Planning Justification Report for Reid's Heritage ... - City of Guelph

PLANNING JUSTIFICATION REPORT FOR REID’S HERITAGE HOMES AT VICTORIAROAD GUELPH, ONTARIOLand Use Policy Framework OverviewApril 26, 2013To encourage energy efficient building design and construction techniques thatminimizes space heating and cooling energy consumption.URBAN DESIGNSection 3.6 of the Official Plan outlines policies for the Urban Design in the City of Guelph. TheUrban Design Objectives are as follows, but not limited to:To practice environmentally sustainable urban development by adhering to urban designprinciples that respect the natural features, reinforce natural processes and conservenatural resources.To ensure that the design of the built environment strengthens and enhances thecharacter of the existing distinctive landmarks, areas and neighbourhoods of the City.To ensure that the design of the built environment in new growth areas integrates withthe natural setting and uses built-form elements from the older, established areas ofGuelph.To create new diverse communities that are well served by all forms of transportation.To encourage compatibility and quality in the built environment while allowing for adiverse expression of site design by establishing design principles and guidelines toencourage excellence in design.To develop an attractive, safe and functional network of open spaces by ensuringmutually supportive relationships between public and private open spaces, between thebuilt forms that enclose them and with the links that connect them.To design space that is accessible to all, regardless of personal limitations.Section 6.0 Natural Heritage Features of the Official Plan provides policy for the protection offeatures and ecological functions of Guelph’s natural environment. The Objectives of thissection are to:To recognize and identify existing natural features and their associated ecologicalfunctions in the City that should be preserved and/or enhanced.To protect, preserve and enhance land with unique or environmentally significant naturalfeatures and ecological functions.To promote the continued integrity and enhancement of natural features byinterconnecting these features with environmental corridors and ecological linkages,where possible.To establish a comprehensive systems approach to the protection and enhancement ofnatural heritage features.jam v:\01603\active\160311339\planning\reports\drafts\editsdraft_rpt_planningjustification_uofglands_complete_c05-13_.docx 4.7