leppington station proposed car park...and the ’t5 leppington to richmond line’. a location map...

i TfNSW PROPOSED CAR PARK LEPPINGTON STATION - VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

envisageconsulting.com.au

LEPPINGTON STATION PROPOSED CAR PARK

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

DATE: 28 April 2020

PREPARED FOR: Pitt & Sherry on behalf of TRANSPORT FOR NSW

PREPARED BY: Alison Dodds, PGCert Public Policy, BPlan, BLArch

PIA Registered Planner and Stacey Brodbeck, MEnvPlan, BLArch

AILA Registered Landscape Architect and PIA Registered Planner

ENVISAGE DOCUMENT NO.: 15119

ENVISAGE CONSULTING PTY LTD

ABN 89 139 313 296 envisageconsulting.com.au

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Revision Date of Issue Revision Details Prepared by Reviewed/ Authorised by

1 2 March 2020 Draft Alison Dodds Stacey Brodbeck

2 7 April 2020 Updated draft Alison Dodds Stacey Brodbeck

28 28 April 2020 Final Alison Dodds Stacey Brodbeck

http://www.envisageconsulting.com.au/

ii TfNSW PROPOSED CAR PARK LEPPINGTON STATION - VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


Contents 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 2

1.1 Purpose of this report .................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Proposal overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Report format............................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Assessment methodology ...................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Assessment ................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Field survey ................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Photography ................................................................................................................................................ 5

3 Site context .............................................................................................................................................................. 6 3.1 Location........................................................................................................................................................ 6 3.2 Land use ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 Landform ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 3.4 Site description ............................................................................................................................................ 7 3.5 Biodiversity .................................................................................................................................................. 10 3.6 Planned development.............................................................................................................................. 10

4 Project description ................................................................................................................................................ 16 4.1 Scope of work ............................................................................................................................................ 16 4.2 Construction ............................................................................................................................................... 18 4.3 Project elements visible at operation...................................................................................................... 20

5 Impact on landscape character ........................................................................................................................ 21 5.1 Landscape character............................................................................................................................... 21 5.2 Existing character ...................................................................................................................................... 21 5.3 Planned future character ......................................................................................................................... 22 5.4 Summary of impact ................................................................................................................................... 22

6 Impact on views .................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.1 Existing viewpoints ..................................................................................................................................... 23

6.1.1 Extent of visibility ........................................................................................................................ 23 6.1.2 Assessed viewpoints .................................................................................................................. 23

6.2 Future viewpoints ....................................................................................................................................... 34 6.2.1 Extent of visibility ........................................................................................................................ 34 6.2.2 Future viewpoints identified for assessment ........................................................................... 35 6.2.3 Assessment of future viewpoints .............................................................................................. 36

6.3 Summary of visual impact ........................................................................................................................ 38

7 Mitigation measures ............................................................................................................................................. 39 7.1 Positive visual attributes of the Proposal ................................................................................................. 39 7.2 Additional measures ................................................................................................................................. 40

8 Key findings and conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 42

9 References............................................................................................................................................................. 44

iii TfNSW PROPOSED CAR PARK LEPPINGTON STATION - VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


TABLES

TABLE 2-1: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT RATING MATRIX ...................................................... 4 TABLE 3-1: PROPOSED LAND USE AND CHARACTER.............................................................................................. 12 TABLE 5-1: SUMMARY OF LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IMPACTS ............................................................................. 22 TABLE 6-1: VP1 – DICKSON ROAD ............................................................................................................................. 25 TABLE 6-2: VP2 – BRINGELLY ROAD ........................................................................................................................... 28 TABLE 6-3: VP3 –RICKARD ROAD NORTH-EAST OF SITE .......................................................................................... 31 TABLE 6-4: VP4 – RICKARD ROAD EAST OF SITE ....................................................................................................... 32 TABLE 6-5: VP5 –RICKARD ROAD SOUTH-EAST OF SITE ........................................................................................... 33 TABLE 6-6: VP6 – LEPPINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL ..................................................................................................... 33 TABLE 6-7: VP7 – INGLEBURN ROAD/RICKARD ROAD INTERSECTION ................................................................. 34 TABLE 6-8: FVP1 – SCALABRINI CREEK CORRIDOR ................................................................................................. 36 TABLE 6-9: FVP2 –MIXED USE PRECINCT .................................................................................................................... 37 TABLE 6-10: FVP3 – MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ................................................................................................. 37 TABLE 6-11: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO EXISTING VIEWPOINTS ........................................................................ 38 TABLE 6-12: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO FUTURE VIEWPOINTS ........................................................................... 38 TABLE 8-1: MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................................................................ 40 TABLE A-0-1: SENSITIVITY RANKING CRITERIA ........................................................................................................... 45 TABLE A-0-2: MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE RANKING CRITERIA ................................................................................ 45

FIGURES

FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION OF LEPPINGTON STATION.................................................................................................... 2 FIGURE 3-1: CONTEXT OF PROPOSAL LOCATION ..................................................................................................... 6 FIGURE 3-2: VICINITY OF LEPPINGTON STATION ........................................................................................................ 7 FIGURE 3-3: PROPOSAL SITE – LOOKING SOUTH ....................................................................................................... 8 FIGURE 3-4: VIEW EAST OF PROPOSAL SITE (from eastern Site boundary) .......................................................... 8 FIGURE 3-5: VIEW NORTH OF PROPOSAL SITE (from northern Site boundary) .................................................... 9 FIGURE 3-6: VICINITY SOUTH OF SITE (view from Dickson Road looking south east) ......................................... 9 FIGURE 3-7: VICINITY WEST OF THE PROPOSAL SITE (from western Site boundary) .......................................... 10 FIGURE 3-8: LEPPINGTON TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN (schedule 2, DCP 2013) ............................................ 11 FIGURE 3-9: LAND ZONING AROUND THE PROPOSAL SITE .................................................................................... 12 FIGURE 3-10: ARTIST IMPRESSION – FUTURE RICKARD ROAD VIEW LOOKING SOUTH ....................................... 13 FIGURE 3-11: EXAMPLES OF HOUSING ABOVE ACTIVE RETAIL GROUND FLOOR .............................................. 13 FIGURE 3-12: EXAMPLES OF MEDIUM DENSITY HOUSING ...................................................................................... 14 FIGURE 3-13: CONCEPT - OPEN SPACE CORRIDOR INCORPORTATING RIPARIAN PROTECTION AREAS ..... 14 FIGURE 4-1: PROPOSED CAR PARK FOOTPRINT (INDICATIVE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DETAILED DESIGN) .. 17 FIGURE 4-2: OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED CAR PARK FROM THE SOUTH WEST ...................................................... 17 FIGURE 4-3: PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AREA ...................................................................................................... 19 FIGURE 6-1: EXISTING LANDSCAPE - APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY AND IDENTIFIED VIEWPOINTS FOR ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................................................................. 24 FIGURE 6-2: VP1 - EXISTING VIEW ............................................................................................................................... 26 FIGURE 6-3: VP1 – PHOTOMONTAGE POST-CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................... 27 FIGURE 6-4: VP2 - EXISTING VIEW ............................................................................................................................... 29 FIGURE 6-5: VP2 – PHOTOMONTAGE POST-CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................... 30 FIGURE 6-6: TYPICAL VIEW FROM RICKARD ROAD TOWARD SITE........................................................................ 32 FIGURE 6-7: PLANNED FUTURE LAND USE - APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY AND ASSESSED VIEWPOINTS ................ 35

2 TfNSW PROPOSED CAR PARK LEPPINGTON STATION - VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this report

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) proposes to construct a multi-level, 1000-space

(approximately) commuter car park at Leppington Station (the Proposal).

