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LANDSCAPE
AND VISUAL
ASSESSMENT
DECEMBER 2014
WALLACEVILLE,
UPPER HUTT
WALLACEVILLE DEVELOPMENTS LTD
DOCUMENT CONTROL RECORD
CLIENT
Wallaceville Developments Limited
PROJECT
Wallaceville Plan Change
HG PROJECT NO.
1850-135652-01
DOCUMENT
Landscape and Visual Assessment
ISSUE AND REVISION RECORD
DATE OF ISSUE
12 December 2014
STATUS
FINAL
ORIGINATOR
Melissa Davis
REVIEWED
Megan Tongue
APPROVED FOR ISSUE
Richard Peterson
OFFICE OF ORIGIN
Newmarket
TELEPHONE
09 917 5000
CONTENTS
1.0
Introduction
1.1
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Purpose
2
2
Methodology
2
2.1
Background information
2
2.2
Methodology
2
Scope
Study Area
2
4
4.1
Site Description
4
Landscape Assessment
6
5.1
6
Existing landscape character
Assessment of Effects
8
6.1
Assessment of Landscape Effects
8
6.2
Summary of Landscape Effects
11
6.3
Assessment of Visual Effects
11
6.4
Summary of visual effects
13
Representative Viewpoints
Constraints & Opportunities
14
19
8.1
Constraints
19
8.2
Opportunities
19
Conclusion and Recommendations
20
┓
Establish the existing nature of the landscape and visual environment
in the study area, including any relevant changes likely to occur
independently of the development proposal. Includes information on
the value attached to the different environmental resources. (ie existing
landscape character).
┓
Identify and describe the effects that are likely to occur including
whether they are adverse or beneficial (ie scale of development,
sensitivity of receptor)
application. This Landscape and Visual Assessment is a non-statutory
┓
Assessing the significance of the effects identified
document that will identify the key landscape and visual component within
┓
Identify opportunities and constraints relating to the site, identify
those with the least adverse effects and greatest potential for possible
mitigation and enhancement.
┓
Recommendations - proposals for measures designed to avoid/prevent,
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
PURPOSE
This Landscape and Visual Assessment has been prepared by Harrison
Grierson (HGCL) Landscape Architects on behalf of Wallaceville Developments
Ltd as a supporting document to underpin the Wallaceville plan change
Structure plan area, and assess the potential effects on the physical and visual
landscape that may result from, or be influenced by, future development
within the Structure Plan area.
reduce or offset (or compensate for) any significant negative (adverse)
effects.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A site visit was undertaken on Tuesday 22 July 2014.
3.0 SCOPE
The purpose of this Landscape assessment is to identify the existing landscape
2.2
┓
Southern Hills Environmental Management Study prepared for Upper
Hutt City Council by Boffa Miskell, July 2008.
values of the study area and assess the potential for integration of these
┓
Boffa Miskell’s review of Morphum’s Ecological Scope of Works prepared
July 2014
both the visual sensitivity of the site and the potential for visual integration
┓
Historical architectural memo prepared by studiopacificarchitecture July
2014
considered in the assessment:
┓
Urban Design Assessment prepared by HGCL August 2014
METHODOLOGY
┓
Page 2
Scoping - Makes an initial judgement about the scope of the
assessment and of the issues that need to be covered under the
individual topics or themes. Includes establishment of the relevant
study area.
values into future development. A Visual Assessment is required to determine
of development within the existing landscape. The following aspects will be
┓
The extent to which any natural feature will be retained or enhanced by
the development of anticipated consequential development(s).
┓
The ability of affected natural features to absorb the overall
development impact, including the extent to which any natural feature,
and/or intrinsic value will be disturbed or modified as a result of the
development or anticipated consequential development(s).
┓
The suitability of any proposed mitigation mechanisms in avoiding,
remedying or mitigating adverse visual or landscape effects on the
WALLACEVILLE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT
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FIG 1
PLAN CHANGE AREA
Upper Hutt
Station
Wallaceville
Station
Trentham
Station
Trentham
Racecourse
0
1km
Page 2
development or anticipated consequential development(s) on any
natural or amenity values, including screening through plantings or the
reinstatement of any previous plantings.
