Visual Landscape Analysis - Hawkesbury City Council

REDBANK AT NORTH RICHMOND 

VISUAL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS 

December 2011

DISCLAIMER 

This report is prepared on the instructions of the party to whom or 

which it is addressed and is thus not suitable for use other than by 

that party. As the report involves future forecasts, it can be affected 

by a number of unforeseen variables. It represents for the party 

to whom or which it is addressed the best estimates of Urbis Pty 

Ltd, but no assurance is able to be given by Urbis Pty Ltd that the 

forecasts will be achieved. 

URBIS STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPORT WERE: 

Director 

Senior Consultant 

Job Code 

Report Number 

Version 

Rohan Dickson 

Jason Duda 

SD1117 

Visual Analysis 

B 

2 NORTH RICHMOND RELEASE AREA

CONTENTS 

1 INTRODUCTION 5 

METHOD 6 

DEFINITION OF ANALYSIS CONCEPTS 6 

RESEARCH AND REVIEW 7 

DESIRED FUTURE CHARACTER 7 

2 ANALYSIS 8 

TOPOGRAPHY & VISUAL CATCHMENT 8 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ANALYSIS 9 

TYPE 1- REDBANK CREEK CORRIDOR 10 

TYPE 2- OPEN VALLEY 11 

TYPE 3- NORTH FACING SLOPES 12 

TYPE 4- RIDGETOPS 13 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT SENSITIVITY 14 

KEY VANTAGE POINTS 15 

VANTAGE POINT 1 16 












3 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS 28 

VISUAL SENSITIVITY 28 

FUTURE CHARACTER 29 

RECOMMENDATIONS 29 

APPENDIX A - 108 GROSE VALE ROAD PROPOSED 

SENIORS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 

VISUAL IMPACT ANALYSIS REPORT (URBIS 2008) 30 

VISUAL ANALYSIS 

3


1 INTRODUCTION 

Urbis has been engaged by North Richmond Joint 

Venture Pty Ltd (NRJV) to undertake a visual landscape 

analysis of the subject site Redbank at North Richmond 

(108 Grose Vale Road, North Richmond - Lot 27 

DP1042890). The site is approximately 147 hectares in 

size adjacent to the existing North Richmond Village. 

The subject site is: 

• Within the North Richmond Future Growth Area as 

identified in the Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy 

(2010) as shown in Figure 1. 

• Located north of Grose Vale Road, south of Redbank 

Road and Redbank Creek. 

Tabaraga Ridge 

foothills ~10km 

Belmont Grove 

Redbank Road 

Bells Line of Road 

• Located east of the rural residential area accessed 

from Bells Road. 

Redbank Creek 

• Predominantly used for grazing, with construction of 

an approved seniors living development located in the 

south eastern portion of the site. 

Bells Road 

• Part of the former Yobarnie which is of state 

heritage significance for its role as a Keyline system 

experimental and demonstration farm. 

* 

This analysis has been undertaken to create the baseline 

for assessment of the potential visual impact of any 

proposed development upon the subject lands. 

Grose Vale Road 

The objectives of this report are to: 

• Identify, assess and document the visual and 

landscape qualities of the land within the study area. 

* 

• Identify key vantage points and visual sensitivity. 

• Identify recommendations for potential development of 

the land. 

0 500m 1000m 

FIGURE 1: STUDY CONTEXT 

Redbank at North Richmond (Subject Site) 

Investigation Area - Future Growth 

(Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy 2010) 

Approved Seniors Living Development 

* 

SREP 20 - Scenic Quality Study - Sub catchment boundary 

(Landscape unit 3.4.1 Yarramundi Weir to South Junction Creek) 

SREP 20 - Scenic Quality Study - Scenic Corridor Boundary 

SREP 20 - Scenic Quality Study - View point 


5

METHOD 

The method chosen for this analysis utilises a formal 

aesthetic model for describing the visual landscape units 

combined with a qualitative analysis approach. 

The process that Urbis has used to conduct this visual 

landscape analysis includes, but is not limited to: 

RESEARCH AND SITE SURVEY 

• Defining the topographic, distance and preliminary 

landscape units. 

• Photo-document potential key views from public 

domain vantage points. Potential private domain visual 

impacts are noted but not assessed in this report. 

CLASSIFICATION 

• Dividing the landscape into units and types that have 

distinct visual character and elements. 

• Identifying public domain vantage points and potential 

private domains that may experience visual change. 

ANALYSIS 

• Evaluating common elements of the landscape 

to understand the visual character and how it is 

experienced from vantage points. 

