Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
Applicant's justification
The applicant has provided written justification for the variation to the acceptable
development provisions relating to the garage door to the carport in the front setback area
Performance criteria assessment
Setbacks of buildings generally
Proposed
Acceptable development
provision
Primary Street 1.8 metres 9.0 metres
Performance criteria:
Buildings setback from street boundaries an appropriate distance to ensure they:
• contribute to the desired streetscape
• provide adequate privacy and open space for dwellings; and
• allow safety clearances for easements for essential service corridors.
The Residential Design Codes define a carport as an unenclosed roofed structure except to
the extent that it abuts a dwelling or property boundary on one side, and being without a
door unless that door is visually permeable. The construction of the carport with a minimum
setback of 1.8 metres was permitted in recognition that the structure was to remain open,
and therefore does not present a solid mass of building into the streetscape. An open
carport retains an open aspect to allow for clear and unobstructed views through to the
dwelling and does not detract from the dominant elements of houses and landscape within
the streetscape.
By virtue of the definition in the R Codes, the inclusion of a solid door to the front of the
carport means it no longer is considered to be a carport and becomes a garage. The
setback requirement for garages in Floreat is 9.0 metres in recognition of the visual impact
that such structures impart on the streetscape. The remainder of the walls to the carport are
proposed to remain open.
The carport is in front of part of the dwelling that does not have a major opening facing the
street so that the solid door does not assist in providing additional privacy for the dwelling.
As the carport is located forward of the dwelling the solid garage door dominates the front
setback and is out character with the streetscape.
A site inspection of other carports in front setbacks along Hornsey Road between Oceanic
Drive and Newry Street show that they are all open structures.
Overall in view of the above comments, it is considered that the proposed setback of the
garage from the primary street boundary is not acceptable and does not comply with the
performance criteria for the following reason:-
• does not contribute the desired streetscape and character of the 'Garden Suburb' of
Floreat.
It therefore it is recommended the solid door be removed.
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