MINUTES OF THE Urban Planning Committee Meeting

HELD AT THECouncil Chamber, Moreland Civic Centre, 90 Bell Street, Coburg

ONWednesday 22 April 2015

The meeting commenced at 6.38 pm

PRESENT:

Cr Helen Davidson (Chairperson), CrLambros Tapinos, CrSamanthaRatnam
and Cr Rob Thompson

APOLOGIES:

Leave of absence has been granted to Cr. Gillies - 16 April 2015 to 22 June 2015 inclusive

Cr R Thompson moved, Cr Ratnam seconded that -

The apology for Cr Gillies be accepted.

Carried

OBSERVERS:

Nil.

OFFICERS:

Group Manager City Development – Phillip Priest

Planning Co-ordinator – Narelle Jennings

Planning Co-ordinator – Robert Shatford

Senior Urban Planner – Niall O’Brien

Urban Planner – Ellen McSweeney

Governance Officer – Saskia Hunter

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:

Cr Tapinos moved, Cr Ratnam seconded that -
The minutes of the Urban Planning Committee Meeting held on 25 March 2015 be confirmed.
Carried

INTERESTSAND/ORCONFLICTOFINTERESTS:

Nil.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

DED28/154 Valencia Street, Glenroy - Planning Permit Application MPS/2014/927 (D15/46712)
The application seeks approval for the development of four dwellings (three double storey and one single storey dwelling) and a reduction in the standard rate of car parking. The application was advertised and 11 objections were received, including 10 individual objections and 23 pro-formas. The main issues raised in objections are neighbourhood character, overdevelopment and traffic and parking. Following a consult meeting on 31March 2015 the applicant submitted amended plans reducing the number of dwellings from five to four.
This report details the assessment of the application against the policies and provisions of the Moreland Planning Scheme. The key planning considerations are neighbourhood character, the reduction of one car space for dwelling 1, variations to street setback and private open space.
The proposal is located in the West Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre which allows for increased residential density where the site is large enough to mitigate any off-site impacts through its design. This assessment reveals that the proposal does not result in unreasonable off-site amenity impacts. Despite the proposal being in an area with an open rear yard character as it is located in a centre identified for growth, it is considered to provide an acceptable design response.
TheGroup Manager City Developmentis recommending the issue of a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit for the proposal.
Adjournment of Meeting
Cr Tapinos moved, Cr Ratnam seconded that -
Urban Planning Committee resolve that Standing Orders be suspended.
The UPC meeting was adjourned at 6.57 pm.
Carried
Resumption of Meeting
Cr Ratnam moved, Cr Tapinos seconded that -
Urban Planning Committee resolve that Standing Orders be resumed.
The UPC meeting was resumed at 7.11 pm with all Councillors present.
Carried
Cr R Thompson moved, Cr Ratnam seconded that -
The Urban Planning Committee resolve:
That a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit MPS/2014/927 be issued for the development of four dwellings (three double storey and one single storey dwelling)at 4Valencia Street, Glenroy, subject to the following conditions:
1.Before the development commences, amended plans to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plans will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit. The plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions and three copies must be provided. The plans must be generally in accordance with the plans received 7April2015 but modified to show:
a)The existing vehicle crossing modified to match the location and width of the 3metre wide accessway.
b)The proposed vehicle crossing with 1 metre straight splays on both sides commencing where the footpath meets the nature strip and finishing at the kerb in accordance with Council’s Standard Vehicle Crossing design.
c)A landscape plan in accordance with Condition 3 of this permit.
d)The location of any air-conditioning units and other plant equipment, including any screening.
e)A schedule of all proposed exterior decorations, materials, finishes and colours, including colour samples (3 copies in a form that can be endorsed and filed).
2.The development as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.
3.Prior to the commencement of any development works, a landscape plan must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. The landscape plan must provide the following:
a)A schedule of all proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers (including numbers, size at planting, size at maturity and botanical names), as well as sealed and paved surfaces. The flora selection and landscape design should be drought tolerant and based on species selection recommended in the Moreland City Council Landscape Guidelines and Technical Notes.
b)The provision of a minimum of two canopy trees within the Valencia Street front setback and a canopy tree in the dwelling 4 courtyard, to assist in the integration of the development within the existing streetscape.
c)Details of the location and type of all paved and sealed areas. Extensive hard surfaces are not supported. The adoption of porous/permeable paving, rain gardens and other water sensitive urban design features is encouraged.
4.Prior to the issuing of a Statement of Compliance or occupation of the development, whichever occurs first, all landscaping works must be completed in accordance with the approved and endorsed landscape drawing to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. The areas designated as landscaped areas on the endorsed landscape plan must thereafter be maintained and used for that purpose.
5.Prior to the issuing of Statement of Compliance or occupation of the development, whichever occurs first, all visual screening measures shown on the endorsed plans must be installed to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. All visual screening and measures to prevent overlooking must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. Any screening measure that is removed or unsatisfactorily maintained must be replaced to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.
