73-75 Rooty Hill road North Rooty Hill (NSW)

Traffic & Car Parking Assessment Report

Client: JS Architects Pty Ltd

Prepared by

Evan Boloutis

Director

EB Traffic Solutions Pty Ltd B.Eng (Civil), MEng Sc (Traffic), MBA

Email: evan@ebtraffic.com.au

Web: www.ebtraffic.com.au

Mobile: 0408 395 729

5 June 2018

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of this report

This report sets out an assessment of the traffic and parking implications of the

proposed development, with specific consideration of the following:

• the existing conditions and a description of the proposal;

• an assessment of the development's car parking requirements;

• adequacy of the on-site car parking supply to accommodate the proposal’s

car parking requirements;

• an assessment of the adequacy of the car park layout; and

• the traffic impact of the proposal.

1.2 Referenced documents

This report has been based upon a number of sources and references. These include:

• Discussions with and information provided by the applicant;

• Discussions with town planning officers at the Shire of The Blacktown;

• Nearmap, Google maps and Melways online;

• Blacktown City Council’s web site;

• State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) (2007);

• Blacktown Local Environmental Plan (2015);

• Blacktown Development Control Plan (2015);

• www.transportnsw.info and Blacktown City Council – 2016 Bike Plan;

• AutoTURN computer software for the swept path analysis;

• Australian Standards AS 2890.1 (2004), AS 2890.2 (2002) and AS 2890.6 (2009);

• Traffic Authority of NSW, Guide to Traffic Generating Developments (Oct 2002);

• Blacktown City Council, Pre-application meeting notes for the proposed

development at 73-75 Rooty Hill Road North, Rooty Hill, held on 16 January

2018; and

• Layout plans prepared by JS Architects Pty Ltd, project no. 111/15-16, Issue F,

Dwgs 1-26, dated 29 May 2018.

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2. EXISTING CONDITIONS

2.1 Location and Land use

The subject site is located on the west side of Rooty Hill Road North, approximately 130

m south of Westminister Street. The location of the subject site is shown in Figure 2.1.

Source: Copyright Melways Publishing Pty, Ltd. Reproduced from Melway online with permission

Figure 2.1: Location of the subject site

The site is currently vacant. The surrounding area is lightly populated and semi-rural in

nature. The nature of the subject site and surrounds is shown in Figure 2.2.

Source: nearmap (image taken 18 Jan 2018)

Figure 2.2: Nature of the subject site and surrounds

The subject site is located within a B2 (Local Centre) zone.

Subject site

Subject site

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2.2 Road Network

Rooty Hill Road north, is a Council owned local road and contains an undivided cross

section with a single traffic lane in each direction and a kerbside parking along the

west side of the road.

Photos showing the cross section of Rooty Hill road north looking to the north and south

are shown in Figures 2.3 and 2.4 respectively.

Source: google maps

Figure 2.3: Rooty Hill Road North looking north

Source: google maps

Figure 2.4: Rooty Hill Road North looking south

2.3 Public Transport

Public transport services in the vicinity of the site include the Rooty Hill Railway Station

located 300 m to the south of the site and two bus services ((routes 756 and 757) which

operate along Rooty Hill Road North adjacent to the site and an additional bus route

(route 728) which operates along N Parade 300 m south of the site.

Subject Site

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Details of the bus routes are summarised as:

• Bus route 728 operates between Blacktown and Bungarribee and Mt Druitt.

• Bus route 756 operates between Blacktown and Mt Druitt via Plumpton and

Rooty Hill; and

• Bus route 757 operates between Mt Druitt and Riverstone via Rooty Hill and

Plumpton.

The bus service operating in close proximity to the site is shown in Figure 2.5.

Source: busways

Figure 2.5: Public transport services in vicinity of the site

Reference to the rail and bus timetables indicate that the services operate on both

weekdays and on weekends which could be utilised by occupiers and visitors

associated with the proposed development.

2.4 Bicycle Facilities

The City of Blacktown is well serviced by an extensive network of on- and off-road

bicycle routes linking the municipality with the surrounding municipalities.

The routes include existing off-road cycleways along the alignment of Westlink (M7),

Angus Creek and Woodstock Avenue.

The existing and proposed bicycle network in close proximity to the site is shown in an

extract from Blacktown City Council’s Bike Plan (2016), in Figure 2.6.

Subject Site

Rail station

Bus stops

Bus stops

Bus stops

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Source: Blacktown City Council – 2016 Bike Plan

Figure 2.6: Existing and proposed bike network in vicinity of site

3. THE PROPOSAL

It is proposed to construct a multi dwelling residential development comprising of six

to seven levels above ground plus a two basement level car park below the dwellings.

