Urban Design Topic Report Warkworth Structure Plan February 2018

Prepared by Sarah Coady (Principal Urban Designer)

Warkworth Structure Plan – Urban Design Topic Report 3

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. 4

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 5

2 Planning context ............................................................................................................ 6

3 Constraints, opportunities, and information gaps ........................................................ 20

Executive Summary

This is one of a number of topic papers that have been prepared for the Warkworth Structure Plan project. This report summarises Council policy relating to urban design for the greenfield area.

Urban design is the process of planning and designing development holistically, from the macro scale (like this structure planning process) through to the micro level (site specific and building design). For the purposes of this structure planning process, only macro urban design is involved, however, this macro planning must always be done with the micro level in mind – considering the impacts the decisions made at the higher level will have when developments are built on the ground, and attempting to identify issues and pre-empt problems from arising.

This report sets the scene for the policy background driving the weighting of issues in the structure planning process.

The key document influencing urban design in the structure planning process is the Auckland Plan. One of the key drivers in the Auckland Plan is for Auckland to become "the World's most liveable city" through "quality compact development". The process of achieveing quality compact development begins with structure planning, then is translated through to the Unitary Plan and on to individual developments.

The Auckland Plan stresses the need for “design-led” development in Auckland in order to achieve the goals of the Plan. This relates directly to Structure Plans, which must be design-led if they are to achieve the goals set out for the Plan. Essentially this means considering the urban form outcomes desired, how the place being planned will function and feel in the future, and then analysing the different characteristics of the existing place and how it currently functions, to determine how development should proceed to achieve the desired outcomes.

The Regional Policy Statement, contained within the Auckland Unitary Plan (operative in part) sets out objectives and policies to guide greenfield development to ensure a quality built environment is achieved.

Auckland Council’s “Auckland Design Manual” website contains best practice guidance for all types of development (http://www.aucklanddesignmanual.co.nz/)

The website contains guidance for all elements of the subdivision and development process, specifically, the guidance that relates to structure planning can be found within the subdivision hub.

http://www.aucklanddesignmanual.co.nz/project-type/neighbourhoods/hub/subdivision

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose and scope of the report

This is one of a number of topic papers that have been prepared for the Warkworth Structure Plan project. This report summarises Council policy relating to urban design for greenfield areas. It also briefly outlines the existing environment with regards to urban design and summarises the high level opportunities and constraints, within the study area in respect to urban design. It is intended only as an analysis of the relevant policy background, not as an urban design analysis of the Warkworth area, as this will take place through the structure planning process. This report is a precursor to that.

1.2 Study Area

The study area is the Future Urban zone around Warkworth. It comprises around 1,000ha of land. The study area is shown outlined in red on Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Warkworth structure plan study area (outlined in red)

2 Planning context

2.1 National Policy Statement/s

National policy statements are instruments issued under section 52(2) of the Resource Management Act 1991. They state objectives and policies for matters of national significance.

There are no national policy statements relating to urban design. Of relevance though, is the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, which was developed by the Ministry for the Environment in 2005. The Protocol outlines seven key urban design qualities, dubbed the “7 C’s” which are relevant to any new development in New Zealand.

A brief summary of the 7 C’s and their relevance for the structure planning process is as follows:

• Context o Recognise and build on landscape context and character o Understand the social, cultural and economic context as well as physical elements

and relationships • Character

o Recognise and reflect the unique qualities of each place • Choice

o Ensure people have choice in lifestyle options, housing and a diversity of activities in the neighbourhoods

• Connections o Ensure good connections to enable easy access for all, through a range of

transport modes • Creativity

o Creating functional and memorable spaces, that foster strong local cultural identities

• Custodianship o Reducing the environmental impact of development through environmentally

sustainable and responsive design solutions • Collaboration

o Using a collaborative approach to design that involves the community in decision making processes.

2.2 The Auckland Plan (2012)

The Auckland Plan 2012 sets the overall strategy for Auckland and provides the primary guidance for the structure planning process. Key to the plan is the development strategy for accommodating future growth up to 2040, with up to 40 per cent of growth in greenfield areas, satellite towns, rural and coastal towns.

2.2.1 Quality Compact Development The Auckland Plan guides how Auckland’s growth and development should occur, with the overall driver being for development that will achieve a "quality compact city". This is therefore a key driver for the structure planning process.