• Assessing the importance of views afforded from the 

identified vantage points and the level of change that 

will be experienced due to the development of the land 

(subject to the proposed rezoning). 

• Reviewing relevant Council documents and identifying 

the existing and desired future character. 

DOCUMENT FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS 

• Documenting findings in a report format. 

DEFINITION OF ANALYSIS CONCEPTS 

The following are definitions of concepts used for the 

purpose of the analysis undertaken as part of this report. 

SCENIC QUALITY 

The scenic quality of the site and its surrounds is based 

on the extent to which the visual aesthetics and amenity 

of the landscape is valued from a human point of view. 

This value is based on professional opinion and an 

understanding of broad community values. 

VISUAL IMPACT 

The visual impact of a proposed development is 

determined by how much the proposed development 

imposes on the scenic quality, views and/or visual 

amenity afforded from landscapes 

The acceptability of the visual impact of the proposal is 

influenced by the weight/importance that is given to each 

of the vantage points. Identification of the importance of 

particular views of the landscape identified in this report 

are determined by the method described in the planning 

principle for views from Tenacity Consulting v Warringah 

[2004] NSWLEC 140. 

VISUAL LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY 

The visual and landscape sensitivity is the level that 

which views and/or landscape that are experienced 

from vantage points can vary from the existing character 

or proposed future character without changing the 

fundamental elements or distinctive qualities that make 

the landscape recognisable. 

Determining the existing landscapes sensitivity to 

change also depends on the degree to which the 

landscape has already been altered. If the landscape has 

undergone recent change, the introduction of additional 

development, and therefore more change, may potentially 

have less perceived impacts than in an area that has 

remained substantially unchanged for an extended period 

time. However, it is noted that cumulative change may 

alter the key elements of the landscape, and hence alter 

the perceived key characteristics of the area. 


RESEARCH AND REVIEW 

Aerial photography and topographic maps were used 

in a desktop analysis of the site. Boundaries of possible 

landscape units were refined during a field survey 

conducted by Urbis in November 2011. 

Relevant documents applicable to establishing the existing 

and future character of the visual catchment area include: 

• Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy (Hassell 2010). 

• Draft Hawkesbury LEP 2011. 

• 108 Grose Vale Road Proposed Seniors Housing Visual 

Impact Analysis (Urbis 2008). 

• Draft Conservation Management Plan Former Yobarnie 

(Urbis 2011). 

The site is also in the vicinity of the Sydney Regional 

Environmental Plan 20 (SREP 20) Hawkesbury - Nepean 

River (No. 2 - 1997). The Hawkesbury - Nepean Scenic 

Quality Study (DUAP 1996) which is referenced in the 

SREP identifies the landscape quality. 

While the subject site is located outside of the landscape 

units in the study it adjoins the Yarramundi Weir to South 

Junction Creek unit from which key vantage points are 

located. The key features of the study are identified in 

Figure 1. 

DESIRED FUTURE CHARACTER 

The desired future character establishes the anticipated 

setting and appearance for a defined area. 

The entire site is identified within the North Richmond 

Future Growth Area within the Hawkesbury Residential 

Land Strategy (HRLS). This anticipates that residential 

development as an extension of the existing village is to 

occur on the land not environmentally constrained. 

The HRLS also acknowledges that the rural lands are scenic 

as perceived by the community and visitors. Individual 

residential as part of an extension of the North Richmond 

village will not in itself change the character however the 

cumulative impacts must be considered. 

In relation to the subject site, the HRLS identifies heritage 

and character as important elements that have implications 

on the strategy. The keyline system elements including 

some dams are to be rectified/modified in order to retain 

as stormwater infrastructure in accordance with the 

Conservation Management Plan for 108 Grose Vale Road, 

North Richmond (Former Yobarnie). 

An opportunity exists to retain the appearance of a rural 

landscape from key vantage points while facilitating new 

residential development. 

FIGURE 2: EXAMPLE OF SCENIC RURAL LANDSCAPE 


7

2 ANALYSIS 

TOPOGRAPHY & VISUAL CATCHMENT 

The North Richmond village lies in a river flat valley and is 

surrounded by distant hills. Approximately 10km north west 

of the site are vegetated hills approximately 500-600m in 

elevation making them visible from both Grose Vale Road 

and from the higher elevation parts of the site. These hills 

form the backdrop for views afforded from Grose Vale Road 

and Bells Line of Road. 