The breakdown of dwelling types within the development are summarised as follows:

• 6 x one bedroom dwellings;

• 9 x two bedroom dwellings; and

• 12 x three bedroom dwellings.

The car parking provision consists of 88 car spaces provided in a two level basement

comprising of 55 occupier spaces, six visitor spaces and four accessible spaces.

The access servicing the basement car parking areas is located adjacent to the site’s

eastern boundary.

The layout of the proposed development is shown in Attachment A.

Subject Site

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4. CAR PARKING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 Car Parking Requirements

The car parking requirements for the residential components of the proposed

development are set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy 65 (2007), which

states, amongst other things, that:

“For development in the following locations:

• On sites within 800 m of a railway station or light rail stop in the Sydney

Metropolitan Area; or

• On land zoned, and sites within 400m of land zoned, B3 Commercial Core, B4

Mixed Use or equivalent in a nominated regional centre,

The minimum car parking requirement for residents and visitors is set out in the Guide

to Traffic Generating Developments, or the car parking requirement prescribed by the

relevant council, whichever is less.”

Discussions with officers from Council’s Planning department confirm, that based upon

the location of the development site to the Rooty Hill railway station (300 m), the car

parking rates to be adopted for the proposed development are to be sourced from

the RMS Guide or Council’s DCP (2015), whichever is the lesser of the two.

A comparison of the car parking requirements in Council’s DCP (2015) and that

contained in the RMS Guide to Traffic Generating Developments, indicates that the

RMS Guide has the lesser parking requirements.

Reference to the TANSW ‘Guide to Traffic Generating Developments (2002)’, specifies

that the car parking requirements for a high density residential flat building located in

a metropolitan sub-regional centre are summarised as:

• 0.6 spaces per 1 bedroom unit;

• 0.9 spaces per 2 bedroom unit;

• 1.4 spaces per 3 bedroom unit; and

• 1 space per 5 units (visitor parking).

Further, there is a requirement that 10 % of dwellings are required to be designed to

be capable of adaptation for access by people with all levels of mobility, and as a

result, there is a requirement that 10 % of the parking supply for occupiers be provided

as accessible parking bays.

Application of the car parking requirements for the residential component of the

development results in a requirement to provide 30 occupier spaces and six visitor

spaces, inclusive of three accessible spaces.

In addition, the car parking requirements for the retail and office land use

components of the development were sourced from the Blacktown DCP (2015),

specifically Part A, section 6.3 which states, amongst other things, the following car

parking requirements:

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• Office 1 space per 40 sqm GFA

• Retail (> 200 sqm) 1 space per 22 sqm GFA

Note: GFA = gross floor area

Application of the car parking requirements for the retail and office components of

the development results in a requirement to provide 14 retail spaces and seven office

spaces. In addition, reference to the Building Code of Australia requires that the

retail/office components are required to provide one disabled space.

Reference to the layout plans indicate that the proposed car parking provision for the

retail/office component of the development corresponds to 23 space and one

disabled bay which satisfies the development’s car parking requirements.

Further, while the Blacktown DCP (2015) does not stipulate any motorcycle parking

requirements, areas have been set aside on the Basement level 1 and 2 car parking

levels which can accommodate four motorcycle bays.

4.2 Bicycle Parking Requirements

In addition, while the Blacktown DCP (2015) does not stipulate any specific bicycle

parking requirements for the proposed development, it is proposed to provide seven

bicycle rails in the basement car parking areas to encourage sustainable travel by

occupiers and their visitors.

4.3 Car Park Layout

4.3.1 Dimensions of car accommodation

The car parking supply has been provided within a two level basement car park.

The parking spaces with the basement car parking levels have been provided at 2.4

m wide and 5.4 m long with an aisle width varying between 5.55 m and 6.2 m, which

generally accord with the requirements of AS 2890.1:2004.

While there are several bays which abut an aisle width which is less than 5.8 m, such

as the occupier bays R52, R53, R07 and R08, the swept path analysis undertaken in

Section 4.3.2 indicates that occupiers can safely enter and exit these bays.

An additional clearance of at least 300 mm has been provided adjacent to bays

located adjacent to end walls as required by AS 2890.1:2004. In addition, blind aisle

extensions of at least 1 m have also been provided in accordance with the

requirements of AS 2890.1:2004.

The disabled bays (and central shared spaces) have been provided at a width of 2.4

m with a length of 5.4 m, with a centrally located column within the shared space

positioned at an off-set distance of 800 mm from the accessway, which accords with

the Australian Standards, AS 2890.6 (2009).

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4.3.2 Access to/from car accommodation spaces

The swept paths of a vehicle entering and exiting the proposed on-site car spaces on

the development site have been assessed with the use of the AutoTURN swept path

computer software for a B85 motor car.

