i EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT envisageconsulting.com.au
i EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
i EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
DATE: 18 May 2020
PREPARED FOR: Pitt & Sherry on behalf of TRANSPORT FOR NSW
PREPARED BY: Stacey Brodbeck, MEnvPlan, BLArch
AILA Registered Landscape Architect and PIA Registered Planner
& Alison Dodds, PGCert Public Policy, BPlan, BLArch
PIA Registered Planner
ENVISAGE DOCUMENT NO.: 15219
ENVISAGE CONSULTING PTY LTD
ABN 89 139 313 296
envisageconsulting.com.au
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Revision Date of Issue Revision Details Prepared/ Authorised by Reviewed by
1 13.03.2020 Draft Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds
2 23.03.2020 Draft Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds
3 21.04.2020 Final Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds
4 18 May 2020 Final Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds
ii EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
Contents
1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Purpose of this report ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Proposal overview ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Report format ............................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Assessment methodology .................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Assessment .................................................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Field survey ................................................................................................................................................. 4 2.3 Photography ............................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Site context ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 3.1 Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.2 Site description ........................................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 Existing vegetation ..................................................................................................................................... 6 3.4 Edmondson Park Town Centre ................................................................................................................. 7
4 Project description .............................................................................................................................................. 10 4.1 Design elements ....................................................................................................................................... 10 4.2 Materials and finishes ............................................................................................................................... 13 4.3 Rooftop solar panels (optional) .............................................................................................................. 13 4.4 Construction ............................................................................................................................................. 14
5 Impact assessment .............................................................................................................................................. 16 5.1 Landscape character impacts .............................................................................................................. 16
5.1.1 Assessment of impact to landscape character ................................................................... 17 5.2 Impact to viewpoints ............................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1 Visibility of the Proposal ........................................................................................................... 18 5.2.2 Assessed viewpoints ................................................................................................................. 18
5.3 Consistency with DCP .............................................................................................................................. 26
6 Mitigation measures ............................................................................................................................................ 27 6.1 Positive visual attributes of the Proposal ................................................................................................ 27 6.2 Additional measures ................................................................................................................................ 27
7 Key findings and conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 28
8 References ........................................................................................................................................................... 30
TABLES
TABLE 2-1: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT RATING MATRIX ............................................................ 3 TABLE 5-1: VP1 - SOUTHERN SIDE OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION (HENDERSON ROAD) ..................................... 20 TABLE 5-2: VP2 - SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE ..................................................................................................... 22 TABLE 5-3: VP3 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE SOUTH .............................................................. 23 TABLE 5-4: VP4 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE EAST ................................................................. 24 TABLE 5-5: VP5 - VIEW FROM NORTHERN SECTION OF SOLDIERS PARADE .............................................................. 25 TABLE 5-6: ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSAL AGAINST EDMONDSON PARK SOUTH DCP 2012 ...................................... 26 TABLE 7-1: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO VIEWPOINTS ............................................................................................... 29
FIGURES
FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION ........................................................................................... 1 FIGURE 3-1: CONTEXT OF PROPOSAL LOCATION ........................................................................................................ 5 FIGURE 3-2: CONTEXT IN VICINITY OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION .......................................................................... 6 FIGURE 3-3: VIEW OF SITE (AN AT-GRADE CAR PARK) LOOKING EAST TOWARDS DEVELOPING TOWN CENTRE ... 7 FIGURE 3-4: EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE CONCEPT PLAN ............................................................................. 8 FIGURE 3-5: MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHTS NEAR EDMONDSON PARK STATION ....................................................... 9 FIGURE 4-1: GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF PROPOSAL .............................................................................................. 11 FIGURE 4-2: PRELIMINARY ELEVATIONS OF PROPOSAL ............................................................................................. 11
iii EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 4-3: ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF PROPOSED CAR PARK, FROM NEAR STATION (INDICATIVE ONLY AND
SUBJECT TO DETAILED DESIGN) ................................................................................................................................... 12 FIGURE 4-4: THREE-DIMENSIONAL OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED COMMUTER CAR PARK LOOKING FROM SOUTH
WEST .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12 FIGURE 4-5: IMAGE OF TYPICAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS WHICH MAY BE INSTALLED ......................................... 13 FIGURE 4-6: SITE ESTABLISHMENT PLAN OUTLINING TEMPORARY SITE FACILITIES ...................................................... 15 FIGURE 5-1: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS BUILDINGS OF A SIMILAR HEIGHT TO THOSE PLANNED FOR
EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE ........................................................................................................................... 16 FIGURE 5-2: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS SHOPS TOPPED WITH APARTMENTS ................................................... 17 FIGURE 5-3: APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY OF PROPOSAL AND ASSESSED VIEWPOINTS ................................................. 19 FIGURE 5-4: VIEW FROM SOUTHERN SIDE OF STATION PLAZA TOWARD SITE ............................................................ 20 FIGURE 5-5: PHOTOMONTAGE (SIMULATED IMAGE) OF LIKELY VIEW OF PROPOSAL FROM VIEWPOINT (VP)1
(FAÇADE DESIGN YET TO BE FINALISED) ..................................................................................................................... 21 FIGURE 5-6: VIEW FROM SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE TOWARDS PROPOSAL SITE........................................... 22 FIGURE 5-7: VIEW FROM NORTHERN END OF SOLDIERS PARADE ............................................................................. 25
1 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of this report
This report assesses the landscape character and visual impacts associated with
Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW’s) proposed multi-storey (south) commuter car park
on Henderson Road to the south of Edmondson Park Station (the Proposal) and
supports the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Proposal.