The terrain immediately surrounding the subject site falls 

from Grose Vale Road (southern boundary) to permit 

limited views in to the site and out of the site. Mid-ground 

views along the Redbank Creek valley to the site can be 

experienced from land located west of Bells Line of Road. 

The site contains a ridgeline running east-west through the 

centre of the site. This ridgeline results in a valley draining 

to the south east to the subject site boundary and a valley 

draining the northern slopes to Redbank Creak which forms 

the northern boundary of the site. 

central ridgeline 

The southern boundary runs along a ridge line with an 

elevation of approximately 80m (AHD) on the western 

boundary of the site and an elevation of approximately 

70m on the eastern boundary. The lowest part of the site is 

situated to the northern boundary along Redbank Creek at 

an elevation of approximately 20m. 

The visual catchment for the site is defined as land where 

the subject site can be experienced as an individual 

element or majority portion of a view. Vantage points more 

than 1.5km from the site are not considered to be within 

the visual catchment as views from these points would 

experience as part of a distant setting. 

Figure 3 shows key topographic features, the extent of 

the visual catchment for the site, as well existing village 

gateways identified by physical signage. 

FIGURE 3: TOPOGRAPHY & VISUAL CATCHMENT 

Ridge line 

Local high point 

Visual catchment 

2m contours 

Subject site 

Existing town gateways 



LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ANALYSIS 

The existing landscape character types are defined by 

distinguishing features in the following categories: 

• Form 

• Line 

• Colour 

• Texture 

• Scale 

• Space 

The assessment is undertaken from a desktop analysis and 

from on site verification. 

TYPE # TYPE NAME KEY CHARACTERISTICS 

1 Redbank 

Creek 

Corridor 

Dense vegetation of under storey 

and mature trees. 

2 Open Valley Gentle sloping valleys and 

gullies with little or no tree cover. 

Generally below the keyline 

contour. 

3 North 

Facing 

Slopes 

Northern facing mid-slopes with 

scattered mature trees within 

grassland. 

4 Ridgetops Moderately vegetated ridge 

tops with mature trees within 

grassland. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Redbank Creek Corridor 

Open Valley 

North Facing Slopes 

Ridgetops 

FIGURE 4: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TYPES 


9

TYPE 1 - REDBANK CREEK CORRIDOR 

VISUAL CHARACTER STATEMENT 

This landscape type consists of a dense vegetated 

understory and mature trees surrounded by grasses. 

Form 

Line 

Liner dense vegetation with clusters of taller trees 

along winding corridor. 

Generally consistent canopies creating a strong 

horizontal element with taller trees creating vertical 

elements. 

Colour Dark green of the tree canopies with dark browns 

and gray of the trunks. 

Texture Dense foliage of shorter and less mature trees is 

broken up by vertical tree trunks. 

Scale 

Consistent with patches due to the relative 

size of trees, landscape components and their 

surroundings. 

Space Sense of enclosure due to the dense understory 

and mature trees. 

FIGURE 5: TYPE 1 - REDBANK CREEK CORRIDOR 

VISUAL CHANGE ANALYSIS 

This landscape type has a low to moderate capacity for 

change as the vegetation forms part of the Redbank Creek 

riparian corridor. This landscape character extends the 

entire northern boundary which should be retained to retain 

the consistency with how this landscape unit is treated on 

both eastern and western sides of the subject site. 

The vegetation forms a barrier between the subject site and 

existing development to the north. 

FIGURE 6: LOCATION TYPE 1 – 

REDBANK CREEK CORRIDOR 

Subject Site 


TYPE 2 - OPEN VALLEY 


Farm dams adjoining open gullies and surrounded by 

scattered trees grasses. 

Form 

Line 

Relativity flat, steeper on edges of the landscape 

unit. 

The dams generally sit in the gully alignment. 

mature trees form vertical elements. 

Colour Predominately light green and yellow from grasses 

with patches of light brown and red. 

Texture Mottled and flecked grasses and soil, contrasting 

with the consistent surface of the water on dams. 

Scale 

Wide, shallow and broad on the horizontal axis. 

Space Enclosure from slopes on the boarded the 

character unit. 

FIGURE 7: TYPE 2 – OPEN VALLEY 


A moderate to high capacity to change applies as the 

landscape is highly modified from its original natural state. 

The setting of any retained or restored Keyline features 

should be considered, the open valley landform is an 

important part of this system. 

The requirement to drain stormwater limits capacity to 

change the landform form of valleys. Potential to use 

rectified/modified dams as waterbodies or dry basins to 

link vegetated corridors of the ridgetops and north facing 

slopes. 