Section D3 of the Auckland Plan outlines what this means.

D3: MOVING TO A QUALITY, COMPACT AUCKLAND Aucklanders have said they want Auckland to build on its strengths and ensure growth and change is well planned and of a high quality. They seek a quality compact model of growth that prevents excessive expansion into our rural hinterland. Aucklanders want to make best use of the land that has already been developed or targeted for development, supplemented with well-managed expansion into appropriate greenfields areas.

Overwhelmingly, Aucklanders favour good design – ensuring that future development is done well, that it is sensitive to local character and community identity, and that it ensures the resultant urban areas are places where people and communities can live and interact successfully.

A more compact form of growth means greater intensification in both existing and new urban areas. Intensification spans a spectrum – it is not one homogeneous level of density – and parts of Auckland are already fairly compact. However, further intensification across much of urban Auckland will occur in a way that sustains our quality of life, while providing for the expected population increase. Benefits of a quality compact urban form:

o Denser cities have greater productivity and economic growth

o It makes better use of existing infrastructure

o Improved public transport is more viable

o Rural character and productivity can be maintained

o Negative environmental effects can be reduced

o It creates greater social and cultural vitality.

The Auckland Plan contains principles to ensure future growth maintains, and does not erode, Auckland’s essential qualities. These principles are:

• quality first – creating attractive neighbourhoods that people choose to live in • generational change and a transition to a quality compact form • providing for most growth - jobs and homes - inside the existing urban areas

• a rural-urban boundary and staged release of greenfields land, with timely delivery of infrastructure and decade-by-decade housing supply that keeps up with population growth.

The “Quality First” principle is of particular relevance to urban design, at all levels, from macro to micro scale. The Auckland Plan explains this as follows:

Quality is important at all scales of development. For this strategy quality is broadly defined as the quality of urban structure, building and housing design, the design of public places and amenities, and the qualities of a city/region that make it an attractive and desirable place. It also means a fair distribution of standards of living.

On a broad scale, good urban structure aids connectivity, makes efficient use of land, and ensures important values are maintained. Within this structure is a hierarchy of centres (metropolitan centres, town centres, local centres), linked to the city centre and the interlinking networks of road and rail transport routes. These provide the basis for a quality compact Auckland; a framework for the development of neighbourhoods and business areas; and the design of local environments, buildings and places.

All new development will need to adhere to universal principles of good design and promote identity, diversity, integration and efficiency, whether at the scale of a site, a street/block, a neighbourhood, or the city. Better place-making, rather than development control, will become the focus of the planning process. Good design and placemaking will create our future heritage.

At the same time, existing historic character areas will continue to be protected. Areas with other important character values will grow and change in ways that maintain and reinforce their existing values. High-quality design will deliver: • a better built environment, including our homes: detached housing, terraces and townhouses, low-,

medium- and highrise apartments that are durable and affordable • quality urban public spaces easily accessible from places where people live and work, and within

easy reach of amenities • the tangible and intangible attributes of the city and its neighbourhoods that encourage people and

businesses to choose to go there, either to visit or to stay permanently.

At a practical level, this means that locations for residential intensification will emphasise the character of the street for people over movement of vehicles. Similarly, where key locations or routes are identified for freight, logistics and industry, these will not be compromised by residential intensification. At the same time, Auckland demands good design and expects industrial and business areas will be pleasant places for workers.

Achieving quality requires a commitment from all sectors to do things differently, and better. Good design and a willingness to innovate will ensure we achieve both quality and affordability, and address the current housing shortfall.

2.2.2 Auckland Plan Outcomes: what the vision means in 2040 The aspirational outcomes from the Auckland Plan describe living in metropolitan and rural Auckland in 2040, based on the direction set out in the Plan. Structure planning plays a key part of achieving these outcomes and so they must be kept in mind throughout the process. The outcomes that are relevant to urban design are:

A fair, safe and healthy Auckland Auckland is a strong and equitable society. Social and economic disadvantage has been significantly reduced, particularly for children and young people. Strong whānau and family units sustain our resilient communities. Participation in civic activities, recreation, and sport is widespread and supported by an excellent range of public services, parks and sporting amenities. Our housing is of high quality and the incidence of health problems arising from damp, cold, overcrowded and

inadequately insulated living conditions has reduced significantly. Auckland is well prepared for the risk posed by natural hazards and the effects of climate change.

