Im working on some research to inform the planninng process around the proposed Hepburn SHire Council Administrative Hub. The proposed plans impact on the Town Hall, the Daylesford Memorial Swimming Pool, residents in Bridport Street, the Senior Citizens Group, fire brigade access to Bridport Street and will create a monolith of 4 storeys overlooking the pool. I am posting my draft ideas and welcome feedback. The next meeting with HSC is next Thursday at 1pm at the Sen Cits. BACKGROUND INFORMATION DAYLESFORD MEMORIAL POOL 1. DAYLESFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTER STUDY Hepburn Shire Council commissioned the Daylesford Neighbourhood Character Study, 2002, to (i) identify and evaluate neighbourhood character within the Daylesford township (ii) to develop strategies for the management of neighbourhood character within the Daylesford township (iii) to ensure that new development is successfully integrated into existing residential areas with minimal adverse impact on streetscape or amenity, and (iv) to provide local residents with a degree of certainty as to what form of development is acceptable. According to the Daylesford Neighbourhood Character Policy (v) the characteristic presence of mature trees will be strengthened, and (vi) the visual cohesiveness of the town enhanced. This policy relates to the design and development of buildings that form part of the neighbourhood character. The Daylesford Memorial Pool is part of the built environment and therefore, the neighbourhood character. Hepburn Shire Council has a responsibility to ensure that all neighbourhood character values are protected. If Hepburn Shire Council were building a factory, according to their own guidelines they would be unable to increase traffic flow if it impacts on neighbourhood amenity. 2. TOWNSHIP ZONE – Hepburn Shire Council Planning Scheme The purpose of the Township Zone is to define the areas within a township where various developments may occur. These developments include residential, commercial, industrial and other uses. The Hepburn Shire Planning Scheme encourages (i) development that respects the neighbourhood character of an area. (ii) The implementation of the neighbourhood character guidelines, and (iii) to allow educational, recreational, religious, community and a limited range of other non residential uses to serve local community needs in appropriate locations. 3. HISTORICAL THEMES A Framework of Historical Themes has been developed by both the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and the Heritage Council of Victoria. The Framework aims to ensure that (i) objects, places and events can be understood, assessed and presented within the context of a broad theme, rather than as singular items of interest. 4. BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE Planning should ensure all new land use and development appropriately responds to (i) landscape, (ii) valued built forms (like the Town Hall) and (iii) places and sites requiring protection with significant heritage, architectural, aesthetic, scientific and cultural value (like the Daylesford Memorial Pool) and (iv) the provision of adequate and safe physical and social environments for their residents. 5. URBAN DESIGN Planning should achieve high quality urban design and architecture that: (i) Contributes positively to local urban character and sense of place. (ii) Reflects the particular characteristics, aspirations and cultural identity of the community. (iii) Enhances liveability, diversity, amenity and safety of the public realm. (iv) Promotes attractiveness of towns and cities within broader strategic contexts. (v) Minimises detrimental impact on neighbouring properties. 6. ARGUMENT The proposed plans for the development of a central administrative hub for the Hepburn Shire Council do not reflect community values. (i) The plans do not honour the Daylesford Neighbourhood Character Study, 2002 (ii) The plans do not comply with the Township Zone requirement to respect neighbourhood character. (iii) The plans have a seriously detrimental impact on surrounding properties. (iv) The plans do not respond appropriately to the heritage value of the Town Hall (v) Nor do they respond appropriately to the cultural significance of the Daylesford Memorial Pool, dedicated on 11 November 1972 to honour all Australians who have be involved in military conflict all over the world. (vi) The proposed “plaza” is about 10m x 20m. It appears to have no access except from Central Springs Road. This is not “safety in the public realm”. (vii) No developer should consider it appropriate to build a 4 storey building overlooking a public swimming pool. (viii) This plan does nothing to improve the attractiveness of the town. (ix) The increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic in and around the access used by the Fire Station is inappropriate.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 02:13:29 +0000
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