Reference to the swept path analysis indicates that motorists can safely enter and exit

the on-site parking bays and exit from the development site in a forward manner.

In addition, an analysis was undertaken to examine the ability for a B85 and a B99

vehicle to simultaneously undertake turning manoeuvres between the top of the

access ramp and Rooty Hill Road North.

The analysis, which is shown in Attachment B, indicates that motorists can safely

undertake simultaneous turning manoeuvres between the car park access and Rooty

Hill Road North as well as circulate around the respective corners on the ground level.

Further, the analysis shows that the B99 cars can undertake simultaneous turning

manoeuvres around each of the basement car parking levels, however it is noted that

the swept paths of the ‘inside turning’ vehicles encroach across the stairs in the south-

east corners of each basement car park level.

The placement of curvilinear mirrors diagonally opposite the corner of the stairs

provide advance for approaching motorists to enable one of the motorists to regulate

their speed, as typically occurs in shopping centre car parks, so that the opposing

vehicle has completed their turning manoeuvre before undertaking their turning

manoeuvre around the bend.

In practice however, vehicles undertaking simultaneous turning manoeuvres are likely

to comprise of B85 cars and, to a lesser extent B85/B99 cars. This further assessment

was undertaken, as shown in Attachment C, which indicates that B85/B99 cars can

safely undertake simultaneous turning manoeuvres around the south-east corners of

the basement car park levels.

4.3.3 Width of accessway

Reference to Clause 3.2 of AS 2890.1:2004 indicates that, for a user class 1/1A

(residential) serving between 25 spaces and 100 spaces with a local road frontage,

the width of the access is required to be between 3 m and 5.5 m.

Further, reference to Clause 3.2 of AS 2890.1:2004 indicates that, for a user class 3

(retail and commercial visitors) serving less than 25 spaces with a local road frontage,

the width of the access is required to be between 3 m and 5.5

Further, reference is made to Clause 3.2.2 of AS 2890.1:2004 states that:

“Where the circulation roadway leading from a Category 1 access driveway is 30 m

or longer (not applies here) or sight distance from one end to the other is restricted

(applies here) and the frontage is an arterial or sub-arterial road (not applies here),

both the access driveway and the circulation roadway for at least the first 6 m from

the property boundary shall be a minimum of 5.5 m wide.”

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On the basis of the above, it is considered that the widths of the main access ramp at

ground level and between the ground/basement level 1 car park and basement level

1 and 2 car parking levels accord with the requirements of the Australian Standard for

Off-street car parking, AS 2890.1:2004.

To accord with the requirements of the Australian Standard for Off-street car parking,

AS 2890.1:2004, it is recommended that 300 mm kerbs be provided along both sides

of the access ramps.

4.3.4 Gradient along access ramps

The gradients provided along the initial ramp leading to/from the loading dock area

and between the ground/basement level 1 and basement level 1 and 2 car parking

levels accord with the requirements stipulated in AS 2890.1:2004.

4.3.5 Columns

Provision has been made for the placement of columns within the basement car

parking areas. Any columns located within the car parking areas are required to be

located between 0.75 m and 1.75 m from the edge of the accessway to accord with

the requirements of Figure 5.2 of AS/NZS 2890.1:2004.

4.3.6 Headroom clearance

To accord with the relevant Australian Standards, the headroom clearance within the

basement car parks is required to be a minimum of 2.2 m with 2.5 m provided above

any disabled bays.

Reference to the layout plans indicate that a minimum headroom clearance of 2.75

m has been provided within the respective basement car parking levels and a

minimum headroom clearance of 2.3 m has been provided along the ramps between

the ground level/basement level 1 and between the basement levels 1 and 2 car

parking areas. The headroom clearances accord with AS 2890.1:2004 and AS

2890.6:2009.

4.3.7 Sight lines for exiting motorists

Figure 3.3 of the Australian Standard for off-street car parking, AS 2890.1:2004 specifies

that the minimum sight lines for pedestrian safety along a circulation driveway or

domestic driveway.

The minimum sight lines are specified as clear sight line triangles which extend 2 m

along the frontage road from the edge of an exit lane and 2.5 metres along the exit

lane from the frontage. The sight line triangles are required to be clear of visual

obstructions to provide the exiting motorist with a clear view of pedestrians on the

footpath of the frontage road (and vice versa).

Reference to the layout plans indicate that sight line triangles have been provided on

either side of the accessways at the title boundary. It is recommended that any

vegetation of landscaping provided within the sight line triangles not exceed a height

of 900 mm.

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5. REFUSE

5.1 Accessibility

Discussions with the officers from Council indicate that the dwellings are required to

provide on-site collection of refuse.

