Assessment Restricted discretionary activities Matters of discretion The council will restrict its discretion to the matters below for the activities listed as restricted discretionary in the precinct activity table. Size, design, layout, and location of sites, specified building areas , vehicle access, pattern of development, and amenity planting and landscaping. Protection, restoration and enhancement of indigenous vegetation, wetlands and Riparian corridors and the nature of restoration, mitigation and enhancement. Management of Steep Slopes greater than 15 degrees. Wastewater disposal. Stormwater management. Power, telephone and utility service. Provision of trails to Precinct Plan 2). Protection and enhancement of archaeological sites and cultural resources. Amenity and mitigation planting. Assessment criteria For subdivision that is a restricted discretionary activity in the Runciman precinct, the following assessment criteria apply in addition to the criteria specified for the relevant restricted discretionary activities in the Countryside Living zone. Each subdivision proposal must be assessed against the relevant matters detailed below. Design, layout, and location of sites and specified building areas, pattern of development and amenity planting and landscaping should: respond to the topography and characteristics of the land developed and result in non uniform patterns of development along ridgelines (as shown on Precinct Plan 1) as viewed from public roads and provide a good level of amenity for future dwellings recognise and provide for existing buildings and vehicle access separate specified building areas from remnant indigenous vegetation, wetlands and riparian corridors so as to avoid adverse effects on the continued ecological value and functioning of these features, and minimises the fragmentation of these features from the development of vehicle access result in amenity planting and landscaping softening the visual effects of clusters and vehicle access (appropriate protection mechanisms should apply to the amenity planting and landscaping as part of any subdivision application) protect notable ensure proposed access, private way and roading (and extent of earthworks) are appropriate to maintain a rural character, and avoid the introduction of elements that create an urbanised character. Design outcomes should include: i. ii. narrow gently curving accessways, grass swales and the absence of kerbs, channels, street lighting and extensive hard surfacing entries, gates and fences that blend with existing rural character by using a simple range of materials that are common in the area, avoiding materials and elaborate designs that are borrowed from an urban context
existing indigenous vegetation and existing freshwater wetlands streams and riparian corridors as identified on Precinct Plan 4 and confirmed by onsite survey all relevant significant environmental benefits in accordance with clause 3.2 above all amenity and mitigation planting in accordance with assessment criteria in clause 4.2.2 above all sites, specified building areas and clusters, where relevant vehicle access any walking / cycle / bridle trail(s) where relevant (refer to Precinct Plan 2). Definitions Remnant indigenous vegetation An area of existing regenerating or mature indigenous vegetation that is representative of the natural ecological diversity and pattern of the relevant ecological district. Specified building area A particular type of nominated building site applying to a dwelling (or specific type of building) and its accessory buildings. A specified building area may arise out of considerations of safety, flooding, visibility, rural amenity, separation from indigenous vegetation, or other criteria relating to the suitability of the site for a dwelling and buildings. A specified building area may be recorded on a consent notice attaching (as a condition of subdivision consent) to a title.