This Policy applies to all commercial development, and some residential components of a mixed use development, in non-residential zones.
Where a Local Development Plan or Structure Plan applies to a particular site, the provisions of Local Planning Policy 4.2 Mixed Use and Commercial Centre Design Guidelines do not apply.
The Policy has been reviewed and the following key changes are proposed:
Building heights
The current Policy states that 'new buildings shall generally be between two and three storeys' and allows increases in height for landmark sites, corner sites and larger sites.
The Policy does not specify a maximum height for these variations, resulting in a lack of certainty for landowners and surrounding residents about what can be built.
The proposed modifications provide clarity by providing a three storey maximum height limit. There may be instances where a height above three storeys may be appropriate. If a landowner wants to do this, the recommended process would require a local development plan to be prepared.
Minor development
The current Policy applies to all development within non-residential zones, including development of a minor nature.
In order to streamline the development process and ‘cut red tape’, particularly for small business, proposed changes to the Policy will allow minor development to take place without the need to comply with the requirements of the Policy. This includes simple change of use proposals, minor extensions and outbuildings.
Streetscape
The current Policy requires car parking to be located behind buildings and for the area to be screened.
The proposed modifications provide greater certainty about how the use of the ground floor can complement the streetscape.
Objectives
Aligning the Policy Objectives with the Design Principles in ‘State Planning Policy 7.0 Design of the Built Environment’.