OPEN VALLEY 

Subject Site 


11

TYPE 3 - NORTH FACING SLOPES 


This landscape type consists of intermittently spaced 

tree clusters, surrounded by grasses on slopes with 

predominately a northern aspect. 

Form 

Line 

Scattered clusters of trees amongst open space. 

The rounded canopies of the trees diffuse over 

gently undulating hills, piercing the line of the 

horizon. 

Colour Dark green of the tree canopies and dark browns 

and gray of the trunks give way to softer and lighter 

greens and browns of grasses underneath. 

Texture Varies, grass cover broken up by vertical tree 

trunks and foliage. 

Scale Broad with liner patches due to the relative 

size of trees, landscape components and their 

surroundings. 

FIGURE 9: TYPE 3 – NORTH FACING SLOPES 

Space General open space appearance with visibility 

beneath canopies sporadically interrupted 

through the scattered growth of trees. 


A moderate to high capacity to change applies as the 

landscape is substantially modified from its original natural 

state. 

Use of carefully sited landscape elements such as native 

tree planting and landscape buffers will mitigate the visual 

impact of service infrastructure and built form in more 

visually sensitive areas such as the areas adjacent to Grose 

Vale Road. 


NORTH FACING SLOPES 

Subject Site 


TYPE 4 - RIDGETOPS 


This landscape type consists of moderately vegetated 

ridgetops characterised by mature trees and grassland. 

Form 

Line 

Canopies of mature trees forming and edge in the 

landscape. 

The rounded canopies of the trees diffuse over 

gently undulating hills, piercing the line of the 

horizon. 

Colour Dark green of the tree canopies and dark browns 

and gray of the trunks give way to softer and lighter 

greens and browns of grasses underneath. 

FIGURE 11: TYPE 4 – RIDGETOPS 

Texture Grass cover broken up by vertical tree trunks. 

Scale 

Linear with patches due to the relative size of trees, 

landscape components and their surroundings. 

Space Enclosure for the topography as the ridgeline 

topped with mature trees forms a defined edge to 

the valley. 


This landscape type has a low to moderate capacity for 

change as the vegetation forms part of a layered view across 

the site and beyond, to the Tabaraga Ridge and Wollemi 

National Park. Sensitively placed development within this 

landscape to maintain the visual characteristics of this type. 

The use of carefully placed landscape elements such as 

native tree planting and landscape buffers will likely mitigate 

visual impact of service infrastructure and built form when 

experienced from a distance; particularly the ridgeline that 

Grose Vale Road follows. 


RIDGETOPS 

Subject Site 


13

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT SENSITIVITY 

Based on the quality and characteristics of the landscape in the 

setting, the following table summarises the capacity to change 

of each landscape type and the key opportunities this presents 

for development: 

TYPE NAME CAPACITY FOR CHANGE OPPORTUNITIES 

1 Redbank Creek 

Corridor 

Low to moderate to capacity for change 

Located predominantly within and adjacent to Redbank Creek, there is an 

opportunity to retain the vegetated riparian corridor consistent with other parts 

of the adjoining Redbank Creek. The vegetation forms a barrier between the 

subject site and existing development to the north. 

2 Open Valley Moderate to high capacity for change The requirement to drain stormwater limits the capacity to change the landform 

form of valleys. Potential use of rectified/modified dams as waterbodies or 

dry basins to link vegetated corridors allowing a sequence of dams to be 

experienced along a view corridor. 

3 North Facing 

Slopes 

Low to moderate capacity for change 

Sensitively sited development that retains existing trees within this landscape to 

maintain the visual quality of the area. 

Use of carefully placed landscape elements such as native tree planting and 

landscape buffers will mitigate visual impact of service infrastructure and built 

form in more visually sensitive areas such as the areas adjacent to Grose Vale 

Road. 

4 Ridgetops Low to moderate capacity for change Sensitively sited development within this landscape to maintain the visual 

characteristics of this type. 

Use of carefully placed landscape elements such as native tree planting and 

landscape buffers will mitigate visual impact of service infrastructure and built 

form when experienced from a distance, particularly ridgelines such as Grose 

Vale Road. 


KEY VANTAGE POINTS 

Assessment of views experienced from key vantage points 

enables the overall assessment of sensitivity and potential 

locations for required mitigation. Key vantage points are 

view points in the public domain most likely to view the site 

with the greatest impact. 