4.0 STUDY AREA
4.1
┓
SITE DESCRIPTION
The suitability of any proposed mitigation mechanisms in avoiding,
remedying or mitigating adverse effects of the development or
anticipated consequential development(s) on any ecological values.
The site is held in a number of titles which together measure nearly 62ha. The
┓
The suitability of the site for development.
located south of the road. Its primary road frontage (two access points) is
┓
The suitability of the site in relation to natural science factors including
geological, topographical, and ecological components.
existing buildings, native bush and mature specimen trees.
┓
The effects of the activity on the ecological, intrinsic, cultural or
amenity values of the area.
The boundaries of the Structure Plan Study Area (see Figure 1) are defined
┓
The effectiveness of any existing or proposed protection or
enhancement mechanisms.
┓
Distinctiveness: i.e. its natural state, significance as a habitat.
majority of the site is located north of Alexander Road, with a small portion
currently to Ward Street. The site is predominantly flat and has a number of
by the Hutt Valley Line rail corridor to the north, with Alexander Road and a
These aspects are considered to provide a systematic, thorough and
transparent assessment process. This assessment will identify key landscape
attributes (physical and visual) and make recommendations that should be
incorporated into the design process to ensure any potential effects from a
development proposal can be avoided, mitigated or remedied.
portion of the Southern Hills to the south. There is a pocket of land associated
with the site on the southern side of Alexander Road.
Trentham Racecourse and NZ Defence Camp define the site to the west,
with Ward Road to the east. The site’s eastern margin is comprised of blocks
of existing buildings which form the campus for the National Centre for
Biosecurity and Infectious Diseases.
This campus is not included in this
assessment and no connections between this site and the plan change site are
anticipated.
The site is located within Upper Hutt, approximately 2 kms from Upper Hutt
city centre. It is situated on the eastern valley floor adjacent to the toe of the
Southern Hills, and Alexander Road runs along the southern boundary.
Extent of the study area is shown on Figure 2. This is the boundary of the
proposed plan change area. From the site visit it was determined that any
visual impact resulting from development would be localised and limited to
the external boundaries of the development.
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FIG 2
STUDY AREA PLAN
Page 5
5.0
LANDSCAPE
ASSESSMENT
5.1.3
LANDFORM
The existing nature of the site could be described as a small rural remnant
and highly modified. The landform is relatively homogenous with little
5.1
EXISTING LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
spatial variation in topography.
This section identifies the existing landscape character and visual environment
of the study area.
5.1.1
5.1.4
VEGETATION
There is a large area of mature vegetation (Grant’s Bush) in the centre of
SURROUNDS
the site, and the south-western section is characterised by mature native
The site is situated within a highly urbanised environment. The built
specimen trees, some of which are in copses, and some are isolated single
environment is dominant on three sides of the site, and an existing industrial
specimens scattered throughout the site. Remnant mature shelterbelt
subdivision to the southwest of the site is partially being developed.
planting remain in some locations.
Some of the more notable mature
tree species include totara, kahikatea and poplar, elms and oaks.
Please
note that this is a general vegetative assessment only for the purpose of this
Typical suburban residential housing and infrastructure exists to the areas north
report.
and east of the site. The western portion is a combination of the open space of
Trentham Racecourse, and the chute diagonally bisecting the site. To the north
of Trentham, Somerset Village is further developing the existing retirement
5.1.5
HYDROLOGY
village. The southwest aspect is characterised by the army campus of the NZ
Defence force, associated Defence perimeter fencing, and large format industrial
There are existing modified or constructed drainage waterways on site which
development.
are minor and ephemeral in character. These are not included or mapped
on the assessment as these drainage waterways are not considered key
The Southern Hills to the south provide a significant visual and landscape
components of the landscape nor do they provide any distinct landscape
backdrop to this site and the wider Hutt valley. The section of hills adjacent to
character.
this site are covered in a mixture of mature native and exotic vegetation.