This report assesses the landscape character and visual impacts associated with

the Proposal and supports the Review of Environmental Factors (Pitt & Sherry, REF)

which has been developed concurrently.

1.2 Proposal overview

Leppington Station is approximately 37 kilometres south-west of Sydney CBD and

services two Sydney Trains Network routes: the ‘T2 Inner West to Leppington Line’

and the ’T5 Leppington to Richmond Line’. A location map is provided in

FIGURE 1.1.

FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION OF LEPPINGTON STATION

The proposed multi-storey car park would be located adjacent to the existing

Leppington Station commuter car park. The Proposal would be approximately

14m high, 126m long and 57m wide.

The Proposal would result in the following key elements:

provision of a ground level plus four levels (including rooftop) commuter

car park including:



o approximately1,000 commuter car parking spaces

o approximately 20 additional accessible car parking spaces in

the station precinct

o internal circulation ramps connecting the levels

o two lifts and six sets of stairs

o provision for electric vehicle charging stations

o Opal Park and Ride infrastructure

o separate vehicle exit and entry points on the eastern face of the

car park

roadworks to facilitate access and egress for pedestrians and vehicles

via the existing at-grade commuter car park

installation of renewable energy options such as solar panels and

battery storage

installation of fencing around the multi-storey car park where necessary

wayfinding signage for traffic and pedestrians

ancillary works including services diversion and/or relocation, drainage

works, landscaping, installation of lighting, installation of handrails and

balustrades and new infrastructure including CCTV cameras

A detailed project description is provided in SECTION 4.

1.3 Report format

This 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

SECTION 6 Assesses the likely effects to surrounding viewpoints

SECTION 7 Describes measures that have been, and could be,

incorporated to improve the visual outcome

SECTION 8 Presents a summary of key findings and conclusion.



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 improve design outcomes:

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

Magnitude

High Moderate Low Negligible

Se

nsi

tivity

High High High-Moderate Moderate Negligible

Moderate High-Moderate Moderate Moderate-Low Negligible

Low Moderate Moderate-Low Low Negligible

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible



Landscape character assessment

The Guideline 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 Guideline 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 and included a walk-over of

Leppington Station precinct and surrounding streets. The day of the inspection

was dry and sunny. Private property was not accessed. Viewpoints were

assessed from the nearest publicly accessible locations.

2.3 Photography

Photographs included in this report have been taken using a 50mm lens on a full

frame camera with GPS positioning. The 50mm lens was used as this is closest to

the view perceived by a human eye. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs in

this report were taken by the author 17 December 2019.



3 Site context

This section describes the location and general context of the Proposal.

3.1 Location

Leppington Station is within the local government area (LGA) of Camden.

Camden is currently the fastest growing LGA in Australia1 and is set to undergo

significant growth over the next 20 years in association with the NSW Government

South West Priority Growth Area - a prioritised land release intended to meet the

housing needs of the Greater Sydney region.

Leppington Station was opened in 2016 to support planned growth in the area

and is the currently the terminus of the South West Rail Link. A locality map

showing the vicinity of Leppington Station (bounded by four main roads: Bringelly

Road to the north, Rickard Road to the east, Ingleburn Road to the south and

Dickson Road to the west) is provided in FIGURE 3-1.

FIGURE 3-1: CONTEXT OF PROPOSAL LOCATION

3.2 Land use

The area around Leppington Station comprises a mix of:

rail infrastructure and commuter car parking

agricultural land

greenhouses and nurseries

market gardens

large-lot (approximately 2-4ha) rural residential properties

1 https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/council/about-us/ accessed 31 December 2019

https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/council/about-us/



new, smaller-lot (around 400m2) residential estates

residential aged care ‘lifestyle’ estates

childcare centres

places of worship

commercial and industrial businesses

green spaces (protected natural areas, parks and gardens).

The nearest school (Leppington Public School) is 0.5km to the south-east of the

Station, on the eastern side of Rickard Road. The nearest retail shopping centre

(Willowdale Shopping Centre) is 3km south of Leppington Station. A ten-road rail

stabling facility is located less than 2km to the west of Leppington Station at

Rossmore.

3.3 Landform

The vicinity is generally flat with Leppington Station being on a slight ridge.

Around the Station, land is gently undulating (fall is approximately 1 in 100)

sloping toward Scalabrini Creek immediately west of the Proposal Site.

The nearest high natural, elevated vantage point (approximately 40m higher in

elevation) is Raby Reservoir, over 2km to the south.

3.4 Site description

The Proposal Site is located on the northern side of Leppington Station, west of

an existing at-grade commuter car park. An image showing the vicinity of the

Proposal Site is provided at FIGURE 3-2.

FIGURE 3-2: VICINITY OF LEPPINGTON STATION



The Site is vegetated with tall grasses, shrubs and trees, and separated from the

existing commuter car park via a security fence. An image of the Proposal Site is

shown at FIGURE 3-3.

FIGURE 3-3: PROPOSAL SITE – LOOKING SOUTH

A view of the existing commuter car park is shown at FIGURE 3-4. The car park

includes semi-mature trees to approximately 5-7m tall and is accessible via

Rickard Road.

FIGURE 3-4: VIEW EAST OF PROPOSAL SITE (from eastern Site boundary)

Two detention basins (with vegetated berms) lie north of the Site. Beyond which

is former rural land (now vacant awaiting redevelopment); Bringelly Road (a six-

lane road with two rows of trees planted in the median strip, approximately 300m

from the Site); a childcare centre (on the southern side of Bringelly Road); and

residential properties north of Bringelly Road. A view north is shown in FIGURE 3-5.



FIGURE 3-5: VIEW NORTH OF PROPOSAL SITE (from northern Site boundary)

A view of the area south of the Site is shown at FIGURE 3-6. The railway corridor

Borders the Site. Between the railway corridor and Ingleburn Road are rural

properties. Residential properties and Leppington Public School are located

along Rickard Road.