The rationale for the selection of key view points was based 

on but not limited to: 

i. Topography 

ii. Distance from site 

iii. Distance between view points 

iv. Frequency and duration of view 

v. What the view is of 

vi. Where the view is experienced from 

FIGURE 13: KEY VANTAGE POINTS 

Existing town gateways 

Number and direction of vanatge point 


2m contours 

Subject site 

Ridge line 

Local high point 


15

VANTAGE POINT 1 

This vantage point is located on the southern side of the 

Redbank Road reserve. 

Redbank Creek vegetation 

FIGURE 14: VANTAGE POINT 1 

x 

FIGURE 15: LOCATION OF VANTAGE POINT 1 

Type of viewer 

Duration of view 

ASSESSMENT 

Motorists and other road users of 

Redbank Road. 

Short due to mature trees along 

Redbank road and along the 

Redbank Creek corridor. 

Viewing distance The vantage point is located 

approximately 400m north of the 

site over existing rural residential 

allotments to Redbank Creek. 

Landscape 

compatibility 

The amenity of the landscape 

immediately visible from this vantage 

point is separate to that of the site 

as the dense vegetation of Redbank 

Creek forms a buffer and end to the 

view. 

VISUAL SENSITIVITY 

This vantage point has been selected as it is located 

near the northern edge of site. A view of rural residential 

development in woodland is not experienced by a high 

volume of viewers. 

The subject site is not visible due to the visual obstructions 

in the foreground from this vantage point. The dense 

vegetation along Redbank Creek also limits visibility to 

the site from both Redbank Road and dwellings on the 

southern side of the road. 

Viewer sensitivity from this vantage point is low due to a low 

frequency of viewers, and a short length of view. However 

nearby dwellings which face the site are of a higher 

sensitivity. 

As the riparian vegetation along Redbank Creek forms a 

significant element of this view, any significant variation to 

the dense vegetation would alter this view. Private domain 

visual impact would need to be considered if a substantial 

amount of vegetation was proposed to be removed from 

the creek corridor. 






Subject Site 


x 




ASSESSMENT 


Redbank Road. 

Very short as viewers are generally 

travelling perpendicular to the view. 

View length is moderate with views 

into the site. 

Viewing distance Vantage point located 

approximately 300m north of the 

subject site, with a small part of the 

site visible. 


compatibility 

The foreground is private domain, 

predominately grass with buildings 

and fences. Tree lines in the 

midground and distance form the 

horizon of the view which should be 

retained. 


This vantage point has been selected as it is located near 

northern edge of site. While the site is visible it is distant and 

forms a small portion of this view. However tree canopies 

which are located on the site form the horizon of this view. 

It is considered that the viewer sensitivity from the vantage 

point is low due to a low frequency of viewers and a short 

length of view. However nearby dwellings which face the 

site are of a higher sensitivity. 

The Redbank Creek corridor treeline forms an important part 

of this view. Any significant variation to the dense vegetation 

would alter this view. Private domain visual impact will need 

to be considered if a substantial amount of vegetation was 

proposed to be removed from the creek corridor. 


17






x 



ASSESSMENT 


Redbank Road. 

Short, viewers can see only a short 

distance on approach from the 

east. 


This vantage point has been selected as it is located near 

northern edge of site and is located near a potential access 

point. The site is not visible due to the ridgeline located 

between vantage point and subject site. 

Viewing distance View point adjacent to north eastern 

corner of site. The site is not visible 

due to rise in topography between 

vantage point and subject site. 


compatibility 

The private domain is located in 

the foreground, with predominately 

grass, buildings, transmission lines 

and fences. The subject site is not 

visible. 




This vantage point is located on at the entrance driveway of 

Rural Press on Bells Line of Road. 

Subject Site 



foothills 



x 



ASSESSMENT 


Bells Line of Road. 

Long views to the Tabaraga Ridge. 

Extent of vantage point is wide as 

viewers can see the site on Bells Line 

of Road for a stretch approximately 

100m between the Rural Press 

driveway and Crooked Road. 

Viewing distance The vantage point is located 

approximately 1km north-east of 

the site. Views are part way into the 

subject site. 


compatibility 

The landscape is layered with 

buildings, a cemetery, transmission 

lines and fences in the foreground. 

Trees and open grassland are in 

the midground and the distance. 

The strong landscape character 

the Redbank Creek corridor and 

the vegetated ridgeline should be 

retained. 


The view is adjacent to and across the St Phillips Cemetery 

and was selected for its visibility from Bells Line of Road A 

portion of the site is visible as a distant portion of this view. 

Tree canopies form the horizon of this view. 