5.1.6
5.1.2
HISTORIC REFERENCES/SENSE OF PLACE
LANDUSE
There is historic reference in regards to the landscape including physical
This is currently in pasture and is divided into regular rectangular paddocks
elements such as fencing, yard boarding and cladding panels. Other rural
defined with typical post and wire fencing. External boundaries to the south
elements which make up the landscape character are mature specimen trees
and west are fenced with 2m high wire deer fence. There are farm buildings
and vegetation. The heritage specimens include oak, elm, totara and tulip
interspersed, and access roads are generally metalled or sealed. These elements
tree.
contribute to a rural character.
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MAPPED LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
Site Boundary
Existing mature specimen
trees and planting along
Ward Street to be retained
Mature shelter-belt
vegetation - incorporate if
appropriate and/or suitable
Existing mature specimen
trees within farmed area
- incorporate if appropriate
and/or suitable
Existing mature specimen
trees and open lawn areas
within existing campus
Areas of mature vegetation
to be retainedSouthern Hills overlay - to
be retained
Page 7
6.0
however it would appear that the surrounding environment has a higher value
ASSESSMENT
OF EFFECTS
than this landscape. The study area is bordered by residential and commercial
development, army barracks, a collector road and train corridor. No physical
connection with the landscape currently exists, and the majority of interaction
is transitory and only from Alexander Road.
This section of the report assesses the effects that are likely to occur from
future development, and the expected significance of the effects identified.
6.1.3
FLORA AND FAUNA ENVIRONMENT
This also identifies the opportunities for landscape enhancement.
The existing flora and fauna environment is modified and segregated. There
is a mixture of native and exotic species on site. Retaining mature vegetation
6.1
ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE EFFECTS
and selected specimen trees can be integrated into a green framework for
It is recognised that any development on this site will change the character
development. A landscape link between larger reserves, naturalised areas
from rural remnant to urban, and not all rural elements can be retained.
and the surrounding hills through street planting would create a connected
There will be temporary effects from development by way of earthworks and
flora and fauna environment. Opportunities may be available to combine with
staged construction of services, street lighting and roads. Permanent effects
stormwater detention and planting. This would provide a coherent network of
from the development will be the resulting built form.
green spaces, watercourses and water bodies that connect to wider landscape.
The preservation of identified mature vegetation and selected specimen trees
6.1.1
SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS
will also provide opportunities for aesthetic enjoyment for passive recreation
and visual amenity. These open space areas with the connectivity of the green
The significance of effects from this change can be minimised by the
infrastructure will compensate for the change in character from open modified
retention of some of the substantial landscape components existing on
pasture to a built environment.
site. Incorporation of the mature vegetation such as Grant’s Bush, the stand
of trees in the south west of the site, the mature trees within the existing
campus area and along Ward Street will provide a strong green framework
6.1.4
HISTORIC REFERENCES/SENSE OF PLACE
for any design. Further enhancement of this green framework through the
planting of specimen trees in streets and open spaces areas will significantly
It is more the southern hills that provide the sense of place and has high
contribute to a positive landscape effect.
values associated with its landscape and visual amenity. Retention and
incorporation of mature vegetation where possible into development designs
will provide the sense of place and history that is associated with this site.
6.1.2
DISTINCTIVENESS
The study area has some distinctiveness as a local rural remnant in
urbanised area. There may be some values attached to this distinctiveness,
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TYPICAL VIEWS OF THE STUDY AREA
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TYPICAL VIEWS OF THE STUDY AREA
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6.1.5
adversely or positively to the visual amenity of the site. The assessment
SOUTHERN HILLS OVERLAY
identifies the potential scale of effects on the visual character of the
The southern portion of the site is subject to the Southern Hills Overlay Area
surrounding landscape development may have. This assessment will establish
under the Operative District Plan.
recommendations to avoid, remedy or mitigate any potential adverse effects.