FIGURE 3-6: VICINITY SOUTH OF SITE (view from Dickson Road looking south east)

West of the Site, land slopes toward Scalabrini Creek before the steep

embankment to Dickson Road rail overbridge. A view west of Leppington Station

is shown at FIGURE 3-7.



FIGURE 3-7: VICINITY WEST OF THE PROPOSAL SITE (from western Site boundary)

3.5 Biodiversity

The Site is biodiversity certified under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016,

therefore development may proceed without the usual requirement for a

biodiversity site assessment. In addition, a biodiversity offset is required within the

South West Priority Growth Area.

Vegetation within the adjacent Scalabrini Creek corridor is not biodiversity

certified. Scalabrini Creek flows to Kemps Creek (a tributary of South Creek which

flows into the Hawkesbury River). One tree and a couple of shrubs would be

removed from the non-biodiversity certified area.

3.6 Planned development

Land use within the South West Priority Growth Area is rapidly changing. The NSW

Government has led the redevelopment under the State Environmental Planning

Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006 (Growth Centres SEPP).

A major new centre (Leppington Town Centre) is planned around Leppington

Station. The centre - the largest proposed centre of the South West Priority Growth

Area - is planned for 300,000 residents and to include jobs, retail, bulky goods,

parks, industrial land, housing and commercial activities2.

Leppington Town Centre Masterplan is illustrated at FIGURE 3-8, and shows how

the area is intended to develop over time. The Masterplan shows:

A civic precinct to the north of Leppington Station, between the Station

and Bringelly Road (currently part of the northern commuter car park).

A retail core to the south of Leppington Station, between the Station and

Ingleburn Road (currently the southern commuter car park).

2 Page 11. Aecom, October 2012, Leppington Major Centre Public Domain Strategy



A business park to the east of Rickard Road (currently the site of

Leppington Public School).

Commuter car parking to the west of the Station (north of the railway

corridor) – including the location of the Proposal Site.

Passive open space and drainage corridor between the commuter car

park and Dickson Road.

Mixed use north of the commuter car park and south of the railway

corridor.

FIGURE 3-8: LEPPINGTON TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN (schedule 2, DCP 2013)

The Proposal is located within Camden LGA, however, the area covered by the

Masterplan is partially in Liverpool Council LGA and partially in Camden Council

LGA. Camden City Council Growth Centres Precincts Development Control Plan

2016 and Liverpool Growth Centre Precincts Development Control Plan (DCP,

2013) apply. The DCPs provide detailed guidance on development

characteristics to achieve the intended urban design and amenity outcomes for

Leppington Town Centre.

Rezoning of the area occurred in 2013, allowing a range of planned land uses

such as housing, retail, commercial and industrial to proceed. Zoning around the

Proposal Site is shown at FIGURE 3-9.



FIGURE 3-9: LAND ZONING AROUND THE PROPOSAL SITE3

The vision for Leppington Town Centre is for a vibrant, accessible, high quality

urban centre as the primary focus for employment, retailing, entertainment and

community services. A brief description of the planned character of the area

follows in TABLE 3-1.

TABLE 3-1: PROPOSED LAND USE AND CHARACTER4.

Masterplan

Land use

Location Characteristics

Commuter

car park

Includes the

Proposal site

and east of

the Proposal

site.

Zoned B4, Mixed Use.

Growth Centres SEPP maximum building height to 24m (DCP 2013 maximum

building height of 2-4 storeys). Building setbacks have not been specified.

A 25km/hr service road with provision for bus parking is provided along the

northern side of the commuter car park.

The existing commuter car park directly north of Leppington Station is

planned to be redeveloped as part of the civic precinct.

Civic

Precinct

East of the

Proposal,

around

Leppington

Station, on

ridgeline.

Zoned B4 Commercial Core.

Will contain a Youth Centre, Library and Community Spaces, Performing Arts

Centre, Arts Centre, TAFE Campus, Aquatic/Indoor Recreation Centre and

Health Facility.

Growth Centres SEPP maximum building height is 30m immediately around

Leppington Station and Rickard Road intersection (DCP maximum building

height of 10 storeys).

3 From Growth Centres SEPP, South West Growth Centre Land Zoning Map – Sheet LZN_008 4 based on:

the Growth Centres SEPP the Post-exhibition Leppington Major Centre Master Plan Report, Conybeare Morrison, 20124

Austral and Leppington North Precincts Infrastructure Delivery Plan, 2012, GLN Planning, and Schedule 2 of Liverpool Growth Centre Precincts Development Control Plan (DCP, 2013) which establishes design principles for the centre

and provides detail in relation to planned streetscape and architectural character).



Masterplan

Land use


A 40km/hr Main Street is proposed south (though the retail core) and north

(through the civic precinct).

An artist’s impression of the future civic precinct from Rickard Road looking

south is shown FIGURE 3-10 (Leppington Station on the right).

FIGURE 3-10: ARTIST IMPRESSION – FUTURE RICKARD ROAD VIEW LOOKING SOUTH5

Mixed use Located to

the north of

the Proposal

site.

Zoned B4, Mixed Use.

Ground floor retail with potential for office and professional suites at first floor

level. Residential apartment accommodation, incorporating a component

of adaptable Seniors Living, for the upper levels.

The Growth Centres SEPP maximum building height is 24m (DCP 2013

maximum building height is 4-6 storeys).

An example of the type of residential apartments that might appear above

ground floor retail is shown at FIGURE 3-11.

FIGURE 3-11: EXAMPLES OF HOUSING ABOVE ACTIVE RETAIL GROUND FLOOR6

Medium

density

Residential

South of the

Proposal

Site, east of

Dickson

Road with

frontages to

Ingleburn

Road and

Dickson

Road

Zoned R3, Medium Density Residential.

Aims to provide a variety of housing types within a medium density

residential environment: townhouses, small lot housing and apartments with

views over a revegetated creek corridor and easy walking proximity to the

Station and retail core.

Dwelling density would be 25 dwellings per hectare7.

5 Conybeare morrison, Leppington Town Centre Masterplan, 2012, p8 6 DPIE, Sydenham to Bankstown – Draft Urban Renewal Corridor Strategy. Building Types 7 Growth Centres SEPP, South West Growth Centre Residential Density Map Sheet RDN_008



Masterplan

Land use


Growth Centres SEPP maximum building height of 21m (DCP 2013 maximum

building height is 4-6 storeys). An example of the type of residential

apartments that might be developed is shown at FIGURE 3-12.

FIGURE 3-12: EXAMPLES OF MEDIUM DENSITY

HOUSING8

Scalabrini

open space

corridor

West of the

Proposal site

Zoned RE1, Public Recreation adjacent the Proposal Site.

Zoned SP2, Local Drainage between Dickson Road and Scalabrini Creek.

The Scalabrini Creek floodplain would be part of a green corridor providing

a recreational open space network, with lakeside parks, pedestrian

promenades and outdoor eating areas.

