting through to and from Victoria Road will affect traffic flow along Gore, Pemberton and Wandsworth Street.

§ Daily noise levels will increase due to the proposed development.

§ Parramatta’s heritage and historical significance would not benefit from 10-12 storey towers.

§ There could be social impacts and problems caused by 1000 new people being introduced to this small area.

§ There is no community services and public transport to serve the area.

§ Local residents buy and rent in this area in good faith that the character will not change dramatically.  The proposed development will adversely affect the value of homes.

30

n/a

§ Surprised by the scale of the buildings proposed.

§ There is abundant housing currently available in the area (Harris Park, Granville, Westmead, inner City Parramatta).

§ The proposed development will devalue the current neighbourhood.

§ It would be only reasonable to have a maximum of four storey buildings across this area. This will help reduce the negative impacts from increased traffic and noise.

31

14 Harvey Street, Parramatta

§ Does not support Harvey Street being opened because most people in this street are seniors. There is light traffic and we feel safe because of this.

§ Opposite Harvey Street is Macarthur Girls High School. Heavy traffic will have negative effects on students at the school.

§ Gasworks bridge is a heritage item, No reason to increase traffic over this bridge. It may be better to build a new bridge to cope with this traffic.

32

3 Harvey Street, Parramatta

§ The proposal to open Harvey Street to allow access to the site is a problem. Harvey Street is only 7 metres wide; two cars cannot pass each other without one pulling over to stop. Garbage trucks cannot turn in this street.

§ During construction the traffic from cranes, cars, work trucks will be dangerous to residents and school children.

§ If Harvey Street is opened, then it will be used as a thoroughfare on a permanent basis.

§ The proposed development is out of context and character with the surrounding neighbourhood. It will have a negative impact on the history of this City. 

33

7 Harvey Street, Parramatta

§ The proposal to open Harvey Street to allow access to the site is a problem. Harvey Street is only 7 metres wide; two cars cannot pass each other without one pulling over to stop. Garbage trucks cannot turn in this street.

§ During construction the traffic from cranes, cars, work trucks will be dangerous to residents and school children.

§ If Harvey Street is opened, then it will be used as a thoroughfare on a permanent basis. The proposed development is out of context and character with the surrounding neighbourhood. It will have a negative impact on the history of this City. 

34

80 Thomas Street, Parramatta

§ Requests that this proposal not be approved.

§ The parking of cars in front of houses and driveways during weekdays is a problem. This proposed development will affect our community life.

35

1/12 Grandview Street, Parramatta

§ There has been very little advertising of this development and a limited timeframe in wish residents can voice their opinions.

§ While it is understood the need to increase housing in Parramatta, we do not understand why the proposed development has to include so many apartments and be so high.

§ Were advised 10 years ago that this area of Parramatta was restricted to low-density housing.

§ Will result in increased traffic in the surrounding streets, particularly those with access to Victoria Road. It will also increase the amount of cars parked in residential streets.

§ Would be interested in participating in a meeting where we can voice our concerns.

36

2/14 Pemberton Street, Parramatta

§ This proposed development of 600 units is a lot for a small area. The roads cannot match the increased needs to cope with this additional traffic.

§ Proposal will impact on the riverfront environment.

§ The proposal does not match the appearance of the current buildings.

§ The proposed development will result in more noise.

37

15 New Zealand Street, Parramatta

§ Proposal is totally out of character with the existing neighbourhood.

§ The proposal will negatively affect property values.

§ When townhouses in the area were built, residents were assured that most parking for that development will be available on site. This is not the case. The increase number of cars is a direct result of these townhouses which are two storeys. The proposed 10 storeys will be far worse.

§ Extending New Zealand and Harvey Street will affect this quiet neighbourhood. It will increase traffic to a level for which it cannot cope with. As it is cars cannot travel along these streets as they are narrow.

§ Surrounding dwellings will have their privacy taken away.

§ The size and concentration as proposed is out of character. Two storeys would be more appropriate.

38

Not provided

§ Concerned with the proposed size and height of the proposed development

§ The proposal will increase traffic and noise and affect people’s safety. It will also cause pollution.