6.2
SUMMARY OF LANDSCAPE EFFECTS
6.2.1
ADVERSE
photographic studies of the site and surrounds are prepared in order to
prepare the assessment of visual effects.
┓
Loss of open green pasture.
The visual assessment considers the following factors:
┓
Change from farmed pasture land and localised rural character to
urbanised environment.
┓
Type of effects including direct effects, indirect/secondary effects and
cumulative effects
┓
Scale of effects, whether it be localised or has a wider visual impact
┓
Duration of effects
┓
Sensitivity
┓
Summary of visual effects and recommendations.
┓
Potential loss of some mature vegetation.
┓
Staged construction works – periods of earthworks and construction of
roads, services, lighting.
┓
6.2.2
The site visit establishes the main representative viewpoints, and
Lots – construction of dwellings/building on lots – staged development.
Permanent change.
For each representative viewpoint, the assessment considers the following
POSITIVE
factors:
┓
Existing landscape resource is not significant in size
┓
Site becomes accessible and interactive
┓
Location of the representative viewpoints
┓
Remnant bush and mature vegetation can be protected and enhanced
where appropriate
┓
The viewing audience - size and composition
┓
Extent of view
┓
Visibility/prominence of study area within view
┓
Visual impact (senstivity, prominence, coherence, constrast, change)
┓
┓
Low impact design principles for stormwater management can be integrated into structure plan design
Opportunities for mitigation by way of additional streetscape and lot
planting integrated into development design.
6.3.1
6.3
DIRECT EFFECTS
ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL EFFECTS
Visual change is inherent in developing an open pasture rural remnant
This section discusses the existing visual qualities of the Wallaceville Structure
site to a built environment. The effects here will need to be managed so
Plan area, and the visual qualities that will potentially contribute either
Page 11
that buildings of an appropriate scale and form are developed. The study
incorporation of existing mature vegetation and additional planting into
area offers opportunities for mitigation planting to be incorporated into
the layout will result in a reduction of the overall developed area, thereby
development along any viewing corridors while maintaining viewshafts to the
reducing the scale of any visual effects.
Southern Hills.
Any visual effects would be localised to the study area, with less than minor
6.3.2
impact on the wider landscape.
INDIRECT/SECONDARY EFFECTS
Indirect visual effects may arise from the construction period of development.
6.3.5
DURATION
These effects will be temporary and would be expected to happen in a staged
process. It is considered that indirect/secondary effects will be minor.
The effects of development are likely to have both temporary and permanent
visual effects. Temporary visual effects will arise from short term
6.3.3
construction, long term change will arise from developed built form.
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
It is expected there may be some cumulative effect of development when
6.3.6
SENSITIVITY
viewed in conjunction with the commercial developments to the south west.
Depending on future development of the site and the zoning of the southern
Due to the topography, scale and location, the study area has low sensitivity
side of Alexander Road, a landscape interface treatment along this section of
for receptors. There is a limited audience for receptors. Views of the site
the site should be considered. The proximity and size of Trentham Racecourse
are limited to Alexander Road and some surrounding properties. Currently
will continue to provide visual open space further reducing any possible
there is one permanent residence, the majority of the viewing audience
cumulative effects.
is transitory through vehicular movement, or active recreation by way of
cyclists/pedestrians.
6.3.4
SCALE OF EFFECT
Residential properties along Miro Road to the north of the study area are
The study area is approximately 62 hectares, and it is anticipated that the
visually disconnected by the rail corridor that borders the northern boundary
development would best suited for this site is conventional and medium
of the study area. These properties are at a similar ground level and any
density residential.
future development in the study area will have no visual effect.
The landscape assessment discusses incorporating the
existing mature vegetation into the layout where possible, and further street
and open space planting to provide a green link framework.
Analysis of elevated sites within a 1km radius showed that either there are
no direct views for this location at the foothills of the southern hills of the
Page 12
Development would not result in a complete loss of this landscape. The study
valley, or are too far for any change in land use to be identified, any visual
area map shows the outline of the development site, and of the existing rural
changes will be absorbed by the existing urban built form and have no visual
pasture will be developed, resulting in a change to the existing landscape. The
effect.