It is considered that the viewer sensitivity from the vantage 

point is low due to a low frequency of viewers and a short 

length of view. However nearby dwellings which face the 

site are of a higher sensitivity. 

The Redbank Creek corridor treeline forms an important 

part of this view. Any significant variation to the dense 

vegetation would alter this view. Private domain visual 

impact would need to be considered if a substantial 

amount of vegetation was proposed to be removed from 

the creek corridor. 


19


This viewing point is located on the western boundary of Peel 

Park. 

Central Ridgeline 

Tabaraga Ridge foothills 



x 



ASSESSMENT 

Visitors and uses of Peel Park. 

Long as viewers are generally moving 

at slow speed or are stopped. 

Viewing distance View point adjacent to north eastern 

corner of site. Long as viewers can 

see almost across the entire site to 

the south and to Tabaraga Ridge to 

the North. 


compatibility 

The compatibility to change is high 

with relatively flat unconstrained land. 


This vantage point has been selected as it is located on the 

eastern edge of the site. Views from parks are considered 

to be of a higher value than from roadways. Views to a 

number of distant landscape feature are afforded from this 

location such as the foothills of the Tabaraga Ridge, keyline 

dams and the central ridgeline. 

These features can be experienced from other locations 

with a higher prominence. Therefore, the direct retention of 

views to these features from this location is not essential. 

However, an opportunity exists to frame views to these 

features the through alignment of roadways connecting to 

Peel Park. 




This viewing point is located at the southern end of Authur Phillip Drive. 


x 


Duration of 

view 

Viewing 

distance 


compatibility 

ASSESSMENT 


Authur Phillip Drive. 

Moderate as viewers can see the 

site on approach along the relatively 

straight road; local 50km/h speed limit. 

Views part way into the subject site. 

Foreground subject to senior living 

development under construction. 


immediately visible from this view point 

is considered compatible to change 

as it is predominately grass land. Tree 

line across ridge is broken and not 

consistent from this vantage point. 

Compatibility to change is very high. 


This vantage point has been selected as it is located on 

the eastern bondary of the site. The approved seniors 

living development currently under construction forms a 

significant portion of this view. The view from intersection 

of Townsend Place and Authur Phillip Drive is examined 

in the 108 Grose Vale Road Proposed Seniors Housing 

Development Visual Impact Analysis Report (Urbis 2008). 

There are no particular elements of the view afforded from 

this vantage that should be retained. 



21


This viewing point is located at the local highpoint adjacent to 

Grose Vale Road west of the existing village. 


foothills 


ASSESSMENT 



x 


Duration of 

view 

Viewing 

distance 


compatibility 

Motorists and other road users of Grose 

Vale Road. 

Short as viewers can see the site on 

approach however existing vegetation 

and direction of road makes view oblique; 

motorists are also travelling at 70km/h 

speed limit which limits viewing time. 

View point adjacent to south eastern corner 

of site. Across subject site views to distant 

hills are afforded. 

Compatibility to change is high for the 

foreground and midground. 

This vantage point has been selected as it is located on a 

high point near the southern edge of the site. Views across 

the site to distant hills should be retained from this point. 

The views to distant hills informs the character of the village 

as being within a valley. 

The landscape rural character of the ridgeline that Grose 

Vale Road is situated along, is important as this forms the 

edge of the scenic landscape unit as identified in SREP 

20. There is potential to retain and enhance the landscape 

character by creating a corridor characterised by mature 

trees. 

The prominence of the landscape can be further enhanced 

by extending the vegetated ridgeline from the edge of the 

existing village (at which point the ridgeline becomes more 

prominent) to the ridgeline along the western boundary of 

the site. 



This viewing point is located on Grose Vale Road near the 

Belmont Trig Point. 


Existing buildings in landscape 

(below tree line) 

Vegetated ridgeline 



ASSESSMENT 

Motorists and other road users of Grose 

Vale Road. 


This vantage point has been selected as it is located near a 

high point on southern edge of site. 

x 


Duration of 

view 

Viewing 

distance 


compatibility 

Moderate as viewers can see the site 

on approach along the road; 70km/h 

speed limit. 

View point adjacent to southern 

boundary of site. Views of site in 

foreground with distant views to 

Tabaraga Ridge foothills and vegetated 

ridgeline to the north. 

The trigpoint identifies the local high 

point which is visible on Grose Vale 

Road. In order to maintain a rural 

character, retention of highpoints 

and ridgetops as natural elements. 

Compatibility to change is low. 

The ridge top and high point is sensitive due to its visibility. 