§ This development will place strain on existing infrastructure such as local health, community and education services.

§ There are no buses servicing this street.

§ Any proposal above two/three storeys is out of character with the neighbourhood.

39

Not provided

§ Concerned with the proposed size and height of the potential development.

§ The proposal will increase traffic and noise and affect people’s safety. It will also cause pollution.

§ This development will place strain on existing infrastructure such as local health, community and education services.

§ A redevelopment like this should be accompanied by submissions from all appropriate government departments, outlining how they will provide services for the increased number of residents.

40

10 Rangihou Crescent, Parramatta

§ Proposal will have a detrimental impact on the community living in surrounding areas.

§ This type of development is not required in those areas where only small dwellings exist.

§ Infrastructure is not capable of handling this development.

41

11 Rangihou Crescent, Parramatta

§ Buildings of high-density accommodation being built as opposed to low or medium density accommodation will change the character of the area.

§ This proposed development will lead to increased traffic. It will disrupt the peace and quiet of the area and make the streets less safe for children and the elderly.

42

3 Gore Street, Parramatta

§ The Department of Planning’s assessment is not correct in saying that this proposal is low impact. The proposal is for high-density development which is out of character with existing development and presents significant issues with regard to public transport and public transport.

§ The traffic assessment does not accurately describe the current situation. Morton Street does not have access to Victoria Road, Bus Route 547 is a limited service and route 524 provides only one service after 5:30pm,

§ The traffic study fails to take traffic counts for two streets (Wandsworth and Gore) and therefore underestimates existing peak volumes.

§ Photographic evidence in the traffic study was taken outside of peak periods.

§ The traffic study only provides traffic counts over one day.

§ Peak times start before 7am and restart at 3pm and not 4pm.

§ The recommendation that Harvey and New Zealand Street be opened to accommodate additional vehicles is misconceived. These streets are narrow with only enough room for one lane.

§ It is requested that a public hearing be held on the above issues.

43

8 Noller Parade, Parramatta

§ The proposal at 2 Morton Street is considered to be completely outside existing development in the area. It will result in high-rise development dominating the area and adding to the deterioration of the area in general.

§ High-rise development often leads to a loss of community spirit and general pride in ones surroundings.

§ The proposal contains errors of fact or omission that questions the resources that have and will be devoted to any implementation.

§ There are a number of major road changes (extension of Harvey and New Zealand Streets). What has not been clarified is the issue of who is responsible to fund acquisition of properties required to implement this.

§ Morton Street does not have vehicular access to Victoria Road as described by the traffic study.

§ Thomas Street is a not a Collector road. It is restricted to a 50km speed limit. It appears to change in classification which reverses previous experience.

§ The statement in the traffic study about the direction and alignment of Pemberton and Broughton Street is incorrect.

§ The site is on or close to the Parramatta floodplain. It ought to include a reference to the adopted PMF in this location. The effects on the flood level could have impacts for properties upstream and opposite the right bank.

§ There is no mention in the document of the proposed height of the various structures proposed. Some indication would give an idea as to the visual impact on the environment.

§ The proposal will have a major visual impact on the landscape and as such will be of concern to present residents over a wide area.

§ The developer will be required to undertake some road work on the left bank between the proposed development and the river. The description of this road is vague and does not specify the affect on the existing river and the mangrove stand that protects the bank.

§ The proposed location of a footbridge across the river cannot be implemented. It would require an extensive access ramp to enable erection of the footbridge with sufficient clearance to conform with existing structures.

§ Reference to the proposal for the provision of a road, bike and walking path located between the development site and the river makes no reference to their possible effect on flooding. These structures will have to extend above the natural surface thereby decreasing the available channel.

§ Ignoring flood level data would be a dereliction of responsibility of all parties. Building structures in a flood plain must consider the effect that such structures will have by way of afflux on existing structures pre-existing on the flood plain.

44

236 George Street, Parramatta

§ High-rise development together with mixed use will be an attractive addition to this area. We believe this whole part of the City would benefit greatly by increasing the density. The foreshore open space will be a welcome addition to the riverbank and enhance the amenity of the area.