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6.4
SUMMARY OF VISUAL EFFECTS
6.4.1
ADVERSE
6.4.2
┓
Loss of visual open space
┓
Staged construction works – periods of earthworks and construction of
roads, services, lighting
┓
Lots – construction of dwellings/building on lots – staged development.
Permanent change.
POSITIVE
┓
Localised audience for receptors
┓
Any possible cumulative visual effects for visual receptors can be
suitably mitigated with an appropriate landscape interface treatment if
required
┓
Opportunity for significant visual compensation by way of incorporating
existing mature trees and vegetation into design
┓
Retention of mature trees and vegetation where appropriate reduces
overall development scale
┓
Low sensitivity of site for receptors allows for significant compensation
by way of retaining appropriate vegetation and additional planting
┓
Opportunity to create visual link between Southern Hills and study area
Page 13
7.0
REPRESENTATIVE
VIEWPOINTS
RV4
The locations of the Representative Viewpoints (RVP) are mapped as shown in
Figure 3. The photos taken from these RVPs are illustrated on the subsequent
pages and were taken with a 30mm lens Nikon DX D3000 digital camera. The
panoramas are made by a number of photos joined together to illustrate the
RV1
extent of the view available.
The viewpoints selected offer views from the external points where the site is
RV2
visible and allow visual assessment. The site visit established that the main
representative viewpoints are along Alexander Road where views are available
into the site. Assessment of the wider surrounds beyond the immediate
boundary of Alexander Road offered no views into the sites due to the location,
topography of the site and the surrounding urban environment. There is no
public access available to the bordering Southern Hills, so no viewpoints have
been assessed from this frame.
RV3
This section of the report will evaluate the specific views and general visual
amenity experienced by people.
FIG 3
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REPRESENTATIVE VIEWPOINTS PLAN
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REPRESENTATIVE VIEWPOINT 1
Looking south in Image A this is a direct view of the southern portion of the site
separated by Alexander Road. This viewpoint is level with the study area and shows
the vegetated escarpment of the Southern Hills.
Image B shows the typical view along Alexander Road to the west. This shows the
existing semi-vegetated edge of the main part of the site and wider views out over to
the hills that border the Hutt Valley.
The viewing audience here would be transitory and would be comprised mainly
of motorists, with a number of cyclists and possibly pedestrians. The speed limit
along this section of road is currently 80km per hour, so conventional/medium
residential development would have minimal visual effect in the foreground. The
existing vegetation illustrates how elements such as street trees contribute to the
landscape character and provide visual integration. Streetscape treatments that may
be implemented along here should consist of medium-large scale specimen trees to
A. VIEW OF SOUTHERN PORTION OF SITE
provide integration of development into the landscape.
B. VIEWS LOOKING WEST ALONG ALEXANDER ROAD
Page 15
REPRESENTATIVE VIEWPOINT 2
Images A and B are more open and visible to receptors of this view. Image A shows the
existing shelter belt rows in the mid-ground with the hills providing a backdrop to the
wider landscape. Development will result in a loss of open space and existing visual
character, therefore it is recommended that street trees are incorporated into any street
design for development to provide visual mitigation and links to the wider landscape
views.
In the distance in Image B the commercial development and NZ Defence force campus
buildings can be seen with the hills providing the backdrop to the wider landscape. This
view also shows the stands of mature vegetation which are recommended to be retained
as part of an open space network in future development.
Development will have a visual effect from this viewpoint however a residential scale
and form will not impact on views to the wider landscape. Should industrial develop
along the southern side of Alexander Road, a planted buffer zone may be required to
provide suitable visual mitigation for residential development of the site.