Within the RE1 zone:

o will be a 3m wide shared pedestrian/cycle path. It will travel south

under the railway corridor, and north to connect to the Civic Precinct

via a dedicated cycle path within a 50km/hour collector road.

o The shared pedestrian/cycle path will not travel along the service road

proposed north of the commuter car park.

Within the SP2 zone:

o development would be limited as the land would be dedicated to

stormwater flows.

o Scalabrini Creek is a Riparian Protection Area and native vegetation is

protected along the creek9.

The concept design for open space corridors incorporating Riparian

Protection areas is shown at FIGURE 3-13.

FIGURE 3-13: CONCEPT - OPEN SPACE CORRIDOR INCORPORTATING RIPARIAN

PROTECTION AREAS10

8 DPIE, Sydenham to Bankstown – Draft Urban Renewal Corridor Strategy. Building Types 9 SEPP (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006. South West Growth Centre Residential Density Map Sheet RPN_008 and NVP_008 10 Schedule 2 of Liverpool Growth Centre Precincts Development Control Plan (DCP, 2013), Figure 4-17



Rail

An extension to the South West Rail Link is planned11 to connect Leppington

Station to the North South Rail Line corridor and Western Sydney Airport. The new

corridor would be generally 60m wide and accommodate up to four railway

tracks, comprising two tracks in each direction.

Road

Roads in the area are being upgraded to cater for the planned heavier traffic

loads:

Bringelly Road was upgraded (2018) from a two-lane to a six-lane

divided road to become a principal arterial transport corridor.

Rickard Road (upgrade in progress) will be a key north-south transport

link and include dedicated bus lanes in each direction12.

Dickson Road upgrade (2018) included a new rail over bridge and

extended to Bringelly Road.

11 TfNSW, North South Rail Line and South West Rail Link Extension corridor identification, https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/corridors/nsrl-swrl accessed 15 December 2019 12 https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/rickard-road-upgrade/index.html accessed 31 December 2019

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/corridors/nsrl-swrl

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/rickard-road-upgrade/index.html



4 Project description

This section outlines the major components and work items of the Proposal.

4.1 Scope of work

The Proposal for additional commuter car parking for Leppington Station is part

of the Commuter Car Park Program. The Proposal involves the construction and

operation of a multi-storey car park adjacent to the existing at-grade commuter

car park which is accessed from Rickard Road.

FIGURE 4-1 shows the footprint of the proposed car park. FIGURE 4-2 shows the

location and key elements of the concept design.

Key components13

The Proposal would include the following key elements:

provision of a ground level plus four levels (including rooftop) commuter

car park including:

o approximately 1,000 commuter car parking spaces

o approximately 20 additional accessible car parking spaces in

the station precinct

o internal circulation ramps connecting the levels

o two lifts and six sets of stairs

o provision for electric vehicle charging stations

o Opal Park and Ride infrastructure

o separate vehicle exit and entry points on the eastern face of the

car park

roadworks to facilitate access and egress for pedestrians and vehicles

via the existing at-grade commuter car park

installation of renewable energy options such as solar panels and

battery storage

installation of fencing around the multi-storey car park where necessary

wayfinding signage for traffic and pedestrians

ancillary works including services diversion and/or relocation, drainage

works, landscaping, installation of lighting, installation of handrails and

balustrades and new infrastructure including CCTV cameras.

In addition, the Site is biodiversity certified with an offset required. The offset

provision is not within the scope of work of this assessment.

13 The description of the Proposal has been provided by Pitt & Sherry based on the concept design and is subject to detailed design.



FIGURE 4-1: PROPOSED CAR PARK FOOTPRINT (INDICATIVE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DETAILED DESIGN)14

FIGURE 4-2: OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED CAR PARK FROM THE SOUTH WEST15

Design features

The key design features of the Proposal include:

Construction of a multi-storey car park (ground level plus four levels

(including roof-top parking), approximately 14m high, connected by

internal circulation ramps, with provision of approximately 1,000

commuter car parking spaces.

Roadworks to facilitate access and egress for pedestrians and vehicles

via the existing at-grade car park.

14 Figure provided by Pitt&Sherry 15 Subject to detailed design. Figure provided by Pitt&Sherry



Way-finding signage for pedestrian circulation.

New fencing around all sides of the site.

Ancillary works including services diversion and/or relocation, drainage

works, installation of lighting, installation of handrails and balustrades

and new infrastructure including CCTV cameras.

The Proposal would be designed having regard to the following design

standards:

o Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (issued

under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992)

o National Construction Code

o Relevant Australian Standards

o Asset Standards Authority standards

o Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme (v1.2)

o TfNSW Urban Design Guidelines

o Guidelines for the Development of Public Transport Interchange Facilities (Ministry of Transport, 2008)

o Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles

o Other TfNSW policies and guidelines

o Relevant council standards.

Materials and finishes

The Proposal involves a ground floor concrete slab and the addition of four

suspended levels above for the multi-storey car park.

Selection of materials and finishes would be confirmed during the detailed

design process, and would include consideration of the following:

Colour options - most likely to be based on a natural design scheme with

colours and tones to blend the car park with the natural elements of the

neighbourhood, and to create a less obtrusive façade.

Structural screening treatments for the façade - which could be applied

to maintain optimum ventilation to comply with the requirements of an

open-deck car park.

4.2 Construction

The proposed construction area is shown FIGURE 4-3.

Timing

Construction is expected to commence in mid 2020 and take around 15 months

to complete, subject to approval. 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.



FIGURE 4-3: PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AREA16

Site establishment

Access during construction would be from Rickard Road, via the existing,

northern, at-grade car park.

A material handling / storage area would be located within the Site along the

railway corridor and western boundaries. Temporary construction compounds /

worker amenities would be established along the eastern Site boundary, within

the existing commuter compound.

Vegetation identified for removal (trees, shrubs and grasses) would be cleared.

Major works

Earthworks would occur for car park foundations and support structures, roads,

pathways, drainage/stormwater works and underground services. Excavated

material volume is expected to be small.

Substructure pile foundations would be installed, then the concrete

superstructure floors, ramps, stairs and lift shafts formed and poured. Building

services, balustrades and external cladding would be installed, and associated

works such as footpaths, ramps, kerbs, fences and road surfacing completed.

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

16 Figure provided by TfNSW



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.

4.3 Project elements visible at operation

Once completed, the main Proposal elements that would be visible would be:

A 14m high (approximately) multi-storey carpark, approximately 126m

long and 57m wide. Comprised of:

o concrete slab construction

o finished in colours and tones to blend with the natural

environment

o with structural screening treatments for the façade.

New landscaping, signage and lighting.

Extended footpaths and possibly new configuration of existing car park

roads.



