What might change and why?
The proposal seeks to apply a local character map and local provision to the Showground Station Precinct to provide clear guidance on the desired future character of the area. These areas are currently articulated in the existing Development Control Plan for the Showground Station Precinct.
By applying a local character map and local provision in the Local Environmental Plan, these controls are given greater importance and must be considered in the determination of development applications. They will provide a clearer picture of what the buildings and public areas within the precinct will look like.
The proposed local provision is consistent with the planning undertaken for the Showground Station Precinct and contains specific objectives for each of the five local character areas listed below.
What are the character areas?
Five distinct local character areas have been identified within the precinct (see Figure 1). They are:
Figure 1: Proposed Showground Local Character Map
FACTSHEET 4
www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/LEP2020 | 9843 0597
PROPOSED LOCAL CHARACTER MAP - SHOWGROUND STATION PRECINCT
PLANNING PROPOSAL
DRAFT THE HILLS LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2020
• Mixed-Use (HS_01)
• Residential (HS_02)
• Residential Terraces (HS_03)
• Light Industrial (HS_04)
• Business areas (HS_05)
More details are provided about these character areas in the draft Local Character clause overleaf.
Draft Clause
7.16 Local Character
(1) The Objectives of this clause are to:
(a) identify and protect areas of significant local character; and (b) guide development in areas of changing local character (2) This clause applies to land identified on the Local Character Map
(3) Development consent must not be granted for development on land identified in this clause unless the consent authority is satisfied that the development on the land identified is consistent with the objectives specified for that development.
(4) The objectives for development on land identified as “Showground Precinct HS_01 – Mixed Use” on the Local Character Map are as follows:
(a) To support delivery of a vibrant, walkable local centre through maximising the diversity of retail and other business-related services,
(b) To provide attractive public open spaces which encourage active transport and connect residents and businesses to the station,
(c) to accommodate permanent residents in shop top housing that promotes housing choice, incor porate high levels of residential amenity and encourages passive surveillance of streets and other public places,
(d) to provide landscaped edges around public open spaces.
(5) The objectives for development on land identified as “Showground Precinct HS_02 - Residential” on the Local Character Map are as follows:
(a) To encourage walkable residential neighbourhoods with a diversity of housing types
(b) To locate higher dwelling densities close to the station and mixed use precinct transitioning to less dense urban forms as the distance from the station increases.
(c) To encourage greater setbacks and incorporation of landscape elements relative to distance from the station.
(d) To provide landscaped streets and high quality public open spaces incorporating shade trees.
(6) The objectives for development on land identified as “Showground Precinct HS_03 – Residential Terraces”
on the Local Character Map are as follows:
(a) To encourage medium density housing forms that provide for a diversity of housing types and define the boundaries of the station precinct.
(b) To encourage greater setbacks and incorporation of landscape elements relative to distance from the station.
(c) To provide landscaped streets and high quality open spaces and public domain incorporating shade trees and garden areas within street setbacks.
(7) The objectives for development on land identified as “Showground Precinct HS_04 – Light Industry” on the Local Character Map are as follows:
(a) To encourage high quality, attractive built form incorporating large landscaped setbacks;
(b) To provide greater walkability throughout the light industrial area, with connections to the station and resi dential areas.
(8) The objectives for development on land identified as “Showground Precinct HS_05 - Business” on the Local Character Map are as follows:
(a) To encourage high quality, attractive built form incorporating a diversity of floor areas to support large format retail and commercial services
(b) To provide an attractive public domain incorporating landscaped setbacks to complement the existing streetscape.
(c) To provide greater walkability throughout the commercial area, with connections to the station and residential areas.