Public Open Space Guidelines 2.17 Mb - Devonport City Council

2. Pre-application planning process.Council recommends that applicants seek advice from landscape architects,urban designers, civil engineers and the like, when proposing to subdivideand develop land in circumstances where public open space may need tobe provided.2.1 Initial site research.In most cases, Council’s planning officers will be able to provide advice onthe planning controls and agreements that affect the proposeddevelopment site.All developments need to be considered in terms of:• How the land is zoned;• Any overlays or covenants that apply to the land;• Any documents which have been developed for Council that givedirection regarding the preferred future use and development of theland;• Any agreements that affect the use of the land.It should be noted that proposals that are thoroughly researched andprepared can be processed more efficiently by Council officers. Developersshould determine as much information about the site as possible including,the site’s history, previous uses and existing conditions. They should alsoexamine the site in the context of surrounding properties.This can include:• What are the existing conditions on the site and adjoining properties?• What is the topography of the land?• What vegetation is located on the site and on adjoining properties?• What types of interfaces does the site have with adjoining land?• Does a waterway flow to/from the site to/from another property?• Do existing public open spaces adjoin the site?2.2 Pre-application discussions.Pre-application discussions will generally focus on:• Whether a land contribution for public open space is required;• The provision of public open space in relation to the context of thesite;• These guidelines and their application;• Planning controls;• Planning process time-lines.In considering the need for public open space, the proposed developmentwill be assessed in relation to:• The existing and proposed use or development of the land;• The effect of the proposal on the population density;• Whether there is existing public open space in the neighbourhoodand the adequacy of same;• How much of the land in the proposal is likely to be used for publicopen space by the future land owners.Consideration of the above points means that, in many cases, a landcontribution is required.PART A: GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING & PROVISION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PAGE 5