A green Auckland Our waterways and coastlines are clean and full of life. Our air is healthy and we have sustainable rates of water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste production. Many Aucklanders prefer to use public transport, and our energy supply is resilient and sustainably sourced. Biodiversity is abundant on private land, in our network of parks, and in protected areas of native bush and wetlands. We have developed new industries in leading-edge, green technology.

A well-connected and accessible Auckland Auckland’s infrastructure is well planned and up-to-date, and meets the needs of its communities and the economy effectively. Businesses move freight around the region efficiently, using an integrated roading and rail transport system. Our sea and air ports play a crucial role in New Zealand’s export economy, and our telecommunications network is one of the most advanced in the world A beautiful Auckland that is loved by its people Auckland is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has vibrant urban areas that are full of character, stunning coastal areas that abound in recreational opportunities, and highly productive rural areas that make a significant contribution to our exports, and offer great lifestyle options. Auckland communities take pride in their surroundings and work together to create places they value. They take pleasure in sharing the city with visitors.

2.2.3 Transformational shifts to achieve the vision There are 6 Transformational Shifts outlined in the Auckland Plan that are considered to be necessary in order to achieve the plans goals. Those that are relevant to urban design in structure planning Warkworth are as follows:

Strongly commit to environmental action and green growth Our stunning natural environment and our ability to access it relatively easily, is one of the reasons Auckland ranks so highly on international quality of life surveys. But the health of that environment, and its biodiversity, is deteriorating. Air pollution, soil degradation, the poor state of many of our waterways, and declining fish stocks are some of the pressing environmental problems we face. A fundamentally different approach to the way Auckland will grow and develop is required. We will protect and restore our environment, and respect its values. This Plan sets an aspirational target to make a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (relative to 1990 levels) by 2040. Joining the global shift towards green growth is essential to achieving our environmental and economic goals.

Move to outstanding public transport within one network The congestion on Auckland’s transport network will increase as the population grows. Unchecked, this will have a negative impact on our economic performance and our quality of life. Addressing this congestion requires a transformational shift towards far greater use of public transport and a stronger focus on planning, developing, and operating the entire transport network as an integrated system. Radically improve the quality of urban living Although there have been improvements in recent years, much of our built environment does not match the stunning beauty of our natural environment. Despite many beautiful parks and some high-quality urban areas, too many of our public buildings, public spaces, streetscapes, commercial and residential areas are not as attractive or as well designed as they should be. Consequently, they detract from the everyday experiences of Aucklanders. Reversing this and ensuring that our built environment, including our historic heritage buildings, becomes as renowned as our natural environment, will require sustained, radical improvement in the way we plan, design and build urban Auckland.

These transformational shifts are relevant to structure planning as it is this high level planning that will enable these shifts to be implemented. If we continue to design suburbs and greenfield development in the same way as in the 20th century it will not be possible to make these shifts. It is necessary to keep things like density and location of use necessary to support public transport in mind while developing the structure plan to enable these shifts to happen.

2.2.4 Urban Auckland Chapter 10 of the Auckland Plan, “Urban Auckland” contains further policy for high level urban design for developing greenfield areas. Directive 10.3 provides guidance on where to locate different design outcomes and the type of development that should be enabled through the structure planning process. It provides a directive to:

Focus urban intensification in areas that have: • permeable street and block networks that easily connect residents to amenities, or can be

adapted to do so • infrastructure in place or which can be provided in a timely and efficient manner • close proximity and good walking access to community facilities, open space, high-

frequency public transport, centres and business areas.

Directive 10.4 is particularly relevant as it expresses the need to create sustainable, liveable neighbourhoods. It states:

Locate and develop greenfield areas as sustainable liveable neighbourhoods in a way that: • demonstrates the most efficient use of land • protects and enhances biodiversity, air quality, water quality, and heritage values • provides community facilities, open space, infrastructure (including transport,

communications, power and water utilities) in a timely and efficient manner • provides opportunities for walking and cycling, and public transport, and a well-connected

street network • provides a broad range of housing choice to cater for the diversity of housing needs in

Auckland • provides or supports local employment opportunities • avoids risks from natural hazards • demonstrates high-quality design with high environmental performance.

