proposed car park edmondson park station...2 edmondson park station proposed (south) commuter car...

i EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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i EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

DATE: 18 May 2020

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

PREPARED BY: Stacey Brodbeck, MEnvPlan, BLArch

AILA Registered Landscape Architect and PIA Registered Planner

& Alison Dodds, PGCert Public Policy, BPlan, BLArch

PIA Registered Planner

ENVISAGE DOCUMENT NO.: 15219

ENVISAGE CONSULTING PTY LTD

ABN 89 139 313 296


DOCUMENT CONTROL

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

1 13.03.2020 Draft Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds

2 23.03.2020 Draft Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds

3 21.04.2020 Final Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds

4 18 May 2020 Final Stacey Brodbeck Alison Dodds

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

ii EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


Contents

1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Purpose of this report ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Proposal overview ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Report format ............................................................................................................................................. 2

2 Assessment methodology .................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Assessment .................................................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Field survey ................................................................................................................................................. 4 2.3 Photography ............................................................................................................................................... 4

3 Site context ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 3.1 Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.2 Site description ........................................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 Existing vegetation ..................................................................................................................................... 6 3.4 Edmondson Park Town Centre ................................................................................................................. 7

4 Project description .............................................................................................................................................. 10 4.1 Design elements ....................................................................................................................................... 10 4.2 Materials and finishes ............................................................................................................................... 13 4.3 Rooftop solar panels (optional) .............................................................................................................. 13 4.4 Construction ............................................................................................................................................. 14

5 Impact assessment .............................................................................................................................................. 16 5.1 Landscape character impacts .............................................................................................................. 16

5.1.1 Assessment of impact to landscape character ................................................................... 17 5.2 Impact to viewpoints ............................................................................................................................... 18

5.2.1 Visibility of the Proposal ........................................................................................................... 18 5.2.2 Assessed viewpoints ................................................................................................................. 18

5.3 Consistency with DCP .............................................................................................................................. 26

6 Mitigation measures ............................................................................................................................................ 27 6.1 Positive visual attributes of the Proposal ................................................................................................ 27 6.2 Additional measures ................................................................................................................................ 27

7 Key findings and conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 28

8 References ........................................................................................................................................................... 30

TABLES

TABLE 2-1: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT RATING MATRIX ............................................................ 3 TABLE 5-1: VP1 - SOUTHERN SIDE OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION (HENDERSON ROAD) ..................................... 20 TABLE 5-2: VP2 - SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE ..................................................................................................... 22 TABLE 5-3: VP3 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE SOUTH .............................................................. 23 TABLE 5-4: VP4 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE EAST ................................................................. 24 TABLE 5-5: VP5 - VIEW FROM NORTHERN SECTION OF SOLDIERS PARADE .............................................................. 25 TABLE 5-6: ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSAL AGAINST EDMONDSON PARK SOUTH DCP 2012 ...................................... 26 TABLE 7-1: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO VIEWPOINTS ............................................................................................... 29

FIGURES

FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION ........................................................................................... 1 FIGURE 3-1: CONTEXT OF PROPOSAL LOCATION ........................................................................................................ 5 FIGURE 3-2: CONTEXT IN VICINITY OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION .......................................................................... 6 FIGURE 3-3: VIEW OF SITE (AN AT-GRADE CAR PARK) LOOKING EAST TOWARDS DEVELOPING TOWN CENTRE ... 7 FIGURE 3-4: EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE CONCEPT PLAN ............................................................................. 8 FIGURE 3-5: MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHTS NEAR EDMONDSON PARK STATION ....................................................... 9 FIGURE 4-1: GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF PROPOSAL .............................................................................................. 11 FIGURE 4-2: PRELIMINARY ELEVATIONS OF PROPOSAL ............................................................................................. 11

iii EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


FIGURE 4-3: ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF PROPOSED CAR PARK, FROM NEAR STATION (INDICATIVE ONLY AND

SUBJECT TO DETAILED DESIGN) ................................................................................................................................... 12 FIGURE 4-4: THREE-DIMENSIONAL OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED COMMUTER CAR PARK LOOKING FROM SOUTH