1.2 Proposal overview
The Proposal involves the construction of a multi-storey car park with integration
into the existing road and pedestrian network as part of the Commuter Car Park
Program. The Proposal would provide a multi-storey car park with approximately
1,200 commuter car parking spaces over the existing at-grade car park directly
south of Edmondson Park Station. As the existing site has 216 car parking spaces,
the Proposal would provide approximately 1,000 additional commuter car
parking spaces at this location compared to existing.
Offset parking during construction would be provided north of the station and
would be considered under a separate planning approval.
A location map is provided in FIGURE 1-1. A detailed project description is
provided in SECTION 4.
FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION
2 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
1.3 Report format
The report is set out in the following format:
SECTION 2 Defines the methodology for the assessment
SECTION 3 Describes the location and context of the site
SECTION 4 Describes the Proposal and its main visual changes
SECTION 5 Assesses the likely effects to landscape character,
surrounding viewpoints and compares the Proposal with
the DCP
SECTION 6 Describes measures that have been, and could be,
incorporated to improve the visual outcome
SECTION 7 Presents a summary of key findings and a conclusion.
3 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
2 Assessment methodology
This section outlines the methodology for the assessment, which is based on the
NSW Roads and Maritime Services’ Guideline for Landscape Character and
Visual Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment Practice Note EIA-
N04, December 2018 (referred to hereafter as the ’Guideline’).
2.1 Assessment
Two assessments are presented in the Guideline to consider the Proposal and
improve design outcomes where possible:
▪ landscape character assessment - the assessment of impact on the
aggregate of an area’s built, natural and cultural character or sense of
place – which helps determine the overall impact of a project on an
area’s character and sense of place.
▪ visual impact assessment - the assessment of impact on views - which
helps define the day to day visual effects of a project on people’s views.
The method to measure impact is based on the combination of sensitivity of the
existing area or view to change, and magnitude of the Proposal on that area or
view. These terms are defined in the Guideline as:
▪ Sensitivity: refers to the qualities of an area, the number and type of
receivers and how sensitive the existing character of the setting is to the
proposed nature of change.
▪ Magnitude: refers to the physical scale of a project, how distant it is and
the contrast it presents to the existing condition.
The combination of sensitivity and magnitude provide the rating of the
landscape character impact for a project, or visual impact for individual
viewpoints (refer TABLE 2-1).
TABLE 2-1: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT RATING MATRIX
Se
nsi
tiv
ity
Magnitude
High Moderate Low Negligible
High High Moderate-high Moderate Negligible
Moderate Moderate-high Moderate Moderate-low Negligible
Low Moderate Moderate-low Low Negligible
Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
4 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
Landscape character assessment
The Guideline1 sets out the tasks for landscape character impact assessment:
1. analyse existing landscape character and its sensitivity
2. identify landscape character zones (if required because of the size or
complexity of the project)
3. determine the magnitude of impact
4. assess landscape character impact (based on both the sensitivity of the
character zone and magnitude of the Proposal in that zone).
Visual impact assessment
The Guideline2 sets out the tasks for visual impact assessment:
1. identify the extent of visibility of the Proposal
2. identify existing viewpoints and their sensitivity to change
3. determine the magnitude of change from each viewpoint
4. assess visual impact (based on a composite of the sensitivity of the view
and magnitude of the Proposal in that view).
2.2 Field survey
The Site was inspected 17 December 2019. The inspection included a walk-over
of the Edmondson Park Station precinct and surrounding streets. The day of the
inspection was dry and sunny. An approximate viewshed was determined and
potentially sensitive viewpoints identified. Private property was not accessed.
Viewpoints were assessed from the nearest publicly accessible location.
2.3 Photography
Photographs included in this report have been taken using a 50mm lens on a full
frame camera with GPS positioning. A 50mm lens was used as this is closest to the
view perceived by a human eye. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs within
this report were taken by Envisage Consulting on the 17 December 2019. As the
surrounding area is under substantial re-development and active construction
some change is likely to have since occurred.