Some urban expansion will occur through new greenfield development on the urban edge. Development of the greenfield areas will occur in a manner which makes efficient use of land, creates liveable and walkable neighbourhoods, and provides good accessibility for residents to employment opportunities and services. The location of greenfield development will consider and protect important environmental qualities.

Priority 2 in Chapter 10 is to “Demand Good design in all developments”.

A renewed focus on good design will ensure our built environment is successful, and better contributes to our sense of place and to Auckland’s liveability. As Auckland grows and opportunities for more intensive development are realised, this will be vital.

Development proposals, including those of public agencies, will be expected to take a ‘design-led’ approach and incorporate the principles of good design that create enjoyable places.

2.2.5 Auckland Plan Good Design Principles

The following good design principles underpin the Auckland Plan, the Unitary Plan, infrastructure plans and the Auckland Design Manual. These principles (Identity, Integration, Efficiency, Diversity) form a complete set, which collectively indicate what attributes are required to make a place successful.

Identity: Landscape and ecology, heritage, built form, people and communities together establish the context for Auckland’s unique sense of place. Good design must recognise and respond to this context, with development enriching character, quality, legibility and a sense of place. Integration: Development in Auckland should support uses, activity centres, energy systems and movement networks which are well-connected, and provide convenient and universal access to a range of services and amenities. The cumulative picture of a street, a block, a neighbourhood and the city - not just buildings, roads or open spaces as individual elements - must be recognised and responded to. Good design must ensure that development supports existing and/or creates integrated urban form (including streets and spaces), to facilitate well-being, movement and access. Efficiency: The benefits and efficiencies of urban systems need to be maximised, delivering quality places where transactions and exchange are encouraged and resources optimised. Good design must ensure that development focuses on benefits and positive effects, and optimises the full potential of a site’s intrinsic qualities. This includes site shape, relationship to the street, landform, outlook and proximity to services, amenities and infrastructure. Diversity: Auckland should accommodate a rich mix of uses, activities, urban form and architecture, which supports variety, vibrancy, chance exchange, safety and choice. Good design must encourage and embed flexibility and adaptability, to ensure continued support for our changing communities, cultures, built form and nvironments.

2.2.6 Draft Auckland Plan (2018)

A refresh of the Auckland Plan is being publicly notified in March 2018. The draft plan largely continues the direction of the Auckland Plan 2012 in relation to urban design.

Like the first version of the Auckland Plan, it contains a number of outcomes it is seeking from development. The outcomes that are particularly relevant to urban design for the Warkworth structure plan are:

Outcome: Homes and Places

Direction 1: Develop a quality compact urban form to accommodate Auckland’s growth

Auckland will follow a quality compact urban form approach to growth in order to realise the environmental, social and economic benefits and opportunities this approach brings. The development strategy sets out what this means.

Direction 2: Accelerate the construction of homes that meet Aucklanders’ changing needs and preferences.

A broader mix of housing types is needed, of different sizes and at different price points.

Outcome: Transport and Access

Direction 1: Create an integrated transport system connecting people, places, goods and services

Direction 2: Increase genuine travel choices for a healthy, vibrant and equitable Auckland.

2.3 The Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part) (2016)

The Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part) (AUPOIP) seeks to implement the objectives of the Auckland Plan. Most of the provisions of the AUPOIP that are relevant for Warkworth are contained in the Regional Policy Statement section of the plan.

A summary of the relevant provisions is provided below.

Regional Policy Statement

B2.2. Urban growth and form B2.2.1. Objectives

(1) A quality compact urban form that enables all of the following: (a) a higher-quality urban environment; (b) greater productivity and economic growth; (c) better use of existing infrastructure and efficient provision of new infrastructure; (d) improved and more effective public transport; (e) greater social and cultural vitality; (f) better maintenance of rural character and rural productivity; and (g) reduced adverse environmental effects.

B2.2.2 Policies Quality compact urban form

(4) Promote urban growth and intensification within the urban area 2016 (as identified in Appendix 1A), enable urban growth and intensification within the Rural Urban Boundary, towns, and rural and coastal towns and villages, and avoid urbanisation outside these areas.

(5) Enable higher residential intensification: (a) in and around centres; (b) along identified corridors; and (c) close to public transport, social facilities (including open space) and employment opportunities.

