Minimising conflicts between land uses is a fundamental objective of development assessment. It is at the heart of so many of the projects we get involved in.
We recently acted for Technebuild, Hungry Jack’s and KAS Architects in relation to a development along an arterial road characterised by mixed commercial development. The site also has a secondary frontage to a collector road that is fronted by houses.
The proposal satisfied almost all relevant Designated Performance Features. It included acoustic fencing, odour management technology and had more on-site parking than it needed. The building was pushed away from residential neighbours.
The Council staff were consistently supportive of the proposal, as was the Department of Infrastructure & Transport.
But the Council Assessment Panel considered there needed to be greater compatibility between the proposal and nearby dwellings/residents.
The proponent was extremely flexible in amending the scheme to satisfy the CAP. This included:
- Getting DIT’s support for a two-way crossover to the arterial road.
- Undertaking more detailed traffic analysis.
- Making numerous building design/signage changes.
- Adding more landscaping.
- Restricting hours of operation.
They even agreed to collect any litter in the surrounding neighbourhood three mornings a week.
After initially refusing the application, the CAP unanimously supported the compromise proposal.
The result is a development that manages the interface between Zones in a considered and respectful way. And while everyone involved in this protracted assessment process may feel a little bruised right now, the effort by all will ensure a more harmonious relationship between land uses for years to come.