1 Section 5 of the Guideline 2 Section 6 of the Guideline
5 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
3 Site context
This section describes the location and general context of the Proposal.
3.1 Location
Edmondson Park Station is in the suburb of Edmondson Park, within the local
government area (LGA) of Liverpool. The surrounding area is currently
undergoing significant change as it transitions from previous farmland and
scattered settlements to far denser urban development over the next 20 years
as part of the South West Priority Growth Area (part of the NSW Government plan
for prioritised land release to meet the housing needs of the Greater Sydney
region).
Edmondson Park Station is situated along the recently constructed South West
Rail Link which extends from Glenfield Station in the east and terminates at
Leppington Station in the west.
A map showing the general context of Edmondson Park Station is provided as
FIGURE 3-1.
FIGURE 3-1: CONTEXT OF PROPOSAL LOCATION
6 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
3.2 Site description
The site and its context within the immediate vicinity of Edmondson Park Station
is shown in FIGURE 3-2, which also identifies the approximate extent of the
developing town centre and surrounding regional park.
FIGURE 3-2: CONTEXT IN VICINITY OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION
Edmondson Park Station is currently accessed via Soldiers Parade, which
connects the two local main roads (Campbelltown Road in the south and
Camden Valley Way in the north). Henderson Road branches off Soldiers Parade
and loops around the station. The station building is a contemporary new
structure that opens to a broad plaza on the eastern side and includes at-grade
pedestrian and cyclist access to each side of the station. There is a bus stop
along Henderson Road on the southern side of the plaza.
A view of the Site is shown in FIGURE 3-3.
3.3 Existing vegetation
The vegetation within the subject site consists entirely of young native trees and
shrubs of planted origin. There is a mix of endemic trees, such as Spotted Gum
(Corymbia maculata) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
and non-endemic native trees and shrubs, including Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis
anacardioides) and Common Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra). Some of the
existing trees can be seen in FIGURE 3-3.
7 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 3-3: VIEW OF SITE (AN AT-GRADE CAR PARK) LOOKING EAST TOWARDS DEVELOPING TOWN CENTRE
3.4 Edmondson Park Town Centre
State Environmental Planning Policy (State Significant Precincts) 2005 and the
Edmondson Park South Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 apply to the
Edmondson Park town centre area. Plans are for a mixed use residential,
commercial and retail development within the new Edmondson Park Town
Centre. Plans also include a Regional Parkland of approximately 150 hectares.
The town centre will contain some higher density residential uses, such as shop
top housing and residential flat buildings. The precinct is expected to offer
employment opportunities in retail, services industries, education, home-based
businesses, conservation and recreation, transport-related services, and
construction. The centre extends north from Campbelltown Road and across the
South West Rail Link, incorporating Edmondson Park Station. The centre has a
main street and will be pedestrian friendly by prioritising pedestrian and cycle
movement to and from the centre as well as within it.
Land use zones, building heights and DCP
The Edmondson Park Town Centre Concept Plan and maximum building heights
are illustrated respectively in Figure 3-43 and Figure 3-54. The central, mixed use
town centre zone a maximum height of 24m applies and design principles are
detailed in DCP 2012. The most relevant of those, and the implications in terms
of the Proposal, are described in SECTION 5.
3 Edmondson Park South Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 4 State Environmental Planning Policy (State Significant Precincts) 2005
8 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 3-4: EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE CONCEPT PLAN
9 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 3-5: MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHTS NEAR EDMONDSON PARK STATION
10 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
4 Project description
This section outlines the major components and work items of the Proposal.
4.1 Design elements
The Proposal involves the construction of a multi-storey car park with integration
into the existing road and pedestrian network as part of the Commuter Car Park
Program. The Proposal would provide a multi-storey car park with approximately
1,200 commuter car parking spaces over the existing at-grade car park directly
south of Edmondson Park Station. As the existing site has 216 car parking spaces,
the Proposal would provide approximately 1,000 additional commuter car
parking spaces at this location compared to existing.
The Proposal would include the following key elements:
▪ removal of the existing at-grade car park including demolition of the
staff facilities and accessible toilet block
▪ provision of a ground level plus five levels (including rooftop) commuter
car park including:
o approximately 1,200 commuter car parking spaces
o approximately 40 accessible parking spaces
o two lifts and six sets of stairs
o internal circulation ramps connecting the levels
o provision for electric vehicle charging stations
o Transport Park&Ride infrastructure
▪ vehicular access and egress from Henderson road directly north of the
site
▪ separation of vehicle access points and pedestrian access paths
▪ installation of renewable energy options such as rooftop solar panels
and battery storage
▪ ancillary works including services diversion and/or relocation, drainage
works, landscaping, installation of lighting, installation of handrails and
balustrades, with new infrastructure (including CCTV cameras).