5 Impact on 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.

5.1 Landscape character

The existing landscape is undergoing rapid and significant re-development. The

low-density rural character of the area is in the process of changing to a high-

density urban form. Very little of the existing rural character will be retained under

the planned Leppington Town Centre development.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the landscape around the Site, impact

on landscape character is assessed in terms of existing landscape character

(refer to Section 5.2) and planned landscape character (refer to Section 5.3).

5.2 Existing character

Sensitivity

Existing landscape character is rated as having low sensitivity:

The Site is quite densely vegetated and near to Scalabrini Creek,

however, it is biodiversity certified to enable development.

There is significant infrastructure near the Site (railway corridor, Dickson

Road rail overbridge, Leppington Station, commuter car parking).

The vicinity is undergoing major transformation including the upgrade of

local roads to arterial routes, construction of residential and senior

residential care estates within the surrounding rural landscape, and has

been rezoned for the planned Leppington Town Centre which will cater

to 300,000 people.

Magnitude of change

The Proposal would have a moderate magnitude of change on existing

landscape character:

The Proposal would result in total loss of vegetation at the Site. However,

vegetation within Scalabrini Creek corridor would be retained,

maintaining the green, treed character along the creek line and

adjacent to Dickson Road.

The Proposal is a relatively minor component of the overall infrastructure

plans for Leppington Town Centre. However, until neighbouring facilities

and buildings are constructed, the Proposal would be the tallest and

largest structure in the vicinity.

As the Proposal would be constructed on lower lying land and adjacent

the vegetated creek corridor, the scale and bulk of the Proposal would

be less visible than if located on higher land.



Impact

The low sensitivity ranking, combined with the moderate magnitude of change

during, leads to an overall moderate-low level of impact to landscape

character.

5.3 Planned future character

Sensitivity

The planned future landscape character is rated as having moderate sensitivity:

An attractive community has been planned.

All built elements within Leppington Town Centre will contribute to its

overall character as a vibrant, high-quality destination, therefore the

design of each is important.

The Site is near a planned major public recreational corridor (Scalabrini

Creek) which is intended to hold public events and facilitate a key

pedestrian and cycle network.

Magnitude of change

The Proposal would have a low magnitude of change on the future landscape

character:

The Proposal would include high quality finishes and colours that are

muted and complement the recreational corridor.

The Proposal height (approximately 14m: four storeys with roof-top

parking) is within the SEPP maximum building height (24m) and generally

consistent with the DCP 2013 requirements for the commuter car park

site (2-4 storeys).

The Proposal is consistent with the planned use for the Site in

accordance with the Leppington Town Centre Masterplan.

Impact

The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with the low magnitude of change

during, leads to an overall moderate-low level of impact to future landscape

character.

5.4 Summary of impact

A summary of impact to landscape character is provided in TABLE 5-1.

TABLE 5-1: SUMMARY OF LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IMPACTS

Character Sensitivity Magnitude Landscape character impact

Existing Low Moderate Moderate-low

Planned future Moderate Low Moderate-low



6 Impact on views

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.

Visibility is assessed in terms of existing viewpoints (refer to Section 6.1) and

potential future viewpoints within the planned Leppington Town Centre (refer to

Section 6.2).

6.1 Existing viewpoints

6.1.1 Extent of visibility

The Proposal would have limited visibility due to:

Existing trees within the surrounding rural properties, along Scalabrini

Creek, within Rickard Road and Dickson Road reserves, and within the

existing commuter car park.

The generally flat landform coupled with Dickson Road being elevated

(preventing views from further west), and Leppington Station/Rickard

Road being on a ridgeline and elevated (preventing views from further

east).

An approximate visual envelope is shown at FIGURE 6-1.

6.1.2 Assessed viewpoints

The nearest existing sensitive viewpoints (VPs) are residences on Bringelly, Rickard

and Ingleburn Road; Leppington Public School on Rickard Road; and a child

care centre on Bringelly Road. Less sensitive viewpoints are from surrounding

roads (Dickson Road, Bringelly Road and Rickard Road).

Seven viewpoints have been identified for assessment - all within 1km of the Site.

They are listed below by distance from the Site and are shown at FIGURE 6-1:

VP1: Dickson Road (approximately 175m west)

VP2: Bringelly Road (approximately 250m north)

VP3: Rickard Road north-east of Site (approximately 360m north-east)

VP4: Rickard Road east of Site (approximately 425m east)

VP5: Rickard Road south-east of Site (approximately 525m south-east)

VP6: Leppington Public School (approximately 775m south-east)

VP7: Ingleburn Road/Rickard Road intersection (approximately 900m

south).

Existing viewpoints are described and assessed in TABLE 6-1 to TABLE 6-7.



FIGURE 6-1: EXISTING LANDSCAPE - APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY AND IDENTIFIED VIEWPOINTS FOR ASSESSMENT



TABLE 6-1: VP1 – DICKSON ROAD

Distance Approximately 175m west of the Proposal Site.

Viewpoint

characteristics

Closest public viewing location. Dickson Road is elevated above the Site as it passes over the

rail corridor. VP1 provides the closest publicly accessible view of the Site and is relatively close.

Potential

viewers

Public views of road users (vehicle users, pedestrians and cyclists).

Existing View The existing view toward the Site includes Scalabrini Creek corridor in the foreground and

Leppington Station in the background. An image of the existing view is shown FIGURE 6-2 and

is taken from the footpath on the eastern side of Dickson Road. It is typical of the elevated

view of pedestrians and other road users (although not directly in the line of sight of drivers).

Existing

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as low:

Relatively small number of road users.

Viewed in passing. Little opportunity for prolonged view.

The Site is not visually distinct from the surroundings. It is at a similar elevation to

Scalabrini Creek and similarly vegetated.

Proposed view A photomontage has been prepared to illustrate the Proposal following construction

(independently prepared by Cambium Group) and is shown at FIGURE 6-3.

Magnitude of

impact

The magnitude of change is rated as low:

The Proposal would be a recognisable new element, and relatively close.

Existing vegetation along Scalabrini Creek corridor would partially screen the Proposal.

Proposed planting within the Scalabrini Creek corridor would further screen the car park

in the future.

Level of

Impact

The low sensitivity ranking, combined with the low magnitude of change, leads to an overall low

level of impact.



FIGURE 6-2: VP1 - EXISTING VIEW



FIGURE 6-3: VP1 – PHOTOMONTAGE POST-CONSTRUCTION



TABLE 6-2: VP2 – BRINGELLY ROAD

Distance Road is approximately 300m north. Child care centre is approximately 250m north and residences

approximately 350m north.

Viewpoint

characteristics

Viewpoint includes three residences on the northern side of Bringelly Road and a child care

centre on the southern side of Bringelly Road. All are at a similar ground level to the Site. VP2 is

the closest residential view.

Potential

viewers

Private views from residences. Views of staff, visitors and children at the child care centre. Public

views of users of Bringelly Road.

Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of trees behind a vegetated berm. An image of the existing

view from Bringelly Road (west of the child care centre) is shown FIGURE 6-4 and is taken from

the footpath on the southern side of Bringelly Road. Residences are approximately 60m further

north (at the closest), and their view would be obscured by Bringelly Road (six-lane arterial road

with two rows of trees within the median).

Existing

Sensitivity


Bringelly Road residents view the Site across a six-lane arterial road with two rows of trees

within the median.

The child care centre is surrounded by solid tall fencing restricting views.

For road users, the Site is an incidental part of the view.

Proposed view A photomontage has been prepared to illustrate the Proposal following construction

(independently prepared by Cambium Group) and is shown at FIGURE 6-5.

Magnitude of

impact

The magnitude of change is rated as moderate:

Trees would be removed from the Site.

Tall equipment and heavy vehicles would be seen temporarily at the Site.

Vegetation north and east would partially screen lower levels of the Proposal.

The Proposal would be temporarily dominant in scale, until planned additional

construction commences associated with Leppington Town Centre.

Level of

Impact

The low sensitivity ranking, combined with the moderate magnitude of change, leads to an

overall moderate-low level of impact.



FIGURE 6-4: VP2 - EXISTING VIEW



FIGURE 6-5: VP2 – PHOTOMONTAGE POST-CONSTRUCTION



TABLE 6-3: VP3 –RICKARD ROAD NORTH-EAST OF SITE

Distance Approximately 360m north-east.

Viewpoint

characteristics

Viewpoint includes two residences on the western side of Rickard Road. Viewpoint is slightly elevated

compared to the Proposal Site.

Potential

viewers

Private views from residences.

Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of tall trees beyond the northern commuter car park. (An image

from this viewpoint was not possible).

Existing

Sensitivity


The Site is not visually prominent.

The view is relatively wide, including Scalabrini Creek corridor, the commuter car park, and

rural land south of the railway corridor.

The Site occupies a relatively small proportion of the view.

Magnitude of

impact


The removal of trees, tall equipment and heavy vehicles would be seen temporarily at the

Site.

Once constructed, the Proposal would be lower in height than trees along the Scalabrini

Creek corridor. Background vegetation would help conceal the Proposal and reduce its

visual prominence.

Vegetation within the commuter car park would partially screen the lower levels of the

Proposal.

Level of

Impact


level of impact.



TABLE 6-4: VP4 – RICKARD ROAD EAST OF SITE

Distance Approximately 425m east the Site.

Viewpoint

characteristics

Viewpoint is elevated as it passes over the railway corridor.

Potential

viewers

Public views from users of Rickard Road and customers of Leppington Station.

Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of trees between the car park and Scalabrini Creek corridor.

An image of the existing view from Rickard Road (near Leppington Station northern access road)

is shown below. The approximate position of the Proposal is shown in pink.

Image of

existing view

with

approximate

position of

Proposal

FIGURE 6-6: TYPICAL VIEW FROM RICKARD ROAD TOWARD SITE

Existing

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the view toward the Proposal is rated as low:

Viewers are moving through the viewpoint.

The view of the Site is incidental and not visually prominent.

The Site is relatively insignificant behind existing car park trees.

The Site occupies a relatively small proportion of the view.

Magnitude of

impact


Construction activity would appear in the background partially screened by existing

trees.

The Proposal would occupy a relatively small area of the view.

Vegetation within the background is likely to appear above the height of the Proposal.

Level of Impact The low sensitivity ranking, combined with the low magnitude of change, leads to an overall low

level of impact.



TABLE 6-5: VP5 –RICKARD ROAD SOUTH-EAST OF SITE

Distance Approximately 525m south-east of the Site

Viewpoint

characteristics

Viewpoint includes up to three residences on Rickard Road. The location is elevated approximately

15m higher than the Site.

Potential

viewers

Private views from residences.

Existing View The Site is not readily visible from Rickard Road, but is potentially visible from the rear of some

residential properties along Rickard Road. An image from this viewpoint was not possible.

Existing

Sensitivity


The view from residences is wide and oriented toward the west. The Site is an incidental

part of the wider view.

The Site is seen behind railway corridor infrastructure.

Viewers are not in close proximity (approximately half a kilometre away).

Magnitude of

impact


Trees in the background along Scalabrini Creek would appear above the height of the

Proposal, reducing its potential impact.

Trees proposed between the Proposal and the railway corridor (under the Leppington

Town Centre Masterplan) would screen the lower levels of the Proposal and reduce its

visibility overtime.

Muted colours of the Proposal would reduce contrast.

Level of

Impact


level of impact.

TABLE 6-6: VP6 – LEPPINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL

Distance Approximately 775m south-east of the Site

Viewpoint

characteristics

Viewpoint includes Leppington Public School and residences near the school on the eastern side

of Rickard Road. The location is elevated approximately 10m higher than the Site.

Potential

viewers

Views of School visitors, staff and students. Private views from residences.

Existing view Vegetation along Scalabrini Creek and some trees within the Proposal Site would be visible.

Existing

Sensitivity


The Site occupies a relatively small proportion of the available view.

Trees and farm infrastructure in the foreground limit visibility.

Views are only possible from the southern-most school building and school entry point.

Viewers are not in close proximity (over half a kilometre away).

Relocation of the School is planned under the Leppington Town Centre Masterplan.

Magnitude of

impact




Trees in the background along Scalabrini Creek would appear above the height of the

Proposal, reducing its potential impact.

Trees in the foreground would partially screen the Proposal.

Future trees proposed between the Proposal and the railway corridor (under the

Leppington Town Centre Masterplan) would reduce visibility of the Proposal overtime.


Level of

Impact


level of impact.

TABLE 6-7: VP7 – INGLEBURN ROAD/RICKARD ROAD INTERSECTION

Distance 900m south of the Site

Viewpoint

characteristics

Viewpoint includes residences near, and on the northern side of, the intersection of Ingleburn Road

and Rickard Road. The location is elevated approximately 10m higher than the Site.

Potential

viewers

Private views from rear of residences.

Existing view The Site is not readily visible from the vicinity of the intersection but is potentially visible from the rear

of some residential properties near the intersection.

Existing

Sensitivity


The Site occupies a very small area of the existing view.

Trees and farm infrastructure in the foreground limits views.

Viewers are not in close proximity (almost 1km away).

Magnitude of

impact


The Proposal would occupy a relatively small area of the view.

Vegetation in the foreground would partially screen the Proposal. Trees in the background

would appear slightly above the height of the Proposal.


Level of

Impact


level of impact.

6.2 Future viewpoints

6.2.1 Extent of visibility

The Proposal would have limited visibility in the future due to the surrounding

planned land use and approved maximum building heights. North, south-east

and east of the Proposal, views would be limited by:

Mixed use development to the north and south of the Proposal - up to

24m building height (or 4-6 storeys as per DCP 2013).