The refuse is required to be collected in the basement level car park which has been

designed to accommodate an 8.8 m MRV truck entering and exiting the loading bay

area in a forward manner.

The ability for an 8.8 m MRV truck to enter and exit the loading bay facility in the

basement car park was assessed with the use of the AutoTURN computer software,

the analysis of which is shown in Attachment D.

The analysis indicates that an 8.8 m refuse truck can safely turn into the car park

access, manoeuvre into and out of the loading bay facility to then depart along the

development access in a forward manner to Rooty Hill Road north.

5.2 Gradients along accessways

The requirements in AS 2890.2 (2002), which stipulate, amongst other things, that the

maximum gradient for an MRV is 1:6.5 (15.4 %) with a maximum change of gradient

of 1:16 (6.25 %) over a length of 7 m.

Reference to the layout plans indicate that the gradients have been provided along

the main access ramp to/from the loading dock area in accordance with AS 2890.2

(2002).

5.3 Headroom clearance

Reference to AS 2890.2:2002 indicates that for an 8.8 m MRV, a headroom clearance

of 4.5 m is required to be provided along any accessway and loading dock area

serviced by an MRV truck.

Reference to the layout plans indicate that a minimum headroom clearance of 4.5

m has been provided along the accessways and loading dock areas serviced by the

refuse truck.

On the basis of the above, the available height clearance along the access ramp

leading to/from the loading dock and within the loading docks area can safely

accommodate the truck servicing the proposed development.

6. TRAFFIC IMPACT

The impact of the proposed development can be assessed having regard to the

anticipated number of vehicle movements likely to be generated at the

development access during the commuter peak periods.

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The proposed development is conservatively expected to generate an average of

up to 0.6 vehicle trips per dwelling during the weekday peak hours), as set out in the

RTA Guide for Traffic Generating Developments (Vers 2.2, 2002).

On this basis, it is anticipated that the residential component of the development will

generate up to 16 vehicle movements during the am and pm peak hours.

The directional distribution of these movements is based upon surveys undertaken by

consultants which indicate that during the am peak hour, 80 % of traffic will exit the

site and 20 % will enter and during the pm peak hour, 30 % of traffic will exit the site

and 70 % will enter.

This corresponds to 3 entry and 13 exit movements during the am peak hour and 11

entry and 5 exit movements during the pm peak hour.

In addition, it is expected that the office/retail components will generate around 15

staff vehicle movements arriving and departing during the commuter peak hours.

In summary, the development’s land use components are anticipated to generate

the following number of entry/exit movements during the am and pm commuter peak

hours.

Number of Vehicle Movements (veh/hour)

IN OUT

AM PEAK 18 13

PM PEAK 11 20

The level of traffic anticipated to be generated at the development access point is

considered minimal and will not represent any adverse impact upon the operation of

the surrounding road network.

7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Having regard to the above, it is concluded that the:

• proposed car parking supply satisfies the car parking requirements stipulated

in the TANSW ‘Guide to Traffic Generating Developments (2002) for the

residential component of the development and in accordance with the

Blacktown DCP (2015) for the retail and office components of the

development;

• car park layout has been generally designed in accordance with the

requirements of the Australian Standards AS 2890.1 (2004) and AS 2890.6 (2009);

and

• traffic generated by the proposal will be minimal and is not expected to

adversely impact upon the safety or operation of the surrounding road

network.

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Further, it is recommended that:

• any columns located within the car parking areas are required to be located

between 0.75 m and 1.75 m from the edge of the accessway;

• 300 mm kerbs be provided along both sides of the access ramps; and

• any vegetation of landscaping provided within the sight line triangles not

exceed a height of 900 mm.

Evan Boloutis

Director

EB Traffic Solutions Pty Ltd B.Eng (Civil), MEng Sc (Traffic), MBA

Copyright

The information contained in this report is confidential and intended for the use of the client specified on the front of

the report. No representation is made or is implied to be made to any third party. No part of this report may be

reproduced or used without the written permission of EB Traffic Solutions Pty Ltd. Any unauthorised use of this report will

constitute an infringement of copyright.

Disclaimer

EB Traffic Solutions Pty Ltd takes no responsibility in any way to any person or organisation, other than that for which

the report has been prepared, in respect of the information contained in this report, including any omissions or errors.

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ATTACHMENT A

LAYOUT OF CAR PARK LAYOUT

ATTACHMENT B

SWEPT PATH ANALYSIS (B85/B99 CARS)

ATTACHMENT C

SWEPT PATH ANALYSIS (B85/B99 CARS)

ATTACHMENT D

SWEPT PATH ANALYSIS (8.8 M MRV)