6.Prior to the occupation of the development, a vehicle crossing must be constructed in every location shown on the endorsed plans to a standard satisfactory to the Responsible Authority (Moreland City Council, City Infrastructure Department).
7.Prior to the occupation of the development, any Council or service authority pole or pit within 1 metre of a proposed vehicle crossing, including the 1 metre splays on the crossing, must be relocated or modified at the expense of the permit holder to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority and the relevant service authority.
8.Prior to the occupation of the development an automatic system of external light operating between dusk and dawn with no direct light emitted onto adjoining property, must be installed and maintained on the land to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority to illuminate access to the rear dwellings.
9.All stormwater from the land, where it is not collected in rainwater tanks for re-use, must be collected by an underground pipe drain approved by and to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority (Moreland City Council, City Infrastructure Department).
10.Prior to the commencement of the development, a legal point of discharge is to be obtained, and where required, a stormwater drainage plan showing how the site will be drained from the property boundary to the stated point of discharge, must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority.
11.All stormwater run-off from the accessway must not flow out of the property over the public footpath to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.
12.Unless with the written consent of the Responsible Authority, any plumbing pipe, ducting and plant equipment must be concealed from external views. This does not include external guttering or associated rainwater down pipes.
13.Prior to the occupation of the development all telecommunications and power connections (where by means of a cable) and associated infrastructure to the land (including all existing and new buildings) must be underground to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.
14.Prior to the occupation of the development, all boundary walls must be constructed, cleaned and finished to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.
15.Aletterbox must be provided for each of the premises at the street frontage. The dimensions, placement and numbering must comply with the Australia Post – Letterbox Security and Specification as published on its website to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.
16.This permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:
a)The development is not commenced within two (2) years from the date of issue of this permit;
b)The development is not completed within four (4) years from the date of issue of this permit.
The Responsible Authority may extend the period referred to if a request is made in writing before the permit expires or;
Within six months after the permit expires to extend the commencement date.
Within 12 months after the permit expires to extend the completion date of the development if the development has lawfully commenced.
NOTES:These notes are for information only and do not constitute part of this notice of decision/permit or conditions of this notice of decision/permit.
Note 1:Further approvals are required from Council’s City Infrastructure Department who can be contacted on 9240 1143 for any works beyond the boundaries of the property. Planting and other vegetative works proposed on road reserves can be discussed with Council’s Open Space Unit on 8311 4300.
Note 2:Should Council impose car parking restrictions in this street, the owners and/or occupiers of the land would not be eligible for any Council parking permits to allow for on street parking.
Note 3:The City of Moreland is committed to creating an environmentally sustainable city. A critical component in achieving this commitment is to encourage new residential development to meet appropriate environmental standards. Applicants are encouraged to use STEPS or SDS– Sustainable Tools for Environmental Performance Strategy.
Using STEPS/SDS involves entering data about the proposed design into the STEPS assessment tool found at A score for the environmental performance is calculated and summarised. This allows applicants to design more environmentally sustainable developments and use sustainable building materials.
The use of STEPS will aid in achieving a 6 star energy rating at the building permit stage. For more information or help on ESD or STEPS please contact Council’s Sustainable Development Department on: 9240 1138.
Note 4:Council charges supervision (2.50%) and plan checking (0.75%) fees on the cost of constructing the drain along the easement or street as permitted by Sections 5&6 of the Subdivision (Permit and Certification Fees) Regulations 2000.
Carried
DED29/15170 The Avenue, Coburg - Planning Permit Application - MPS/2014/140 (D15/78227)
The application seeks approval for the removal of an easement, construction of 16 three storey dwellings, construction of fencing and removal of vegetation.
The Urban Planning Committee is required to form a position on this matter which is listed for a final hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 18 May 2015.
The applicant lodged an application for a review of Council’s failure to grant a permit within the prescribed time (60 statutory days) on 19 December 2014.
Prior to the lodgement of the VCAT review, the application was advertised and 24 objections were received. The main issues raised in objections are the development’s interface to the Merri Creek, neighbourhood character, traffic generated by the proposal, parking impacts and waste collection.
A meeting was held on 13 April 2015 with the two objectors that are party to the VCAT proceedings. The report details the assessment of the application against the policies and provisions of the Moreland Planning Scheme.
The key issues are the setback from the Merri Creek and neighbourhood character.
It is considered that the development has been adequately setback from the Merri Creek in the context of nearby development setbacks from the creek. The setback was also previously supported by VCAT for this site. The proposal presents a two storey built form to The Avenue, whilst the three storey form presents to the rear and side of the site. The proposed design detail and form is considered acceptable to The Avenue streetscape character.