Planned Civic Precinct to the north around Leppington Station (up to

30m in height (or 10 storeys as per DCP 2013).



Vegetation within the protected riparian area of Scalabrini Creek,

proposed parks and along the railway corridor.

Elevated Dickson Road to the west.

An approximate visual envelope is shown at FIGURE 6-7.

FIGURE 6-7: PLANNED FUTURE LAND USE - APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY AND ASSESSED VIEWPOINTS

6.2.2 Future viewpoints identified for assessment

The nearest sensitive viewing locations would be a planned recreational corridor

along Scalabrini Creek to the west, medium density residential development to

the south, and potential residential flat buildings within the mixed use precinct to

the north. Less sensitive views may also be possible from Dickson Road (previously

assessed in TABLE 6-1.

Three future viewpoints (FVPs) have been identified for assessment and are

shown at FIGURE 6-7:



FVP1: Scalabrini Creek corridor (west of the Proposal)

FVP2: Mixed use precinct (north of the Proposal)

FVP3: Medium density residential (south-west of the Proposal).

6.2.3 Assessment of future viewpoints

Viewpoints are described and assessed in TABLE 6-8 to TABLE 6-10.

TABLE 6-8: FVP1 – SCALABRINI CREEK CORRIDOR

Distance Immediately adjacent the Proposal site to the west.

Future

viewpoint

characteristics

The Scalabrini Creek corridor has been reserved as Local Open Space (RE1) under the Growth

Centres SEPP. It is planned to be developed as an attractive green space for recreation with

linkages through the centre and to surrounding residential areas.

Future

potential

viewers

Public views from the open space corridor - users using the planned pathways, recreational

nodes and green spaces.

Future

sensitivity

The sensitivity of the view toward the Proposal is rated as moderate:

The open space corridor is intended to be the major north-south connecting open

space element for the new Town Centre. Its linkages are likely be accessed by large

numbers of people.

It is likely to be valued by the public as an important green space close to the new


The open space will be designed as a focus for community events and passive

recreation and is intended to be well-used.

Its setting will be important to its identity and longevity as an attractive community

space.

Magnitude of

impact


The Proposal is within the planned building height for the Site.

The Proposal would be a generally similar scale to, and lower in height than, the mixed

use precinct to the north (also adjacent the open space corridor).

Viewers would be within very close proximity to the Proposal.

Level of

Impact

The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with the low magnitude of change, leads to an

overall moderate-low level of impact.



TABLE 6-9: FVP2 –MIXED USE PRECINCT

Distance Approximately 20m from the Proposal Site to the mixed use precinct.

Future

viewpoint

characteristics

The mixed use precinct (zoned B4 Mixed Use) provides for the inclusion of residential apartment

accommodation. The DCP 2013 maximum building height is 4-6 storeys.

Future

potential

viewers

Private views may be possible from residential apartments which would be on the upper floors

of mixed use buildings.

Future

sensitivity


Private viewers could potentially be in close proximity directly opposite the Proposal.

Some viewers could potentially have an elevated viewing position and look over the

car park to the Scalabrini Creek open space corridor (car park would appear in the

foreground of views).

For most viewers, however, views to the car park (if available) would be limited by other

buildings within the mixed-use zone.

Magnitude of

impact


The Proposal is generally within the planned building height for the Site.

For residents on upper levels, glare from rooftop cars may be a potential issue.

The Proposal design (including structural screening, muted colours, textures and

landscaping) would help reduce potential visual dominance of the Proposal.

Level of

Impact


level of impact.

TABLE 6-10: FVP3 – MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

Distance Approximately 160m (at the closest) south-west of the Site.

Future

viewpoint

characteristics

Medium density residential buildings (including townhouses, small lot housing and apartments)

around 4-6 storeys in height overlooking Scalabrini Creek. The elevation of the residential zone

is similar to that of the car park.

Future

potential

viewers

Private views may be possible from the upper floors of taller residential buildings.

Future

sensitivity


The view from residential building would focus on the open space corridor in the

foreground and on taller buildings in the civic precinct to the north-east.

Views of the Proposal, if possible, would be from upper floors of the residential buildings,

and the Proposal would be seen across the railway corridor.

Views from upper floors would be quite wide, and the Proposal would be a relatively

small component of the view.



Magnitude of

impact


The Proposal would likely be lower in height than buildings within the mixed use precinct

and civic precinct, and not be visually dominant within the view.

If visible, it is likely only the top of the Proposal (possibly the top two levels) that would

be visible above existing and proposed trees.

Screening vegetation planned along the railway corridor, within the protected Riparian

Protection Area along Scalabrini Creek, and trees planted within the recreational open

space corridor would, over time, likely screen views to the Proposal.

The car park would be constructed ahead of residential development. There would be

no visual impact from construction.

Level of

Impact


level of impact.

6.3 Summary of visual impact

The assessed impact of the Proposal on existing views is summarised in TABLE 6-11.

The assessed impact of the Proposal on future views is summarised in TABLE 6-12.

TABLE 6-11: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO EXISTING VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Assessed visual

impact

VP1: Dickson Road Low Low Low

VP2: Bringelly Road Low Moderate Moderate-low

VP3: Rickard Road north-east of Site Low Low Low

VP4: Rickard Road east of Site Low Low Low

VP5: Rickard Road south-east of Site Low Low Low

VP6: Leppington Public School Low Low Low

VP7: Ingleburn Road/ Rickard Road intersection Low Low Low

TABLE 6-12: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO FUTURE VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Assessed visual

impact

FVP1: Scalabrini Creek corridor Moderate Low Moderate-low

FVP2: Mixed use precinct Low Low Low

FVP3: Medium density residential Low Low Low



7 Mitigation measures

This section describes the positive design measures of the Proposal and

additional measures that are recommended to improve the visual outcome.

Consistency with the Growth Centres SEPP provisions and design guidelines in

DCP 2013 will be required to create the intended vibrant, high quality design,


7.1 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 under the Growth

Centres SEPP for the purposes of a commuter car park.

The location, on lower-lying land, reduces potential visibility.

The height of the Proposal is within the Growth Centres SEPP

requirement of 24m and generally compatible the DCP 2013 maximum

building height of 2-4 storeys for the commuter car park site.

The height of the Proposal would be slightly lower than trees within

Scalabrini Creek corridor, and potentially lower than buildings within

the planned mixed use precinct to the north (which has a DCP 2013

maximum building height of 4-6 storeys) and civic precinct to the north-

east (which has a DCP 2013 maximum building height of 10 storeys).

The Proposal would 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 to create a less

obtrusive façade.

The Proposal aligns with the planned mixed use precinct development

envelope to the north.

Appropriate structural screening treatments would be applied to the

facade.

All lighting would be designed and installed in accordance with the

requirements of AS4282 Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor

Lighting.

Unnecessary loss or damage to vegetation external to the Site would

be avoided by protecting trees prior to construction and/or trimming

vegetation (if necessary).

