Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2011
For the Southport Street Node, the West Leederville Planning and Urban Design Study outlines
a number of proposed development controls. The development controls relevant to this
proposal are:-
Minimum 2 storeys, preferably 3 storeys, maximum 8 storeys;
Maximum 3 storeys along street frontages, with any additional height to a maximum of 8
storeys to be set back;
Ground floor to first floor height: a minimum of 3.2 metres;
Minimum 4 metre setback from Railway Parade to preserve and/or reinforce the "green"
character of the node. Ground level setback to be set aside as quality landscaped space;
New buildings on Southport Street shall incorporate an awning over adjacent footpaths to
provide weather protection to pedestrians;
Street elevations shall be articulated to include defined street front entries which are
clearly identifiable from the street and projections and indentations in the floor plan with
balconies, generous window reveals, related awning and roof elements and changes in
materials.
As amendments are proposed to the current precinct planning policy for West Leederville
(Policy 6.5) to reflect the West Leederville Planning and Urban Design Study, it is considered
that the development controls from the West Leederville Planning and Urban Design Study are
more relevant to the assessment of this proposal than the current precinct planning policy for
West Leederville.
The building is three storeys and set back from Railway Parade, and the ground floor to first
floor height is over 4.0 metres. A continuous ground floor awning is proposed for almost the full
length of the Southport Street frontage, and continues across the Railway Parade frontage,
covering the proposed alfresco dining area. The street elevations are articulated with glazing,
additional awnings on the upper levels, and feature panels.
The front boundary of the site is angled, and the setback of the front wall of the building, which
is perpendicular to the side boundaries, ranges from nil to 5.0 metres. Therefore the building
does not achieve a 4.0 metre minimum setback as stipulated in the development controls. The
greatest setback of 5.0 metres will, however, be adjacent to the corner (and roundabout),
maximising sightlines for vehicles using the roundabout.
The front setback area is proposed to be used for alfresco dining, however the plans submitted
show a large planter box and provision for landscaping on the western side of the alfresco
dining area. Depending on the quality and upkeep of the landscaping proposed, it may be
sufficient to satisfy the development control objectives in contributing to the “green” character of
the node. A condition can be included in this regard.
With regard to defined street front entry, the plans show one main pedestrian entrance to the
building which is located off Southport Street. The elevation and 3D perspective provided,
however, do not clearly distinguish or identify these entrances as recommended by the above
proposed development controls and also the current precinct planning policy, for example,
through differences in building materials or additional height on awnings. Clearly identifiable
building entrances are important for users and visitors to the building, and also improve the
appearance of the building. A condition can be included in this regard to ensure that the main
entrance to the building is clearly identifiable.
H:\CEO\GOV\COUNCIL MINUTES\11 MINUTES\DECEMBER 2011\B DV.DOCX 54