Town Planning Application

Mitchell Lewis 59 Beal Street, Birregurra 25/05/2020

I, Mitchell Lewis, am writing to apply for a planning permit to construct a new dwelling on my property at 59 Beal Street Birregurra. The following document outlines the proposal and addresses the requirements of the planning scheme.

D20/99566

Introduction and context

59 Beal Street is a mid-sized residential block situated on the southern side o f the main street o f Birregurra. The property is directly opposite Birregurra Primary School and close to the local churches and golf course. Surrounding properties have modest, single storey dwellings o f various age classes and construction materials. The block dimensions are atypical o f Birregurra, being shorter and wider at approximately 30m x 40m rather than the standard 1/4-acre property at 20m x 50m. The block has several large trees both exotic and native, and a small single storey dwelling, garage and shed.

The application proposes t o remove the current structures and replace with a new single storey dwelling and garden shed. The application also seeks permission for the removal of trees for the purpose o f construction and for the further establishment o f a native garden.

The proposal is sensitive t o the context o f neighboring properties. It sits within the 'Preferred Character Area C' (Birregurra Neighbourhood Character Study 2012). The objectives o f this area are:

- To encourage the retention o f trees where possible and the planting o f new canopy trees and understorey vegetation to the front, side and rear o f dwellings.

- To encourage sensitively designed and site responsive medium density residential development within walking distance o f Main Street i.e. 400 metres.

- To encourage the use o f robust but l ightweight materials such as timber that will endure overtime, whilst discouraging more urban materials such as cement render.

The proposal responds t o the current built form o f Birregurra by utilizing recycled red brick and hardwood cladding, with a zinc corrugated iron pitched roof, as is common in both the residential built form and many notable buildings such as the pub and old engineering building.

Response to planning scheme

The property is zoned Township (TZ) and has the following overlays:

- DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY - SCHEDULE 13 (DD013)

- VEGETATION PROTECTION OVERLAY - SCHEDULE 3 (VP03)

D20/99566

Response to VP03

The property has seven large canopy trees as well as several small native shrubs and fruit trees. The Beal Street boundary comprises four native Eucalypts of varying species which have been planted linearly within 5 meters of the fence line. Given the proximity of the trees and annual power line trimming, the tree's limbs are weighted heavily towards the house and have poor form and structure. The proposal seeks to remove two of these trees (see Figure 1) to allow the remaining two trees to form a more evenly distributed and compact canopy that provides good shade for the proposed dwelling.

The eastern boundary has three large pine trees that currently prevent any recruitment of native vegetation within their canopy drip line. These trees constantly cause damage to surrounding roof structures with falling limbs and debris. I propose to remove these trees and replace with mid-sized native canopy trees and dense screening vegetation to offer privacy and shade between the neighboring property. Removal of these trees is keenly supported by the neighbor at 15 Skene Street.

f l SOUKIAZT

3

01

Figure 1

Existing Site Plan SCALE: 1200

silint 59. KAI. STREET Ell.51111G OWEWNG ••Trees to be

removed

Overall my aim is to re-establish native gardens on all boundaries to provide screening and privacy as well as attract wildlife. I would like to retain two of the large native canopy trees on the Beal Street boundary as they provide shade from the western sun during summer.

D20/99566

Response t o DD013

As outlined in DD013, the setbacks are as follows:

Design element Design standard Proposal response

Street setback Standard A3 or 9m, whichever is greater

11.1m (as per 57 Beal Street setback)

Side setbacks 3m (can be reduced t o 1.5m to one side only)

3.5m to South boundary, 1.5m to North boundary for garden shed

Rear boundary setback 15m 5m Site coverage (max.) 30% 70% Building Height (max.) 5.5m and single storey 4.92m

Front fencing Maximum 1.2m high and minimum 50% permeability

Existing fence is 1.2

Side/rear fencing Maximum 1.8m high with a tapered side fence towards street

Rear fence is 1.8m, side fences are 1.5

Minimum lot size 1000m2 Lot size 1200m2

This proposal includes a request for permission t o build within the specified rear setback. This is based on the following reasons:

• Existing site use and position o f the structure relevant t o neighbouring properties and trees

• The setbacks for this area o f Birregurra were based on the character study o f most sites measuring 20m x 50m (Character Area C, Birregurra Neighbourhood Character Study 2012). This allows significant room for backyard space, however the dimensions o f 59 Beal Street are 30m x 40m. This sizing and dwelling position is common along the Beal Street frontage.

• The setback proposal aims t o mimic the f ront setback o f 57 Beal Street (11m) and positioning on the southern portion o f the block which reflects the context o f most surrounding properties (see site context plans). This allows the structural design of the house t o utilize north facing open space for energy efficiency and functionality, as well as retain privacy from neighbouring dwellings and from the school.

Thank you for your consideration o f this application.

Mitchell Lewis

D20/99566