Offset parking during construction would be provided station and would be
assessed under a separate planning approval.
The general arrangement of the Proposal is shown in FIGURE 4-1 and preliminary
elevations as FIGURE 4-2. Artist’s impressions5 are provided as FIGURE 4-3 and
FIGURE 4-4.
5 As provided by TfNSW
11 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 4-1: GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF PROPOSAL
FIGURE 4-2: PRELIMINARY ELEVATIONS OF PROPOSAL
12 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 4-3: ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF PROPOSED CAR PARK, FROM NEAR STATION (INDICATIVE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DETAILED DESIGN)
FIGURE 4-4: THREE-DIMENSIONAL OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED COMMUTER CAR PARK LOOKING FROM SOUTH WEST
13 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
4.2 Materials and finishes
The proposed multi-storey car park involves a ground floor concrete slab and
the addition of five suspended levels (i.e. five storeys with rooftop car parking)
above. Selection of materials and finishes would be confirmed as part of the
detailed design process, and would include consideration of the following:
▪ durability, low maintenance and cost effectiveness (including the use of
anti-graffiti paint or coatings)
▪ colour options are most likely to use neutral tones to blend the car park
with the natural elements of the neighbourhood, and to create a less
obtrusive façade
▪ identify appropriate screening treatments which could be applied to
maintain optimum ventilation to comply with the requirements of an
open-deck car park
▪ availability and constructability criteria to ensure resources are readily
available, and for the structure to be constructed with ease and
proficiency.
Consideration would also been given to life cycle impacts which are calculated
by assessing the environmental impacts of materials from the point of extraction,
through to transportation, use, operation and end of life.
4.3 Rooftop solar panels (subject to detailed design)
Rooftop solar panels are proposed to be installed on the car park (subject to
detailed design). The panels would generate solar energy, be non-reflective,
plus provide some partial weather protection for vehicles. An example of typical
panels is provided as FIGURE 4-5.
FIGURE 4-5: IMAGE OF TYPICAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS WHICH MAY BE INSTALLED6
6 Image provided by TfNSW
14 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
4.4 Construction
Subject to approval, construction is expected to commence in mid- 2020 and
take around 13 months to complete. The construction methodology would be
further developed during the detailed design of the Proposal by the nominated
construction contractor in consultation with TfNSW.
Work hours
Standard (NSW EPA) construction hours are anticipated (7.00 am to 6.00 pm
Monday to Friday, and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm Saturdays). Night and weekend work
may be periodically required. Approval from TfNSW would be required for any
out of hours work and the affected community would be notified.
Site establishment
Excavations and earthworks would generally be required for the following:
▪ Removal and cut of the existing at-grade car park
▪ Piling and excavation for car park foundations and support structures
▪ Tie-in works in relation to existing roads and pathways
▪ Other minor civil works, including drainage/stormwater works, and
trenching activities for underground service adjustments and
relocations.
Excavated material would be reused onsite where possible or disposed of in
accordance with relevant legislative requirements.
Vegetation removal
It is likely that all existing vegetation on the Site would require removal, this visual
impact assessment is made on that basis. This would include approximately 14
medium-sized trees and 71 small trees, both within the existing at-grade car park
and along the bordering trees.
These trees include a mix of locally native trees, such as Spotted Gum (Corymbia
maculata) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and other
native trees and shrubs, including Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) and
Common Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra).
Temporary site facilities
A temporary construction compound would be required to accommodate a
site office, amenities, laydown and storage area for materials. The site offices,
storage area and compound would be located near the western border of the
site and worker facilities would be located along the northern boundary as
shown in FIGURE 4-6.
Plant and equipment
Construction would require use of large equipment, including:
▪ Trucks ▪ Lighting towers ▪ Bobcat
▪ Crane (20 tonne) ▪ Excavator ▪ Mulcher
▪ 100 tonne mobile
crane
▪ Elevated working
platform
▪ Small mobile crane
15 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
Completion
Upon completion of the proposed construction works, all disturbed areas would
be rehabilitated. Demobilisation works include removal of the construction
compound/s, temporary fencing and storage areas; and covering or
vegetating exposed surfaces.
FIGURE 4-6: SITE ESTABLISHMENT PLAN OUTLINING TEMPORARY SITE FACILITIES
16 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
5 Impact assessment
5.1 Landscape character impacts
The impact to landscape character has largely been assessed in terms of the
impact to planned landscape character due to the rapid nature of the planned
change and its current substantial progression.
The town centre precinct, which is focussed around Edmondson Park Station is in
the process of transforming from previous semi-rural land to a new town centre
surrounded by high density residential development encircled by lower density
residential areas and the regional park.