A. VIEW OF TOWARDS THE NORTH EAST
B. VIEWS LOOKING WEST ALONG ALEXANDER ROAD
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REPRESENTATIVE VIEWPOINT 3
The two images shown here illustrate the visual identity of the south western aspect
of the site’s surrounds. The end of the site is obscured from view by the built forms,
signage and fencing of the NZ Defence Campus in the foreground. What can be seen is
the mature vegetation existing on site and this provides a visual link to the Southern
Hills which frame the backdrop of this view.
The viewing audience is limited to vehicular traffic, cyclists and pedestrians along
Alexander Road and employees/visitors to the industrial business to the south of
Alexander Road.
It can also be seen that development at this portion of the site would be more
appropriate at a residential scale to reduce visual effects. The views to the wider
landscape will be retained, and consideration should be given to a landscape
interface treatment that will provide visual mitigation to assist with incorporating
any development into the surrounding landscape. Boundary treatments that may be
implemented along here should be of medium height and of a visually permeable nature.
A. VIEW LOOKING EAST ALONG ALEXANDER ROAD
B. VIEW LOOKING EAST ALONG ALEXANDER ROAD
Page 17
REPRESENTATIVE VIEWPOINT 4
From this viewpoint, the setting is urban in nature, with a soft edge provided by the
existing mature trees of the site. The opposite site of the road consists of existing
residential dwellings, which are fenced on their front boundaries.
The viewing audience here comprises vehicular traffic, cyclists, pedestrians traversing
this road, and the residents who occupy dwellings opposite the site.
The existing trees along the boundary of the site are scheduled and are to be retained, as
is the fencing. The retention and protection of this mature boundary planting will retain
the existing landscape and visual character along this section of Ward Street. Due to the
large specimen trees and open lawn areas, this frontage has a campus feel. Preservation
of this campus style landscape in any future development will promote the sense of
place, retain the landscape character and historic reference.
A. VIEWS ABOVE AND BELOW LOOKING NORTH ALONG WARD STREET
B. VIEW LOOKING SOUTH ALONG WARD STREET
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8.0
CONSTRAINTS
AND OPPORTUNITIES
The site analysis for the landscape and visual assessment has identified the
constraints and opportunities relating to the site, and those constraints and
┓
No landscape or visual impact on southern hills landscape overlay.
Protection of significant landscape overlay;
┓
Proximity to visual amenity of Southern Hills;
┓
Site scale offers opportunity for mixed residential density and possibly some small scale commercial activity;
┓
Residential and commercial consistent with neighbouring urban
fabric;
┓
Accessible site with green infrastructure and pedestrian linkages;
┓
Proximity to existing suburban environment including public
transport and local amenities;
opportunities with the least adverse effects and greatest potential for possible
mitigation and enhancement.
8.1
8.2
CONSTRAINTS
┓
Existing mature native vegetation;
┓
Open space paddocks, rural remnant;
┓
Flat topography;
┓
Interfaces with Alexander Road;
┓
Site has high visual absorption capacity;
┓
Proximity to NZ Defence Force;
┓
┓
Proximity to commercial development;
Large areas of habitat can be retained for flora and fauna, and landscape amenity;
┓
┓
Southern Hills Landscape Overlay;
Incorporate existing materials identified by the Heritage Architect into
future design elements;
┓
Potential loss of flora & fauna habitat; and
┓
Potential to maintain views to the Southern Hills from inside the site;
┓
Existing visual connectivity to Trentham racecourse.
┓
Appropriate nature of development (use, scale and form) south of
Alexander Road and its connection to the larger site;
┓
Visual connection of Trentham Racecourse and chute into wider open
space network;
┓
Opportunity to retain mature trees and landscape character along
external roads and in particular, Ward Street;
┓
Opportunity to create precinct style development for zoning, taking
cues from existing environment (eg Grants Bush is native planting
and green infrastructure, existing campus retains open space lawns
OPPORTUNITIES
┓
Retain and enhance existing stand of mature bush;
┓
Retain and include in design existing mature trees;
┓
Enhanced visual amenity of existing bush and trees;
┓
Green infrastructure can be incorporated into street layout for linkages
to southern hills ecological resource;
┓
Integration of stormwater requirements and flood attenuation into
green infrastructure and open space design;
┓
Opportunity for additional planting along Alexander road for increased
amenity and connection with Southern Hills;
and heritage tree species).