(6) Identify a hierarchy of centres that supports a quality compact urban form:

(a) at a regional level through the city centre, metropolitan centres and town centres which function as commercial, cultural and social focal points for the region or sub-regions; and (b) at a local level through local and neighbourhood centres that provide for a range of activities to support and serve as focal points for their local communities.

(7) Enable rezoning of land within the Rural Urban Boundary or other land zoned future urban to accommodate urban growth in ways that do all of the following:

(a) support a quality compact urban form; (b) provide for a range of housing types and employment choices for the area; (c) integrate with the provision of infrastructure; and (d) follow the structure plan guidelines as set out in Appendix 1.

B2.3. A quality built environment B2.3.1. Objectives

(1) A quality built environment where subdivision, use and development do all of the following:

(a) respond to the intrinsic qualities and physical characteristics of the site and area, including its setting; (b) reinforce the hierarchy of centres and corridors; (c) contribute to a diverse mix of choice and opportunity for people and communities; (d) maximise resource and infrastructure efficiency; (e) are capable of adapting to changing needs; and (f) respond and adapt to the effects of climate change.

(2) Innovative design to address environmental effects is encouraged.

(3) The health and safety of people and communities are promoted.

B2.3.2. Policies (1) Manage the form and design of subdivision, use and development so that it does all of the following:

(a) supports the planned future environment, including its shape, landform, outlook, location and relationship to its surroundings, including landscape and heritage; (b) contributes to the safety of the site, street and neighbourhood; (c) develops street networks and block patterns that provide good access and enable a range of travel options; (d) achieves a high level of amenity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists; (e) meets the functional, and operational needs of the intended use; and (f) allows for change and enables innovative design and adaptive re-use.

(2) Encourage subdivision, use and development to be designed to promote the health, safety and well-being of people and communities by all of the following:

(a) providing access for people of all ages and abilities; (b) enabling walking, cycling and public transport and minimising vehicle movements; and (c) minimising the adverse effects of discharges of contaminants from land use activities (including transport effects) and subdivision.

(3) Enable a range of built forms to support choice and meet the needs of Auckland’s diverse population.

(4) Balance the main functions of streets as places for people and as routes for the movement of vehicles.

(5) Mitigate the adverse environmental effects of subdivision, use and development through appropriate design including energy and water efficiency and waste minimisation.

B2.4. Residential growth B2.4.1. Objectives

(1) Residential intensification supports a quality compact urban form.

(2) Residential areas are attractive, healthy and safe with quality development that is in keeping with the planned built character of the area.

(3) Land within and adjacent to centres and corridors or in close proximity to public transport and social facilities (including open space) or employment opportunities is the primary focus for residential intensification.

(4) An increase in housing capacity and the range of housing choice which meets the varied needs and lifestyles of Auckland’s diverse and growing population.

(5) Non-residential activities are provided in residential areas to support the needs of people and communities

B2.4.2. Policies Residential intensification

(1) Provide a range of residential zones that enable different housing types and intensity that are appropriate to the residential character of the area.

(2) Enable higher residential intensities in areas closest to centres, the public transport network, large social facilities, education facilities, tertiary education facilities, healthcare facilities and existing or proposed open space.

(3) Provide for medium residential intensities in area that are within moderate walking distance to centres, public transport, social facilities and open space.

(4) Provide for lower residential intensity in areas:

(a) that are not close to centres and public transport; (b) that are subject to high environmental constraints;

(c) where there are natural and physical resources that have been scheduled in the Unitary Plan in relation to natural heritage, Mana Whenua, natural resources, coastal environment, historic heritage and special character; and (d) where there is a suburban area with an existing neighbourhood character.

(5) Avoid intensification in areas:

(a) where there are natural and physical resources that have been scheduled in the Unitary Plan in relation to natural heritage, Mana Whenua, natural resources, coastal environment, historic heritage or special character; or (b) that are subject to significant natural hazard risks; where such intensification is inconsistent with the protection of the scheduled natural or physical resources or with the avoidance or mitigation of the natural hazard risks.

(6) Ensure development is adequately serviced by existing infrastructure or is provided with infrastructure prior to or at the same time as residential intensification.

(7) Manage adverse reverse sensitivity effects from urban intensification on land with existing incompatible activities.

Residential neighbourhood and character

(8) Recognise and provide for existing and planned neighbourhood character through the use of place-based planning tools.