The area closest to the station is rapidly changing and will result in a central area
around the station of high-rise buildings up to 24m high. At ground-level there will
be a mixture of shops, offices and institutional premises, with the upper floors
planned for mostly apartments.
FIGURE 5-1: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS BUILDINGS OF A SIMILAR HEIGHT TO THOSE PLANNED FOR
EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE
It is presumed that the final landscape character will be a very urban one, with
a cluster of tall buildings, ground level shops, street trees, integrated public
spaces and an emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist facilities. Rouse Hill town
centre is of a similar height and scale to the planned centre of Edmondson Park
and offers an insight into the general type of character that could be expected
(refer FIGURE 5-1 and FIGURE 5-2).
17 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 5-2: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS SHOPS TOPPED WITH APARTMENTS
5.1.1 Assessment of impact to landscape character
This section assesses the likely impact of the Proposal on landscape character
based on the combination of two criteria: sensitivity and magnitude of change.
Due to the changing nature of the surrounding town centre the assessment
considers mostly the likely effect on the planned landscape character.
Sensitivity of landscape character
Landscape character is rated as having low sensitivity to change:
▪ The site is located within the Edmondson Park town centre precinct
which is undergoing rapid and significant re-development which has
been planned for some time.
▪ The plans are to create a vibrant, high quality character for the town
centre with buildings reaching a maximum height of 24m.
Magnitude of change to landscape character
The Proposal would have a low magnitude of change on planned landscape
character:
▪ The approximate 17m height of the Proposal is within the planned
maximum building heights for the town centre of 24m.
▪ The design of the Proposal is planned to have high quality finishes
▪ Existing semi-mature trees within the at-grade car park, and likely the
surrounding semi-mature bordering street trees, would be removed (i.e.
overall 14 medium-sized trees and 71 small trees).
18 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
Summary of landscape character impact
The low sensitivity ranking combined with the low magnitude of change leads to
an overall low level of impact to landscape character.
5.2 Impact to viewpoints
This section assesses the likely impact of the Proposal on representative public
and private viewpoints based on the combination of two criteria: sensitivity and
magnitude of change.
5.2.1 Visibility of the Proposal
The Proposal would have limited visibility (refer FIGURE 5-3) due to:
▪ The tall multi-storey mixed-use buildings of the town centre located to
the immediate east (under construction) and south (still vacant) which
would block views from those directions.
▪ The dense bushland within the Regional Park on the western side, which
prevents any views from further west.
▪ The railway corridor and Edmondson Park Station buildings to the north,
which separate the Site from the existing at-grade northern commuter
car park (which includes tree planting) and trees further north, limiting
views from the north to mostly areas along Soldiers Parade.
5.2.2 Assessed viewpoints
The nearest sensitive viewpoints (VPs) are within the planned Edmondson Park
Town Centre, including around the station plaza, the surrounding developing
mixed use area and from some parts of Soldiers Parade.
Five viewpoints have been identified for assessment - all within 1km of the Site
and are shown in FIGURE 5-3:
▪ VP1: Southern side of Edmondson Park Station (Henderson Road)
▪ VP2: Soldiers Parade overbridge
▪ VP3: View from planned apartments to immediate south
▪ VP4: View from mixed-use buildings to immediate east
▪ VP5: Northern section of Soldiers Parade.
The assessment takes into account the existing visual environment and planned
changes related to each viewpoint as described in TABLES 5-1 to 5-5.
19 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 5-3: APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY OF PROPOSAL AND ASSESSED VIEWPOINTS
20 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
TABLE 5-1: VP1 - SOUTHERN SIDE OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION (HENDERSON ROAD)
Viewpoint
characteristics
Southern side of station plaza, near bus stop, approximately 60m from Proposal Site. It is a
public viewing location near Edmondson Park Station and future town centre.
Potential
viewers
General public - road users, station users and other future users of town centre. It will be a
future high use pedestrian area.
Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of the at-grade car park which would be replaced with the
proposed multi-storey car park. On the western side are the future buildings of up to 24m high
(under construction).
Image of
existing view
with
approximate
position of the
Site
FIGURE 5-4: VIEW FROM SOUTHERN SIDE OF STATION PLAZA TOWARD SITE
A photomontage of the Proposal from this viewpoint is provided as FIGURE 5-5.
Existing
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as moderate as:
▪ The Site is within the developing town centre and close to the station where tall
buildings are planned.
▪ The number of future public viewers will be high.
Magnitude of
change
The magnitude of change is rated as moderate as:
▪ The Proposal would be a recognisable new tall structure, relatively close and clearly
seen.
