Part I - Other Considerations - Richmond Valley Council

Richmond Valley Development Control Plan 2012I12. Context and Site AnalysisI12.1 Design in ContextDevelopment that is designed in context enhances the sense of place,reinforces the role and character of localities and improves the quality of theenvironment for the community.When designing a development for a site it is essential to respond to the localand broader urban context by identifying the area’s defining elements. Thedesign should be informed by this.In order to understand this context, a site analysis should be undertaken as afirst step in preparing for a development. This should identify the opportunitiesand constraints of the site and create a platform from which to develop adesign. A site analysis demonstrates that the proposed development is thebest possible solution and makes the best contribution to its surroundings.The broader elements of a site analysis should include things such as:‣ Underlying urban structure e.g. the broad land use patterns, the spatialstructure‣ Subdivision and street patterns‣ Topography and landscape‣ Public domain‣ Transport and access‣ Building typologies eg. detached dwellings, residential flat buildings etc‣ Open space and water networks‣ Cultural, archaeological and physical heritage‣ Views and vistas.These elements should be considered in relation to the site and its area, butalso relative to the existing planning framework and controls.It is important to recognise that places and communities evolve over time andanticipation of spatial change needs to be balanced with existing themes,forms and patterns which have helped establish the character of the locality.I12.2 Site AnalysisAll development applications should submit a site analysis, exceptdevelopment applications for the purposes of:‣ Change of use‣ Minor alterations and additions, and‣ Swimming pools.The degree of detail required will vary according to the nature, type and scaleof the development and its surroundings. The level of detail required shouldbe clarified with Council.Part I – Other Considerations – Context and Site Analysis I.131