In order to retain and enhance the landscape rural character 

of the ridgeline that Grose Vale Road is located on, a 

corridor characterised by mature trees can be established. 

Views to the foothills of Tabaraga Ridge and the vegetated 

ridgeline to the north should be retained from this location. 


23


This viewing point is located o on Grose Vale Road opposite the 

intersection with the driveway to St John of God Hospital. 


Vegetated ridgeline 


x 


Duration of 

view 

Viewing 

distance 


compatibility 

ASSESSMENT 


Grose Vale Road. 

Moderate as viewers can see the 

site on approach along the relatively 

straight road; 70km/h speed limit. 

View point adjacent to southern 

boundary of the site. Views part way 

into the subject site. 

Foreground and midground is 

predominately unconstrained 

grassland. Compatibility to change is 

high. 




The distant features of the view are important for retaining 

the natural landscape and valley character. The Grose Vale 

Road should be considered as an entry road to Redbank 

and retained as a rural corridor as identified in Vantage 

Point 7. 




This viewing point is located at the local high point on Grose 

Vale Road. 

Approximate boundary 

of subject site 


x 




ASSESSMENT 




on approach for a moderate period at 

the 70km/h speed limit. 

Viewing distance View point adjacent to south western 

corner of site. Views across adjacent 

site and part way into the subject site. 


compatibility 

The vegetation along the roadway and 

into the valley provides a less modified 

rural character. A sequence of Keyline 

dams can be viewed from this location 

which provides a view containing 

water, open valley and woodland 

which is valued higher than a single 

landscape element. 




The view experienced comprises dams, open valley and 

woodland on two properties. This view is considered of a 

higher value due to the multiple landscape elements. 

Significant retention of this view including the mature trees, 

landform and sequence of dams should be considered, 

potentially with sensitively placed dwellings around the 

dams. 


25


This viewing point is located at the local high point on Bells Road. 

Distant hills 

Boundary of site along ridge 


x 



ASSESSMENT 


Bells Road. 

short due to the the foreground 

obstructions and oblique angle of 

views direction of Bells Road. 

Viewing distance View point is located 500m west of the 

subject site with views along valley 

to distant hills and ridgeline along 

boundary of subject site. 


compatibility 

The trees along the ridgeline 

boundary are an important landscape 

element for creating enclosure of the 

valley that which the rural residential 

development. 



high point near the western edge of site. 

This vantage point is significantly obscured by rural 

residential development in the foreground. The boundary 

which runs along a ridgeline is visible with the higher 

elevation portion characterised by mature trees. 

While this vantage point has relatively few viewers due to 

limited number of road users, views afforded from dwellings 

facing the site should be considered at subdivision design. 




This viewing point is located on the eastern end of Belmont Grove. 


Approximate boundary 

of subject site 


x 



ASSESSMENT 


Belmont Grove. 


directly from the end of the road. 

Viewing distance View point adjacent to north western 

corner of site. Views part way into the 

subject site including along Redbank 

creek and ridgeline of western 

boundary. 


compatibility 


immediately visible from this view 

point is considered compatible to 

change as it is predominately grass 

land with scattered trees. 


This vantage point has been selected as it is located on the 

western edge of site. 

There are no foreground obstructions from this view point 

to the subject site. A high visibility rating applies from this 

view viewpoint. 

It is considered that the viewer sensitivity is low as Belmont 

Grove is currently a dead-end road and has few users. 

Dwellings located near ridgeline boundary face away from 

subject site. 



27

3 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS 


The visual sensitivity is an overall assessment, with the 

land in the study area given a weighting relative to the 

study context. This weighting is based on the qualitative 

assessment described in the analysis section, including 

an analysis of the visual sensitivity of each external 

viewing situation from the key viewing points: 

1 

3 

• The activity of the viewer - identification of the 

predominant activity of the viewer from each given 

location; 

• The duration of view - an evaluation/grading of the 

period of time each view would last from each given 

location; 

• The viewing distance - an approximate estimation on 

how far away each given location is from the subject 

area, and an assessment on what can be viewed 

from each given location, in terms of foreground/midground/background 

elements; and 

• The landscape compatibility - the extent to which the 

visual landscape can accept change without loss of 

existing visual amenity, as viewed from each given 

location. 

2 

6 

7 

4 

8 

5 

9 

Using the analysis previously detailed, Figure 38 maps 

the weighting given to the visual sensitivity of areas. 

While some areas of the site have been determined to 

be of moderate sensitivity, sensitive and responsive 

development could be undertaken in these areas subject 

to resolution of the ability to address the desire future 

character and recommendations. 

