Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTESTUESDAY 26 JUNE 2012The wall height variation is a result of the sloping block and the applicant's desire to provide adwelling and outdoor space all at the same level as well as providing for a large backyard.The proposed upper storey to the dwelling is set back approximately 22.0 metres from the rearboundary so that there is no overshadowing of the adjoining property to the south. The heightof the dwelling with the associated fill to side boundaries will increase overshadowing tobuildings and appurtenant open spaces of adjoining properties to the east and west in themorning or afternoon. In addition, from a street perspective, the dwelling is higher than theexisting dwelling and has a similar floor level to the dwelling on the west and would therefore sitmuch higher than the dwelling to the east, interrupting the streetscape levels.The general purpose of the height and retaining provisions of the Codes is for builders to followthe natural topography. Whilst on sites with slopes, such as this, this often cannot be fullyachieved, it is feasible in this case however to lower the floor level of the development to betterreflect this intent.Overall in view of the above comments, it is considered that the proposed height of thedevelopment is not acceptable and does not comply with the performance criteria for thefollowing reasons:-• building height not consistent with the desired height of buildings in the locality; and• has an impact on the amenity of adjoining neighbours in terms of adequate direct sun tobuildings and appurtenant open spaces.It is recommended that the floor level of the dwelling be lowered by 400mm to a finished floorlevel of FFL12.7.POLICY/STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS:There are no policy or statutory implications related to this report. The proposal was assessedagainst the provisions of the Residential Design Codes (R Codes), Town Planning SchemeNo.1, and the Town Planning Scheme Policy Manual.FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:There are no financial implications related to this report.STRATEGIC DIRECTION:Consideration of this application is consistent with the Town's Strategic Plan 2009-2020 for thepriority area 'Planning for our Community'.COMMUNITY CONSULTATION:This matter has been assessed under the Community Consultation Policy. The requirementsfor consultation have been satisfied under the statutory provisions of the Town PlanningScheme.ATTACHMENTS:1. Applicant's justification and neighbours' submissions.H:\CEO\GOV\COUNCIL MINUTES\12 MINUTES\JUNE 2012\B DV.DOCX 27