Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTESTUESDAY 26 JUNE 2012On the southern side boundary, just before the step down from the middle to the lowest level,the retaining wall is a maximum height of 1.15 metres and on the rear (west) boundary, theretaining wall height also exceeds 0.5 metres (max approximately 0.6 metres). Theseboundaries abut the PAW and the park respectively and therefore the height of the retainingwalls does not impact on the amenity of the adjoining properties.On the northern side boundary the maximum height of the retaining wall is 1.05 metres justbefore the middle level steps down to the lower level. There is a small shed on theneighbouring property that will be adjacent to this filled area. For the majority of this boundary,the retaining wall height is compliant with the acceptable development requirement.Given that the retaining wall is stepped and has a height along this boundary ranging from nil to1.05 metres, the development is in keeping with the natural slope of the land and can thereforebe supported. It should also be noted that the adjoining property to the north is slightly higherthan the subject site (therefore the height of the retaining wall will be lower when viewed fromthis side), and no comments have been received from the owners of the adjoining property tothe north.Overall in view of the above comments, it is considered that the proposed height of theretaining walls and filling of land adjacent to the boundaries is acceptable and complies with theperformance criteria for the following reason:-• the development will retain the visual impression of the natural level of the site, as seenfrom the adjoining property to the north and the PAW to the south.Building heightProposedAcceptable development provisionWall height Max 6.65 m Max 6.0 mPerformance criteria:Building height consistent with the desired height of buildings in the locality, and to recognisethe need to protect the amenities of adjoining properties, including, where appropriate:• adequate direct sun to buildings and appurtenant open spaces;• adequate daylight to major openings to habitable rooms; and• access to views of significance.As previously stated, the land slopes downwards from front to rear. The two storey addition isat the rear of the dwelling, where the natural ground level is lowest, and hence that is where thebuilding height is the greatest.The floor level of the rear addition has been stepped down 1.0 metre from the existing dwelling,however, there are two wall heights; a higher wall in the middle of the site for the void andwalkway joining the addition to the existing house, and a lower wall height for the remainder ofthe rear addition.H:\CEO\GOV\COUNCIL MINUTES\12 MINUTES\JUNE 2012\B DV.DOCX 49