(9) Manage built form, design and development to achieve an attractive, healthy and safe environment that is in keeping with the descriptions set out in placed-based plan provisions.

(10) Require non-residential activities to be of a scale and form that are in keeping with the existing and planned built character of the area.

Affordable housing

(11) Enable a sufficient supply and diverse range of dwelling types and sizes that meet the housing needs of people and communities, including:

(a) households on low to moderate incomes; and (b) people with special housing requirements.

B2.5. Commercial and industrial growth B2.5.1. Objectives

(1) Employment and commercial and industrial opportunities meet current and future demands.

(2) Commercial growth and activities are primarily focussed within a hierarchy of centres and identified growth corridors that supports a compact urban form.

(3) Industrial growth and activities are enabled in a manner that does all of the following:

(a) promotes economic development; (b) promotes the efficient use of buildings, land and infrastructure in industrial zones; (c) manages conflicts between incompatible activities;

(d) recognises the particular locational requirements of some industries; and (e) enables the development and use of ManaWhenua’s resources for their economic well-being.

B2.5.2. Policies

(1) Encourage commercial growth and development in the city centre, metropolitan and town centres, and enable retail activities on identified growth corridors, to provide the primary focus for Auckland’s commercial growth.

(2) Support the function, role and amenity of centres by encouraging commercial and residential activities within centres, ensuring development that locates within centres contributes to the following:

(a) an attractive and efficient urban environment with a distinctive sense of place and quality public places; (b) a diverse range of activities, with the greatest mix and concentration of activities in the city centre; (c) a distribution of centres that provide for the needs of people and communities; (d) employment and commercial opportunities; (e) a character and form that supports the role of centres as focal points for communities and compact mixed-use environments; (f) the efficient use of land, buildings and infrastructure; (g) high-quality street environments including pedestrian and cycle networks and facilities; and (h) development does not compromise the ability for mixed use developments, or commercial activities to locate and expand within centres.

(4) Enable new metropolitan, town and local centres following a structure planning process and plan change process in accordance with Appendix 1 Structure plan guidelines, having regard to all of the following:

(a) the proximity of the new centre to existing or planned medium to high intensity residential development; (b) the existing network of centres and whether there will be sufficient population growth to achieve a sustainable distribution of centres; (c) whether the new centre will avoid or minimise adverse effects on the function, role and amenity of the city centre, metropolitan and town centres, beyond those effects ordinarily associated with trade effects on trade competitors; (d) the form and role of the proposed centre; (e) any significant adverse effects on existing and planned infrastructure; (f) a safe and efficient transport system which is integrated with the centre; and (g) any significant adverse effects on the environment or on natural and physical resources that have been scheduled in the Unitary Plan in relation to natural heritage, Mana Whenua, natural resources, coastal environment, historic heritage or special character.

(7) Enable the supply of land for industrial activities, in particular for land-extensive industrial activities and for heavy industry in areas where the character, scale and intensity of the effects from those activities can be appropriately managed.

(8) Enable the supply of industrial land which is relatively flat, has efficient access to freight routes, rail or freight hubs, ports and airports, and can be efficiently served by infrastructure. A compact urban form is one with clear boundaries where the residential and commercial areas are relatively close together. In Auckland, most urban growth is expected to be inside the Rural Urban Boundary:

• to promote efficient and timely provision of infrastructure; • to protect natural and physical resources that have been scheduled for particular identified values; and • to avoid urbanisation without appropriate structure planning.

A compact urban form can deliver a range of benefits by: • enabling a range of housing choices in size, typology and price within neighbourhoods; • protecting sites and areas with identified high environmental values; • providing access to open space and social facilities; • fostering productivity, creativity and social vitality by enabling social and business networks based on spatial proximity; • promoting an integrated approach to land use and transport; and • providing investment certainty about use and development strategies.

A quality built environment is one which enhances opportunities for people’s well-being by ensuring that new buildings respond to the existing built and natural environment in ways that promote the plan’s objectives and maintain and enhance the amenity values of an area. In most areas this is regulated by permitted standards and by assessment where those standards are exceeded. In centres and where higher intensity development is enabled, the design and appearance of buildings is generally assessed on a restricted discretionary basis.