TheGroup Manager City Developmentis recommending that Council’s submission to VCAT is one of support for the application subject to conditions.
Cr Ratnam moved, Cr Tapinos seconded that -
The Urban Planning Committee resolve:
That a Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit No. MPS/2014/140 be issued for development of land for 16 dwellings (part two and part three storey building), removal of easement on Lot 1 of Title Plan 815590T, construction of fencing and removal of vegetation at 170 The Avenue, Coburg on the following ground(s):
1.The proposal does not comply with the standards and objectives of Clause 55.02-3 Dwelling Diversity. The proposal does not contribute to dwelling diversity as all of the 16 dwellings comprise of two bedrooms.
2.The proposal does not comply with the standards and objectives of Clause 55.03-2 Building Height. The proposed overall height of 10.63m results in adverse visual impact.
3.The proposal does not comply with the standards and objectives of Clause 55.04-1 Side and Rear Setback. The reduced setback to the southern boundary combined with the extent of the built form will have an unacceptable visual impact.
4.The proposal does not comply with the standards and objectives of Clause 55.05-6 Storage. Adequate storage facility comprising of 6 cubic square metres has not been provided Dwellings 7, 8, 9,10 and 16.
5.The proposal does not comply with the objectives and decision guidelines of the Environmental Significance Overlay for the following reasons:
a)The development is not compatible with the landscape character of the area, due to the inappropriate siting of the buildings; and
b)The height, bulk and general appearance of the proposed building will have a negative visual impact on the character of the creek corridor.
Carried unanimously
DED30/15191 Weston Street, Brunswick East, planning permit application MPS/2014/698 (D15/54078)
The application seeks approval for the partial demolition of the existing building and construction of a four storey building with nine dwellings, and a waiver of the required car parking. The application was advertised and 16 objections were received.The main issues raised in objections are height, extent of demolition, neighbourhood character, lack of car parking, amenity impacts and the site’s location outside of an Activity Centre.
A consultation meeting was held on 11 March 2015.The report details the assessment of the application against the policies and provisions of the Moreland Planning Scheme.
The key areas for consideration relate to whether the demolition and additions to an individually listed building of heritage significance are appropriate, whether a development with no car parking is appropriate and whether the development is an acceptable response to the Neighbourhood Character.
The development, subject to conditions in the recommendation is an acceptable response to the Neighbourhood Character of the area and will not result in unreasonable off-site amenity impacts. A complete waiver of car parking is considered appropriate due to the context, heritage constraints of the site and car parking demand generated by the prior use of the site.
TheGroup Manager City Developmentis recommending the issue of a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit for the proposal.
Cr Ratnam moved, Cr Tapinos seconded that -
The Urban Planning Committee resolve:
Part A:
That a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit No. MPS/2014/698 be issued for the partial demolition of the existing building and construction of a four storey building with nine dwellings, and a complete reduction of the required car parking at 191 Weston Street, Brunswick East, subject to the following conditions:
1.Before the development commences, amended plans to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plans will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit. The plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions and three copies must be provided. The plans must be generally in accordance with the plans received 22October 2014 but modified to show:
a)The roof form behind the summit of the gable of Dwelling 2 setback 2.5 metres from the eastern boundary.
b)The east facing balconies of Dwellings 3- 7 provided with screening of no more than 25% transparency to 1.7 metres above finished floor level.
c)The north facing balconies of Dwellings 8 & 9 provided with screening of no more than 25% transparency to 1.7 metres above finished floor level.
d)The west facing first and second floor windows of habitable rooms of dwellings 48with fixed and obscure glass windows to 1.7 metres above finished floor level.
e)East facing first floor habitable rooms provided with screening of no more than 25% transparency or fixed opaque glazing to 1.7 metres above finished floor level.
f)The third floor western walls of Dwellings 5-8 setback in accordance with Standard B17 (Clause 55.04-1).
g)The bin storage area dimensioned to demonstrate it can accommodate 6,240litre bins that are 0.58 metres wide x 0.73 metres deep x 1.08 metres high each.
h)The depth of the lightcourt of Dwelling 1 for Bedroom 2 increased to 1.0 metre.
i)Storage space of a minimum 4 cubic metres provided under the stairs for each dwelling.
j)Dwelling 8 and 9 setback 1.6 metres from the northern boundary.
k)All north and west facing habitable windows and glazed doors be provided with glass that is treated to increase the energy efficiency of the building.
l)The south elevation annotated to confirm that replacement window frames will match the materials, proportions and appearance of the existing window frames for Dwelling 1 and 2.
m)The metal gates retained and new front doors for Dwelling 1 and 2 located in the same location as the existing doors and be of similar appearance.
n)Additional cross-sections or other information to confirm that the ceiling to floor level of Dwelling 1 and 2 does not intersect with the window and door openings of the Weston Street facade of the building.
o)The awning above Bedroom 1 windows of Dwelling 9 removed.