WEST .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12 FIGURE 4-5: IMAGE OF TYPICAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS WHICH MAY BE INSTALLED ......................................... 13 FIGURE 4-6: SITE ESTABLISHMENT PLAN OUTLINING TEMPORARY SITE FACILITIES ...................................................... 15 FIGURE 5-1: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS BUILDINGS OF A SIMILAR HEIGHT TO THOSE PLANNED FOR

EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE ........................................................................................................................... 16 FIGURE 5-2: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS SHOPS TOPPED WITH APARTMENTS ................................................... 17 FIGURE 5-3: APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY OF PROPOSAL AND ASSESSED VIEWPOINTS ................................................. 19 FIGURE 5-4: VIEW FROM SOUTHERN SIDE OF STATION PLAZA TOWARD SITE ............................................................ 20 FIGURE 5-5: PHOTOMONTAGE (SIMULATED IMAGE) OF LIKELY VIEW OF PROPOSAL FROM VIEWPOINT (VP)1

(FAÇADE DESIGN YET TO BE FINALISED) ..................................................................................................................... 21 FIGURE 5-6: VIEW FROM SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE TOWARDS PROPOSAL SITE........................................... 22 FIGURE 5-7: VIEW FROM NORTHERN END OF SOLDIERS PARADE ............................................................................. 25

1 EDMONDSON PARK STATION PROPOSED (SOUTH) COMMUTER CAR PARK – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this report

This report assesses the landscape character and visual impacts associated with

Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW’s) proposed multi-storey (south) commuter car park

on Henderson Road to the south of Edmondson Park Station (the Proposal) and

supports the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Proposal.

1.2 Proposal overview

The Proposal involves the construction of a multi-storey car park with integration

into the existing road and pedestrian network as part of the Commuter Car Park

Program. The Proposal would provide a multi-storey car park with approximately

1,200 commuter car parking spaces over the existing at-grade car park directly

south of Edmondson Park Station. As the existing site has 216 car parking spaces,

the Proposal would provide approximately 1,000 additional commuter car

parking spaces at this location compared to existing.

Offset parking during construction would be provided north of the station and

would be considered under a separate planning approval.

A location map is provided in FIGURE 1-1. A detailed project description is

provided in SECTION 4.

FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION



1.3 Report format

The report is set out in the following format:

SECTION 2 Defines the methodology for the assessment

SECTION 3 Describes the location and context of the site

SECTION 4 Describes the Proposal and its main visual changes

SECTION 5 Assesses the likely effects to landscape character,

surrounding viewpoints and compares the Proposal with

the DCP

SECTION 6 Describes measures that have been, and could be,

incorporated to improve the visual outcome

SECTION 7 Presents a summary of key findings and a conclusion.



2 Assessment methodology

This section outlines the methodology for the assessment, which is based on the

NSW Roads and Maritime Services’ Guideline for Landscape Character and

Visual Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment Practice Note EIA-

N04, December 2018 (referred to hereafter as the ’Guideline’).

2.1 Assessment

Two assessments are presented in the Guideline to consider the Proposal and

improve design outcomes where possible:

▪ landscape character assessment - the assessment of impact on the

aggregate of an area’s built, natural and cultural character or sense of

place – which helps determine the overall impact of a project on an

area’s character and sense of place.

▪ visual impact assessment - the assessment of impact on views - which

helps define the day to day visual effects of a project on people’s views.

The method to measure impact is based on the combination of sensitivity of the

existing area or view to change, and magnitude of the Proposal on that area or

view. These terms are defined in the Guideline as:

▪ Sensitivity: refers to the qualities of an area, the number and type of

receivers and how sensitive the existing character of the setting is to the

proposed nature of change.

▪ Magnitude: refers to the physical scale of a project, how distant it is and

the contrast it presents to the existing condition.

The combination of sensitivity and magnitude provide the rating of the

landscape character impact for a project, or visual impact for individual

viewpoints (refer TABLE 2-1).

TABLE 2-1: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT RATING MATRIX

Se

nsi

tiv

ity

Magnitude

High Moderate Low Negligible

High High Moderate-high Moderate Negligible

Moderate Moderate-high Moderate Moderate-low Negligible

Low Moderate Moderate-low Low Negligible

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible



Landscape character assessment

The Guideline1 sets out the tasks for landscape character impact assessment:

1. analyse existing landscape character and its sensitivity

2. identify landscape character zones (if required because of the size or

complexity of the project)

3. determine the magnitude of impact

4. assess landscape character impact (based on both the sensitivity of the

character zone and magnitude of the Proposal in that zone).