▪ The Proposal would be approximately 7m lower than the mixed-use buildings on the
immediate north, and therefore would be similar in terms of height and scale.
▪ Existing trees within the at-grade car park would be removed, and likely the street
trees along Henderson Road.
▪ Construction activities and machinery would be seen yet would be temporary and
within the context of surrounding construction of the town centre.
Level of
Impact
The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with the moderate magnitude of change, leads to
an overall moderate level of impact.
21 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
FIGURE 5-5: PHOTOMONTAGE (SIMULATED IMAGE) OF LIKELY VIEW OF PROPOSAL FROM VIEWPOINT (VP)1 (FAÇADE DESIGN YET TO BE FINALISED)
22 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
TABLE 5-2: VP2 - SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE
Viewpoint
characteristics
Public viewing location from Soldiers Parade, the main through road that crosses north-south
through Edmondson Park.
Potential
viewers
General public - road users, cyclists, pedestrians.
Existing View The Site is not visible as it is located behind Edmondson Park Station building.
Image of
existing view
with
approximate
position of the
Site
FIGURE 5-6: VIEW FROM SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE TOWARDS PROPOSAL SITE
Existing
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the view toward the Proposal is rated as low as:
▪ Soldiers Parade is the main road in this area and provides the primary access to the
future town centre and Edmondson Park Station.
▪ Existing public viewers are high from passing traffic, with that traffic to increase with
further development
▪ Views towards the Site are quite obscured.
Magnitude of
change
The magnitude of change is rated as low as:
▪ Very little of the Proposal would be seen, with a small area of the upper level possibly
visible in the background above the Edmondson Park Station building.
▪ Construction activities would not generally be seen from this viewpoint, apart from
any tall cranes.
Level of
Impact
The low sensitivity ranking, combined with the low magnitude of change, leads to an overall
low level of impact.
23 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
TABLE 5-3: VP3 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE SOUTH
Viewpoint
characteristics
This viewpoint is from future apartments on the southern side of the Proposal Site (final design
yet to be defined). This site is currently vacant. The apartment building would provide elevated
views for some future residents on northern side.
Potential
viewers
Potential viewers are future residents of the apartments on the northern side.
Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of the landscaped, at-grade car park. To the east are the
multi-storey town centre buildings of up to 24m high (under construction) with Edmondson Park
Station seen behind and the bushland of the Regional Park to the west.
Image of
existing view
At the time of the site visit there was no access to this viewpoint (as future buildings are yet to
be constructed) and therefore an image is not provided.
Future
Sensitivity
Future sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as moderate as:
▪ The Site is within the future town centre which is zoned for heights up to 24 metres and
close to the railway station.
▪ Views would be available from apartments located along the northern side of the
future planned building(s).
Magnitude of
change
The magnitude of change is rated as moderate as:
▪ The Proposal would be a recognisable new tall structure (consistent with planned
building heights for the town centre of 24m), relatively close and clearly seen from the
elevated future apartments along the northern side of the viewpoint.
▪ It is predicted that future residents of the apartments located on the upper two
storeys on the northern side of the future apartment building (s) (if 24m high) would
see over the new car park, yet have views of the roof-top parking in the foreground.
That view would include the proposed rooftop solar panels which would be non-
reflective and potentially reduce the glare from vehicles and the concrete surface.
▪ Residents living in apartments on lower floors (northern side) would see the car park
façade in close proximity.
▪ Construction activities and machinery would be seen yet would be temporary and
within the context of surrounding construction of the town centre.
Level of
Impact
The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with a moderate magnitude of change, leads to
an overall moderate level of impact.
24 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
TABLE 5-4: VP4 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE EAST
Viewpoint
characteristics
This viewpoint is from future apartments located within the main town centre immediately east.
Along the eastern border with the Site is a future public street and on the opposite side is the
mixed-use building (under construction) which includes apartments over commercial uses on
lower floors.
Potential
viewers
Potential viewers are future residents of the apartments on the western side.
Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of the landscaped, at-grade car park. The bushland of the
Regional Park is seen behind (west) of that car park.
Image of
existing view
At the time of the site visit there was no access to this viewpoint as the building was under
construction and therefore an image is not provided.
Future
Sensitivity
Future sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as moderate as:
▪ The Site is within the future town centre which is zoned for heights to 24 metres and close
to the railway station.
▪ Future viewers would have close views of the Proposal.
Magnitude of
change
The magnitude of change is rated as moderate as:
▪ The Proposal would be a recognisable new tall structure (consistent with planned
building heights), relatively close and clearly seen from future apartments on the
western side.
▪ It is estimated that the upper two storeys of the future western apartments would be
able to see over the new car park yet have views of the roof-top parking in the
foreground. That view would include the proposed rooftop solar panels which would
be non-reflective and potentially reduce the glare from vehicles and the concrete
surface.