 

45

14 Gould Place, Parramatta

§ This area is subject to flooding. Submitter recalls flooding that has occurred in the past that had major impacts.

§ The size of the proposed development will create an adverse situation.

§ The increase in traffic will cause problems in Thomas Street and Macarthur Street which already has traffic jams.

§ Opening Harvey Street and New Zealand Street will impact on the flow of traffic again onto Macarthur Street.

§ The increase in the number of people will affect the peace and quiet feel of this neighbourhood.

§ The residential towers to be built are too high for this area. The skyline will be dominated by high-rise. This is out of keeping with the neighbourhood. The existing character of the area has not been considered.

§ Traffic will be congested to James Ruse Drive creating significant problems. Traffic along Grandview Street will also be affected.

§ This proposal should be given a lot more thought especially regarding flooding, increased traffic, suitability to surrounding area and appearance.

 

46

86 Thomas Street, Parramatta

§ The area around Morton Street contains mostly homes. High-density living will change this quiet area that families have lived in for over 30 years.

§ The adjacent streets are busying during the working week.

§ Shops, commercial businesses would further congest the area.

§ The surrounding houses would be subjected to increased noise with shops bringing unnecessary weekend and late night noise and traffic.

§ Thomas Street is a popular cycle route. High-density housing and more traffic will make cycling on Thomas Street less safe.

§ During the working week, streets are clogged with cars. These cars block access to driveways and make it difficult to enter and leave properties. More development will make this problem worse.

47

Broughton Street, Parramatta

§ There are currently only two roads leading to Pemberton Street and Morton Street. These streets are very small and will not be able to hold the extra hundreds of cars belonging to new residence.

§ The influx of new residence means congestion is inevitable. There is also a school close by. These small streets are used to pick up young children. More vehicles around will increase the chance of more accidents.

§ High-rise will affect people’s privacy. Concerned that residence in the high rise buildings will be able to look straight down onto houses, backyards and through any open windows.

§ The high rise will cast a shadow on houses for half the day.

§ The Parramatta River is beautiful, but if the high-rise plan goes ahead, it will not only result in damage to the natural fauna and flora in the area. It will also affect any views to the river.

§ When the home in Broughton Street was purchased, there have were no plans of development on that land.

§ It would be a good idea for some development but it would be more suitable for houses, duplex’s or townhouses.

 

48

2 Morton Street, Parramatta

§ For information on the content of the proponent’s submission refer to Attachment 1.

59

NSW Roads and Traffic Authority

§ No objection is raised to the Planning Proposal subject to the following requirements:

a)      The RTA be consulted during the preparation of the VPA.

b)      Any future development applications (DA’s) provide a masterplan, which identifies the development impacts on the surrounding network.

c)      The masterplan will require the submission of a full traffic impact assessment.

50

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

§ The site contains salt marsh vegetation. This is an endangered ecological community. The salt marsh are appears to be located where the tower elements are proposed.

§ The environment protection layer is supported, as it will require the consent authority to demonstrate how environmental impacts have been considered and ameliorated.

51

NSW Transport and Infrastructure

§ The proposal is generally consistent with the intentions of the draft West Central Subregional strategy.

§ The site is close to both the Parramatta CBD and Strategic Bus Corridor 10 (Parramatta to City, via Ryde) on Victoria Road.

§ Given the sites significant development potential, a holistic transport assessment be undertaken.

§ Appropriate development controls including minimal car parking rates to maximise walking and cycling should be considered.

§ Specific opportunities to provide and improve pedestrian and cycling links to the Parramatta CBD and to bus services on both sides of Victoria Road be explored.

§ The proposal should achieve consistency with the objectives and targets of the NSW State Plan 2010.

 


Item 7.1 - Attachment 1

Previous Council Report

 

Attachment 4 – Variation to land to be zoned for Waterways

 

 


Item 7.1 - Attachment 1

Previous Council Report

 

Attachment 5 – Draft SMCMA Vegetation Map