Appendix 1

The Regional Policy Statement within the AUPOIP refers to Appendix One of the Plan, which contains guidance specific to Stucture Planning greenfield areas. Of particular relevance to urban design is section 1.4.5 which states:

1.4.5. Urban development

(1) A desirable urban form at the neighbourhood scale including all of the following: (a) a layout providing pedestrian connectivity with a network of streets and block sizes which allow for a choice of routes, particularly near centres and public transport facilities; (b) provision of a diversity of site sizes within blocks to enhance housing choice, accommodate local small-scale community facilities and where appropriate enable a range of business activity and mixed use; (c) provision of open spaces which are highly visible from streets and of a scale and quality to meet identified community needs;

(d) appropriate transitions within and at the edge of the structure plan area between different land use activities, intensities and densities; and (e) the application of an integrated stormwater management approach within developments to reduce impacts on the environment while enhancing urban amenity.

2.4 AUCKLAND DESIGN MANUAL

The “Auckland Design Manual” website contains best practice guidance for development in Auckland. It contains a subdivision development guide which within it outlines design guidance helpful for structure planning. Specifically, the guidance relates to:

• Natural Environments • Movement networks • Uses and activities • Urban space structure • Built Form • Community Each of these broad headings contains specific guidance, some of which is applicable at the lower level block and site design stage only, but the guidance details many high level concepts which are relevant at the structure planning stage. It is important to design a structure plan for greenfield development with lower level block and site design in mind (sometimes referred to as masterplanning) as the higher level design (structure plan) needs to be compatible with the type of development envisaged at the end of the process. If it is not, the objectives of the structure plan will not be able to be achieved. Using a design-led approach to structure planning ensures this compatibility is built in to the process. A summary of the key relevant points is provided below. The full text can be found at http://www.aucklanddesignmanual.co.nz/project-type/neighbourhoods/hub/subdivision

2.4.1 Natural Environments Landform features and topography • Subdivision and development responds to the features of the landform, minimising the

need for large scale earthworks

Ecology and Habitat • Subdivisions protect and enhance the ecology and natural environment of the area.

Vegetation and Landscaping • Subdivisions provide space for vegetation that enhances habitats and ecology

Stormwater and Hazards • Density should be directed away from areas identified as susceptible to flooding and

other hazards

2.4.2 Movement Networks

Connections and connectivity

• Subdivisions provide movement choice and connectivity, based on the most convenient and logical connections between destinations

Walkable neighbourhoods • Walkable neighbourhoods prioritise pedestrian convenience and provide easy access

to a range of everyday facilities within them.

Legible hierarchies • A clear road hierarchy helps to create accessible and safe routes that let people

understand when they are on main routes and can easily find their way around.

Vehicle emissions and road layout • Movement networks are designed to minimise the costs and environmental impacts of

unnecessary travel

2.4.3 Uses and Activities

Mixed Communities

• A structure plan needs to allow for a useable mix of section types, uses and activities, to facilitate diversity and adaptability of use.

Placement and Integration of amenities • A structure plan needs to consider the best location for amenities such as parks, shops

and schools, in order to ensure they have maximum accessibility.

Open space provision • The amount, type and location of open space needs to be carefully considered at

structure planning stage so that it can be successfully provided.

3 Constraints, opportunities, and information gaps

This section summarises at a very high level urban design constraints and opportunities, of the structure plan area and information gaps. A more detailed analysis will take place as the project develops.

3.1 Constraints • Existing levels of traffic and SH1 creating severance and traffic congestion

• Very limited mix of uses, which means most trips are car based

• Prevalent subdivision and dwelling typology means little housing variety available to suit different community needs

• Limited employment options locally mean a high proportion of commuters

• Limited public transport options

3.2 Opportunities • Providing better connectivity throughout Warkworth (existing SH1 could be

‘detuned’ once the new motorway bypasses the town)

• Creating walkable neighbourhoods that reduce the need to use the car for short trips to meet day-to-day needs

• Providing for a range of housing choices to meet the needs of different sectors of the community

• A higher population base can support a wider range of facilities and uses such as retail

• The provision of more employment land and the location of new businesses in the area will create employment opportunities locally, which may reduce the number of people commuting outside of Warkworth.

3.3 Information gaps

The information provided in this document is a desktop analysis intended to provide background policy information only. A full urban design analysis will take place as the project develops.

Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit shapeauckland.co.nz