Page 19
9.0
CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
┓
linkages to provide landscape and visual amenity;
┓
The Landscape assessment identified the existing landscape character,
features and values of the site; assessed impact development would have
┓
Promote visual and landscape connection with Grant’s Bush and the
Southern Hills (eg use of appropriate species along streets, aligning
streets for viewshafts);
┓
Promote visual connection of chute into wider open space network;
┓
Should industrial development occur along the southern side of the
western end of Alexander Road, a landscape interface treatment along
this section may be required to promote residential landscape and
visual amenity;
┓
Fencing should be considered as part of any Architectural Design
Guidelines to promote the use of permeable fencing such as post and
rail, pool fence and/or hedging or shrubbery along public interfaces
(ie front boundary fencing). Implementation of close-boarded timber
fences should be restricted to rear boundaries only. It is acknowledged
that this may need to be balanced with requirements to achieve
appropriate noise environments;
┓
Promote the use of existing heritage tree species such as oaks, elms,
totara and tulip trees in the public realm;
┓
Promote the use of large grade specimen trees at implementation of
any feature planting;
┓
Promote precinct style development and zoning;
┓
Promote Ward Street character by retaining the significant tree species
visual sensitivity and potential for visual integration of development within
identified through the analysis of suitability of the site for development,
potential for mitigation treatments, and distinctiveness of the site.
The mature vegetation of Grants Bush, the stands of mature trees to the
south-west and the mature trees along Ward Street create the sense of place,
refer to the heritage of the site and are the key elements to retain. There is
opportunity to promote the visual and landscape connection to the Southern
Hills and wider valley landscape through street layout. There is additional
opportunity to incorporate green corridors into the streetscape which will
enhance the landscape and visual linkages and amenity.
In conclusion, due to the site’s location, scale, topography and surrounding
environment, the site has low visual and landscape sensitivity. The site can
accommodate development of an urban nature. To achieve development
Promote the integration of stormwater requirements and flood
attenuation into green infrastructure and open space design;
and the changes that would occur. The Visual assessment identified the
the existing surrounds. Key physical and visual landscape attributes were
Promote the incorporation of green corridors into development layout
(eg along boulevards and/or heavily planted tree-lined streets)for green
that is visually integrated with its surroundings, incorporation of the key
landscape and visual recommendations will mitigate any potential negative
visual effects and assist with a positive outcome.
and campus layout/open space in the urban environment;
The following recommendations are made following the landscape and visual
┓
Promote inclusion of existing materials as identified by the Heritage
Architect into future design elements to acknowledge history and
sense of place;
┓
Promote the protection and ongoing enhancement of the existing
stands of mature vegetation and selected specimen trees that are to be
retained; and
┓
Promote gateway/identity to site from main access points through
specific planting styles and/or landmark or heritage tree species..
assessment process:
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┓
Promote the retention of existing stand of mature bush known as
Grant’s Bush to acknowledge existing landscape character and sense
of place;
┓
Promote the retention of existing stands of mature trees in the
south-western section of the site to acknowledge existing landscape
character and sense of place;
WALLACEVILLE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT
File Path:N:\1850\135652_a\UD\Docs\Wallaceville Visual Assessment\135652-Landscape Visual Assessment-R1 Dec 2014.indd
FIG 4
MAPPED LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Areas of existing mature trees and vegetation to be
retained
Existing campus area - retain heritage character
tree species and campus style landscape
Ward Street existing landscape character retained
Southern Hills Overlay
Landscape interface treatment (appropriate if
future development on south side of Alexander
Road is industrial)
Promote street planting and/or green linkages
throughout site to provide additional landscape and
visual amenity.
Views out to the wider landscape. Maintain long
views to valley sides to retain sense of place
Promote ‘Gateway’ planting and/or landmark to
identify access points and connectivity
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