FIGURE 38: SENSITIVITY 


AREA # 

SENSITIVITY JUSTIFICATION SUMMARY 

1 Low sensitivity due to limited public vantage 

points. 

2 Moderate visual sensitivity due to proximity to 

Grose Vale Road and limited views screened by 

existing vegetation on the approach to the site. 

3 Moderate visual sensitivity due the existing 

consistency of visual character along Redbank 

Creek within and beyond the subject site. It is 

also noted that this area is closest to private 

dwellings overlook the creek corridor. 

4 Very low sensitivity due to limited landscape 

features, low in elevation and limited visibility 

from outside the site. 

5 Low sensitivity due to limited vantage points. 

6 Moderate sensitivity due to the area being 

located on highly visible ridge line, forming a 

part of a layered view from a number of public 

vantage points. 

7 Very low sensitivity due to limited landscape 

features, low in elevation and limited visibility 

from outside the site. 

8 Low sensitivity due to proximity to Grose Vale 

Road and views across site on the approach 

and adjacent to the site when travelling along 


9 Moderate sensitivity due to a moderate 

frequency of viewers along a number points 

along Grose Vale Road 

FUTURE CHARACTER 

Future development as an extension to North Richmond 

should retain a character setting compatiable to the rural 

character of the sites surrounds. To retain a rural charcter 

setting, a modified landscape form can be achieved 

through: 

• Retaining the landscape character of the Redbank 

Creek Corridor and Ridgetops which are key 

landscape elements of views from key vantage points; 

• Retaining views to distant hills, including the Tabaraga 

Ridge, from key locations; 

• Retain and modify Keyline System elements in 

accordance with the CMP for the site; and 

• Adopting and implementing the recommendations 

identified below. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Recommendations have been prepared on the basis 

that the land is to be used for predominately residential 

development up to 10m in height, based on the relevant 

provisions in the Hawkesbury DLEP2011. 

Development will need to demonstrate the appropriate 

use of mitigation measures and have well sited 

development to alleviate or minimise the visual impact of 

development. 

The following recommendations should be considered 

during the ongoing design development for the site: 

• Use of street tree planting along all roads to mitigate 

the visual impact of built form. 

• Provide a minimum building setback from Grose Vale 

Road to enable views across and over the subject site 

to distant hills and to reduce visual impact of buildings 

in the landscape setting. Distance to be determined at 

master planning stage. 

• Ensure adequate deep soil zones are provided at rear 

of allotments. 

• Avoid buildings sited directly on top of ridges . 

• Retain individual native mature trees where possible 

and practical. Retention of tree lines along ridge tops 

required to maintain layering of landscape. 

• Position articulated building forms along contours to 

minimise the amount of necessary cut and fill and 

disturbance to the natural land form. 

• Provide adequate spacing between development, 

particularly on steeper slopes to allow tree planting to 

reduce visual impacts. Planting is to occur as discreet 

groupings along fences. 

• Apply mitigation measures to buildings including (but 

not limited to) choice of colours, materials, finishes 

and on-lot landscape planting to complement existing 

identified landscape units. 

• Use road alignments to frame views of key landsape 

and topographic features including the central 

ridgeline, the foothills of Tabaraga Ridge and retained 

features of the Keyline System. 

• Relocate town gateway (as defined by entry signage) 

to edge of the expanded village residential area. 

• Retain prominence of natural rural character along 

ridgeline that Grose Vale Road is located, including 

avoiding buildings interrupting the treeline when 

viewed from key vantage points. 


29

APPENDIX A 

108 GROSE VALE ROAD PROPOSED SENIORS HOUSING 

DEVELOPMENT VISUAL IMPACT ANALYSIS REPORT 



31



33



35



37

Sydney 

Level 21, 321 Kent Street 

Sydney, NSW 2000 

Tel: 02 8233 9900 

Fax: 02 8233 9966 

Melbourne 

Level 12, 120 Collins Street 

Melbourne, VIC 3000 

Tel: 03 8663 4888 

Fax: 03 8663 4999 

Brisbane 

Level 12, 120 Edward Street 

Brisbane, QLD 4000 

Tel: 07 3007 3800 

Fax: 07 3007 3811 

Perth 

Level 1, 55 St Georges Terrace 

Perth WA 6000 

Tel: 08 9346 0500 

Fax: 08 9221 1779 

Australia • Asia • Middle East 

urbis.com.au 

info@urbis.com.au

Visual Landscape Analysis - Hawkesbury City Council

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