Small Lots Housing Code - Australian Institute of Architects

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the opposite side of the street. Views across intersections and to or from highand low points in and around the area may also be important.The aim is to conserve the area’s heritage values while allowing owners toupgrade the 21st century amenity of their properties.Minor developments that could easily be encompassed by the codes couldinclude:• detached outbuildings; and• attached extensions to the rear of the propertyWe note that Fig 15 on Page 21 of the discussion paper envisages a ‘lowimpact development’ to the rear of a dwelling; the degree of impact coulddepend, however, on its form, bulk and design. An attached extension of asimilar size on the other side of the lot may have far less impact.Because of their potential to raise complex issues requiring expertconsideration, the Institute considers that developments on corner lots inheritage conservation areas should require merit assessment through thedevelopment application system.7 COMMON PARTY WALLSThe Institute agrees that standards and regulation are essential to encouragedevelopment involving the use of common party walls, while minimising thepotential for neighbour disputes. We propose the following amendments to thedot points in the discussion paper.Consideration should be given to the procedures outlined in the VictorianBuilding Act and the notification and consultation undertaken with theneighbour.When undertaking work on a party wall the neighbour should be notified of theintention to carry out work, and the notification, information provided andresolution process should be regulated. Regarding the use of a surveyor, thesupplied survey plan should also be sent to the neighbour with a ten dayperiod for comment or objection.The structural certificate needs to verify that the structural integrity of the partywall will not be compromised, rather than just ‘affected’. The word ‘affected’can be interpreted in a variety of ways, some of which could be used toprevent acceptable construction.8 HOUSING ALTERATIONS CODEThe Institute considers that the dormer window specifications on Page 23 areunnecessarily prescriptive and may in some instances prevent creative andAustralian Institute of Architects (NSW)Small Lots Housing Code6 August 20105
aesthetically acceptable solutions. The specifications provided – in particularthe proportion of the dormer windows - seem to refer to inner-city Victorianhousing styles, which are not the most appropriate model for a SEPP withstate-wide application.One solution is to apply the specifications only to buildings constructed duringa specific period. A preferable option is to remove the specifications from theSEPP and include them in the guidelines referred to in 9 below.9 EDUCATIONThe codes provide a minimum standard to prevent negative impacts. Theycannot mandate good design.The Institute notes the effectiveness of SEPP 65 and its accompanyingguidelines in raising the standard of flat buildings in NSW; this success can beattributed as much to the educational effectiveness of the guidelines as to thestatutory force of the SEPP itself.In view of the codes’ application to a wide range of housing types we believethere is everything to gain and nothing to lose from an education campaigntargeted to professionals as well as developers and property owners.The education could cover areas such as:• responding to existing streetscape;• responding to neighbouring dwellings;• siting of the dwelling;• orientation; and• environmental and amenity issues, eg the benefits of good solaraccess.Some simple guidelines with illustrations of good design outcomes would be agood start, supplemented in time by a well-publicised awards program thatcongratulates owners in a wide range of local government areas fordevelopments that comply with the code while adding to the quality of the builtenvironment. In our view, nothing is better calculated to achieve greateruptake of the codes than publicizing the beneficial results of their use.The Institute would be happy to work with the Department in the developmentof any guidelines and education program to improve the quality of housingacross the state.Australian Institute of Architects (NSW)Small Lots Housing Code6 August 20106
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Page 6 and 7: INTRODUCTIONThe Institute welcomes
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Small Lots Housing Code - Australian Institute of Architects

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