An Urban Design Plan would be prepared which includes landscaping.



7.2 Additional measures

In addition to the above, the following measures listed in TABLE 7-1 are

recommended to further improve the outcome for the planned community.

TABLE 7-1: MITIGATION MEASURES

Mitigation Measure Relationship to DCP 2013

Provide an attractive Proposal façade along the frontage with

the open space corridor.

Locate ancillary activities, such as bin storage, away from the

open space frontage, and screen them from public view.

As per clause 5.1.1 (7): Buildings are to be

orientated to provide attractive, active

building frontages and passive surveillance to

public open space, land zoned for drainage

purposes, plazas, squares and pedestrian

through-site links.

As per clause 2.2.4 (1): the design, orientation,

size and bulk of buildings compliment the

public domain.

As per clause 2.2.4 (10): Ancillary activities

such as parking, loading and service areas

are visually screened from the public domain.

Use landscaping along/near the frontage with the open space

corridor to filter views to the car park while maintaining passive

surveillance sightlines.

As per clause 5.5 (9): Car parks are not to be

visible from public parks, squares or plazas).

Use local species characteristic of the Scalabrini Creek corridor

for the planting palette.

As per clause 5.3 (6): Landscaping of

development sites adjacent to Scalabrini

Creek and Bonds Creek is to integrate with

the natural characteristics of the existing

vegetation or vegetation to be re-

established along these creek corridors.

Native (locally indigenous) plant species are

to be the dominant landscape species in

these locations.

Provide dense screen planting along the railway corridor. As per the Leppington Town Centre

Masterplan, 2012.

Materials used for new structures to be non-reflective and colours

to be recessive.

Paint ancillary features to decrease their visibility and contrast

(dark grey is generally considered a good colour for ancillary

infrastructure).

Fences should have a dulled, darkened finish to reduce contrast.

Black or dark grey is generally a suitable colour.

N/A

Prior to construction, avoid unnecessary loss or damage to

vegetation within the Scalabrini Creek corridor by protecting

N/A



Mitigation Measure Relationship to DCP 2013

trees and/or trimming vegetation (if necessary) to avoid total

removal.

Following completion of the Proposal, actively remove weeds

during operations and maintain landscaping and grounds to a

high standard.

N/A

Clause 5.5 (3) of DCP 2013 discourages rooftop parking to preserve the future

amenity for residential flat buildings located in the centre), however, this

measure was not feasible.



8 Key findings and conclusion

The Proposal is to construct a multi-level commuter car park near Leppington

Station, adjacent an existing commuter car park, at a Site zoned for the purpose

of commuter car park.

Context

The vicinity of Leppington Station is planned to change significantly within the

next 10 or so years. The planned future development of the area will lead to a

significant transition from an environment that is predominantly rural in character

to a high-density urban character. Existing rural properties, agricultural/industrial

and market gardens in the area will re-develop under the Growth Centres SEPP

into Leppington Town Centre - a major regional centre of Sydney.

The Proposal

The Proposal would result in removal of all vegetation at the Site and construction

of a multi-storey car park (ground level, plus four levels including rooftop parking

- approximately 14m high, 126m long and 57m wide) of concrete slab

construction, finished in muted colours and tones, with structural screening

treatments for the facade.

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 existing and planned

landscape character.

Existing

The Proposal would result in total loss of vegetation at the Site, and until planned

neighbouring buildings are constructed, the Proposal would be the largest and

tallest built structure in the vicinity. However, vegetation within Scalabrini Creek

corridor would be retained, maintaining the dominant green, treed character

along the creek line. Taller trees along Scalabrini Creek would exceed the height

of the Proposal, reducing its overall impact. The assessed impact to landscape

character is moderate-low.

Planned

The Proposal is consistent with the planned use for the Site. The height of the

Proposal (provisionally 14m) is within the Growth Centres SEPP maximum height

limit (24m), and generally consistent with the DCP 2013 height for the planned

commuter car park site (2-4 storeys). The scale of the Proposal would be similar

to planned buildings within the mixed use precinct to the north, and smaller than

civic centre buildings (up to 30m) located on higher land closer to Leppington

Station.

All built elements within Leppington Town Centre will contribute to its overall

character. The success of Leppington Town Centre as the intended vibrant, high-

quality destination will require consistency with the Growth Centres SEPP

provisions and design guidelines in DCP 2013. Proposed and additional

mitigation measures included in this report align the design of the Proposal to the



intended town centre character. The assessed impact to the future landscape

character is moderate-low.

Impact to views

Due to the planned redevelopment of the area, impact to views has been

assessed in terms of existing and future viewpoints within the redeveloped


Existing

Seven existing viewpoints have been assessed, including four residential

viewpoints (the closest being 360m to the north, the furthest almost one kilometre

to the south), a school and child care centre, and public views from nearby road.

The assessed visual impact from all viewpoints is moderate-low or low.

The most significant impact occurs due to the removal of trees at the Site. This

change is expected as part of the development of Leppington Town Centre. The

Proposal would be temporarily dominant in scale, until planned additional

construction commences associated with Leppington Town Centre.

Future

Three future viewpoints have been assessed, including potential views from the

proposed Scalabrini Creek recreational corridor (west) and from two planned

residential areas: the mixed use precinct (north), and the medium density

residential precinct (south). The assessed visual impact from future viewpoints is

moderate-low or low.

Potential issues include the interface of the Proposal with the recreational

corridor; and possible close, elevated views of residents living within the mixed

use precinct. Mitigation measures have been included in this report to improve

the design outcome such as landscaping.

Conclusion

In summary, the Proposal would result in temporary adverse visual impacts to

existing viewpoints (due to loss of trees and the introduction of a new, large

structure). However, following the ongoing development of the planned

Leppington Town Centre, views within the area will change significantly, and the

Proposal would integrate within the new urban environment.



9 References

Aecom, October 2012, Leppington Major Centre Public Domain Strategy

Camden Development Control Plan , 2013

Conybeare Morrison (September 2012) Leppington Town Centre Masterplan

Final Report

GLN Planning for NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure, 2012, Austral

and Leppington North Precincts Infrastructure Delivery Plan

Liverpool Growth Centre Precincts DCP 2013 - Schedules 1 & 2 (Austral and

Leppington North & Leppington Major Centre)

Roads and Maritime Services (December 2018) Guideline for Landscape

Character and Visual Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment

Practice Note EIA-N04

State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006

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

https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Plans-and-policies/camden-growth-centre-precincts-development-control-plan-2017-01-17.pdf

https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Reports/liverpool-schedule-1-austral-and-leppington-north-part-1-2013-03.pdf

https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Reports/liverpool-schedule-1-austral-and-leppington-north-part-1-2013-03.pdf

leppington station proposed car park...and the ’t5 leppington to richmond line’. a location map...

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