▪ Those further below would see the car park façade in close proximity.
▪ Construction activities and machinery would be seen yet would be temporary and
within the context of surrounding construction of the town centre.
Level of
Impact
The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with a moderate magnitude of change, leads to
an overall moderate level of impact. The upper storeys would be slightly less impacted.
25 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
TABLE 5-5: VP5 - VIEW FROM NORTHERN SECTION OF SOLDIERS PARADE
Viewpoint
characteristics
This viewpoint is from Soldiers Parade to the north of Croatia Avenue, close to the highpoint
near Poziers Road.
Potential
viewers
Public viewers travelling south on this main road through Edmondson Park.
Existing View When descending to the south there are currently views towards some of the future mixed-use
buildings in the town centre currently under construction. In the existing view the at-grade car
park (which would be replaced) cannot be seen.
Image of
existing view
(with
estimated
outline of
Proposal)
FIGURE 5-7: VIEW FROM NORTHERN END OF SOLDIERS PARADE
Existing
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as low as:
▪ Soldiers Parade is the main road in this area and provides the primary access to the
future town centre and Edmondson Park Station.
▪ There are high number of existing public viewers using the road, with traffic to
increase with further development.
▪ The viewpoint provides very minimal visibility of the area affected by the Proposal.
Magnitude of
change
The magnitude of change is rated as low as:
▪ The upper part of the car park would be visible above the trees within the existing at-
grade car park north of the station.
▪ Once development occurs within the currently vacant site (in the foreground) the
Proposal would be screened from view.
▪ Construction activities would largely not be seen from this viewpoint, apart from tall
cranes.
Level of
Impact
The low sensitivity ranking, combined with the low magnitude of change, leads to an overall
low level of impact.
26 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
5.3 Consistency with DCP
Design principles and key requirements for the Edmondson Park Town Centre
are detailed in the Edmondson Park South Development Control Plan (DCP)
2012. The most relevant of these and the implications in terms of the Proposal
are described in TABLE 5-7.
TABLE 5-6: ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSAL AGAINST EDMONDSON PARK SOUTH DCP 2012
Element (from DCP) Design Guidelines and Key
Requirements (numbering from DCP)
Relationship of Proposal to DCP
Design and Layout 11. The street layout is to emphasise sight
lines to local landscape features, parks,
places of key cultural significance, civic
buildings and public open space.
The Proposal and street alignment would
continue to allow sight lines to the bushland
in the Regional Park which is consistent with
this guideline.
Built Form 17. All large format retail premises and
decked parking areas, visible from
prominent public areas, are to be
sleaved with active uses. Blank walls
visible from the public domain are to be
limited.
The Proposal is a decked car park and does
not include active uses at the ground level
(i.e. ‘sleeved with active uses’). However,
the building is planned to be designed with
attractive facades and no blank walls so is
generally consistent with part of this
guideline.
Pedestrian Amenity
and Public Domain
18. High amenity pedestrian
streetscapes are to be provided through
the Town Centre.
It is likely that the surrounding semi-mature
street trees would be removed as part of the
Proposal to allow construction. Appropriate
side setbacks (the DCP specifies an
indicative setback of 4.4m for secondary
east-west streets) should ideally be
provided. It would be preferable to retain
the existing street trees which have an
estimated 5-8 years growth and provide
both shade and visual amenity, yet if their
removal is unavoidable, new street trees
should be installed in consultation with the
Council.
The Proposal is generally consistent with the relevant DCP guidelines in relation
to landscape character and visual impact. However, it is recommended that the
detailed design phase test a number of facade designs to ensure an attractive
and appropriate finish. The setbacks should also be consistent with the
requirements of the DCP and allow for the retention, or replacement, of the
existing street trees. These measures are referred to in SECTION 7.
27 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
6 Mitigation measures
This section describes the positive design measures of the Proposal and
additional measures that are recommended to improve the visual outcome.
6.1 Positive visual attributes of the Proposal
The Proposal has incorporated a number of positive characteristics which would
reduce its potential landscape character and visual impacts:
▪ The Proposal would be located on land specified for a car park in the
planned future Edmondson Park Town Centre.
▪ The height of the Proposal is within the planned maximum building
height of up to 24m in the central, mixed-use town centre.
▪ The Proposal is planned to have an attractive finish (texture and
colour). Colours and tones are most likely to be muted to blend the
Proposal with the natural elements of the neighbourhood and
adjacent Regional Park and create a less obtrusive façade.
▪ All lighting would be designed and installed in accordance with the
requirements of AS4282 Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor
Lighting.
▪ An Urban Design Plan would be prepared which includes landscaping.
▪ Any loss of trees would be replaced in accordance with TfNSW
Vegetation Offset Guide (2019) and therefore result in a substantial
increase of mature trees in the general vicinity over time.
