QUALITY
DESIGN INDICATORS
The indicators
below can be used as a reference in discussions over design concepts.
For example, proponents can demonstrate how, through plans and
subsequent reports how they have responded to each quality
criterion.
- Is the design
in character with existing local high quality townscape and landscape,
in terms of:
- building height
- building
bulk/scale
- roof form and
pitch
- external
materials and colours
- proportions of
building front and use of elements such as porches, verandahs.
- locations and
size of windows on building front
- siting and
design of garages, carports, walls, fences, waste storage enclosures
and other minor structures.
- appropriate use
of signage
- landscape
character, such as retention of existing trees
- driveway
character such as materials and width.
- Alternatively,
if the local character is not distinctive, or the existing environment
is not of high quality, does the development establish a high quality
benchmark for the desired future character? Specify how it establishes
such a benchmark.
- Does
the design ensure the quality and comfort of the public domain through
providing:
- attractive and
safe public spaces and routes
- legibility of
address and access
- ease of access
(lack of barriers)
- visible
activity and opportunities for surveillance of street/s
- active frontages
- visual variety
and interest
- Is
the design well related to its site and its immediate surroundings, in
terms of:
- orientation and
layout for best solar access
- relationship of
indoor to outdoor spaces
- retention of
existing vegetation
- minimising cut
and fill
- ensuring visual
and acoustic privacy
- minimising hard
paved areas
- safe and
convenient pedestrian and vehicular access
- minimising
effects on neighbours including overshadowing, loss of privacy and
views.
- types of trees.
- Is
the proposed open space on site:
- clearly
identified and appropriately designed as to its function (ie either
public, communal or private).
- located for
adequate privacy and minimal overshadowing.
- appropriately
screened/enclosed
- well
proportioned (not tall narrow spaces)
- surfaced
attractively and comfortably
- equipped with
appropriate lighting and furniture
- contributing to
the building setting.
- Does
the proposed planting:
- complement the
scale and functions of buildings.
- provide visual
interest and overall harmony.
- soften and
naturalise outdoor areas.
- complement
existing landscape in the area.provide for good solar access and
appropriate shading.
See:
residential
sustainability performance guide.
pre
application
site
analysis
sustainable
development index