6.2 Additional measures
In addition to the above positive attributes of the Proposal, it is recommended
that:
▪ The detailed design phase test a number of facade designs to ensure
an attractive and appropriate finish.
▪ Street setbacks be consistent with the requirements of the DCP,
including allowing for the retention, or replacement, of the existing
street trees (with advanced-sized specimens preferred if replacement
occurs).
28 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
7 Key findings and conclusion
The Proposal is to construct a multi-level commuter car park south of Edmondson
Park Station, within the future Edmondson town centre on a site planned for such
use. The Proposal would replace an existing at-grade car park with a new multi-
storey car park (ground level plus five levels (including rooftop)) of approximately
17m high.
Context
The future town centre of Edmondson Park is rapidly changing and will result in
the area around the station having high-rise buildings up to 24m. At ground-level
there will be a mixture of shops, offices and institutional premises, with the upper
floors planned mostly as apartments.
It is planned that the final landscape character will be a very urban one, with a
cluster of tall buildings, ground level shops, street trees, integrated public spaces
and an emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
The Proposal
The Proposal would result in the removal of trees within the existing at-grade car
park and likely the bordering street trees. The Proposal is planned to have an
attractive finish (texture and colour). Colours and tones are most likely to be
muted, neutral tones to reduce contrast with surrounding natural elements and
adjacent Regional Park and create a less obtrusive façade.
Impact on landscape character
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the landscape around the Site, impact on
landscape character has been assessed in terms of planned landscape
character. The approximate 17m height of the Proposal is within the planned
maximum building heights for the town centre of 24m and consistent with the
future (urban) landscape character. The Proposal design would have high
quality finishes and surrounding street trees would be retained or reinstated.
Impact to surrounding viewpoints
Due to the rapid and changing ongoing redevelopment of the area, impact to
views has been assessed largely in terms of the expected changes in relation to
future viewpoints. The assessed impact of the Proposal on viewpoints is
summarised in TABLE 7-1.
The Proposal Site is within the future town centre and close to the railway station,
with its use as a car park a planned use.
There would be a moderate impact to two viewpoints, both related to the
change in view that would occur to future residents of apartments surrounding
the Proposal. From VP3 (future planned apartments to south) there would be a
loss of potential distant views to the north (over the railway corridor and future
residential areas); and from VP4 (future apartments to east under construction)
there would be a loss of views of the Regional Park to the west and other more
distant views.
29 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
There would be a moderate (yet acceptable) impact to one public viewpoint
(VP1 on southern side of station plaza) and the remaining two assessed
viewpoints would have a low impact.
TABLE 7-1: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO VIEWPOINTS
Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Assessed visual
impact
VP1: Southern side of Edmondson Park Station (Henderson Road) Moderate Moderate Moderate
VP2: Soldiers Parade overbridge Low Low Low
VP3: View from future development to immediate south Moderate Moderate Moderate
VP4: View from town centre mixed-use buildings to immediate
east (under construction) Moderate Moderate Moderate
VP5: Northern section of Soldiers Parade Low Low Low
Relation to DCP
The Proposal is generally consistent with the relevant DCP guidelines in relation
to landscape character and visual impact. However, it is recommended that the
detailed design phase test a number of facade designs to ensure an attractive
and appropriate finish. Street setbacks should be consistent with the
requirements of the DCP, including allowing for the retention, or replacement, of
the existing street trees.
Conclusion
In summary, the construction phase of the Proposal would occur whilst
substantial construction is happening around this part of the town centre and
thus would have a relatively low impact. The loss of the semi-mature trees from
the existing at-grade car park would be a loss to the existing landscape
character. All efforts should be made to retain the existing street trees so as to
retain an ongoing landscape element and provide adequate street setbacks.
Regardless, any loss of trees would be replaced in accordance with TfNSW
Vegetation Offset Guide (2019) and therefore result in a substantial increase of
mature trees in the general vicinity over time.
Overall, the Proposal is consistent with the planned character of the Edmondson
Park town centre and would integrate within the new urban environment.
30 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
envisageconsulting.com.au
8 References
Department of Planning & Infrastructure (2012). Edmondson Park South
Development Control Plan (DCP), 2012
JBA (2010). Edmondson Park South State Significant Site Listing and Concept Plan
Liverpool Local Environmental Plan (LEP), 2008
Roads and Maritime Services (December 2018) Guideline for Landscape
Character and Visual Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment
Practice Note EIA-N04
Transport for NSW (22 July 2019) Vegetation Management (Protection and
Removal) Guideline
Transport for NSW (23 August 2019) Vegetation Offset Guide
Transport for NSW (23 August 2019) Weed Management and Disposal Guide