Visual impact assessment

The Guideline2 sets out the tasks for visual impact assessment:

1. identify the extent of visibility of the Proposal

2. identify existing viewpoints and their sensitivity to change

3. determine the magnitude of change from each viewpoint

4. assess visual impact (based on a composite of the sensitivity of the view

and magnitude of the Proposal in that view).

2.2 Field survey

The Site was inspected 17 December 2019. The inspection included a walk-over

of the Edmondson Park Station precinct and surrounding streets. The day of the

inspection was dry and sunny. An approximate viewshed was determined and

potentially sensitive viewpoints identified. Private property was not accessed.

Viewpoints were assessed from the nearest publicly accessible location.

2.3 Photography

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

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

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

this report were taken by Envisage Consulting on the 17 December 2019. As the

surrounding area is under substantial re-development and active construction

some change is likely to have since occurred.

1 Section 5 of the Guideline 2 Section 6 of the Guideline



3 Site context

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

3.1 Location

Edmondson Park Station is in the suburb of Edmondson Park, within the local

government area (LGA) of Liverpool. The surrounding area is currently

undergoing significant change as it transitions from previous farmland and

scattered settlements to far denser urban development over the next 20 years

as part of the South West Priority Growth Area (part of the NSW Government plan

for prioritised land release to meet the housing needs of the Greater Sydney

region).

Edmondson Park Station is situated along the recently constructed South West

Rail Link which extends from Glenfield Station in the east and terminates at

Leppington Station in the west.

A map showing the general context of Edmondson Park Station is provided as

FIGURE 3-1.

FIGURE 3-1: CONTEXT OF PROPOSAL LOCATION



3.2 Site description

The site and its context within the immediate vicinity of Edmondson Park Station

is shown in FIGURE 3-2, which also identifies the approximate extent of the

developing town centre and surrounding regional park.

FIGURE 3-2: CONTEXT IN VICINITY OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION

Edmondson Park Station is currently accessed via Soldiers Parade, which

connects the two local main roads (Campbelltown Road in the south and

Camden Valley Way in the north). Henderson Road branches off Soldiers Parade

and loops around the station. The station building is a contemporary new

structure that opens to a broad plaza on the eastern side and includes at-grade

pedestrian and cyclist access to each side of the station. There is a bus stop

along Henderson Road on the southern side of the plaza.

A view of the Site is shown in FIGURE 3-3.

3.3 Existing vegetation

The vegetation within the subject site consists entirely of young native trees and

shrubs of planted origin. There is a mix of endemic trees, such as Spotted Gum

(Corymbia maculata) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

and non-endemic native trees and shrubs, including Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis

anacardioides) and Common Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra). Some of the

existing trees can be seen in FIGURE 3-3.



FIGURE 3-3: VIEW OF SITE (AN AT-GRADE CAR PARK) LOOKING EAST TOWARDS DEVELOPING TOWN CENTRE

3.4 Edmondson Park Town Centre

State Environmental Planning Policy (State Significant Precincts) 2005 and the

Edmondson Park South Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 apply to the

Edmondson Park town centre area. Plans are for a mixed use residential,

commercial and retail development within the new Edmondson Park Town

Centre. Plans also include a Regional Parkland of approximately 150 hectares.

The town centre will contain some higher density residential uses, such as shop

top housing and residential flat buildings. The precinct is expected to offer

employment opportunities in retail, services industries, education, home-based

businesses, conservation and recreation, transport-related services, and

construction. The centre extends north from Campbelltown Road and across the

South West Rail Link, incorporating Edmondson Park Station. The centre has a

main street and will be pedestrian friendly by prioritising pedestrian and cycle

movement to and from the centre as well as within it.

Land use zones, building heights and DCP

The Edmondson Park Town Centre Concept Plan and maximum building heights

are illustrated respectively in Figure 3-43 and Figure 3-54. The central, mixed use

town centre zone a maximum height of 24m applies and design principles are

detailed in DCP 2012. The most relevant of those, and the implications in terms

of the Proposal, are described in SECTION 5.

3 Edmondson Park South Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 4 State Environmental Planning Policy (State Significant Precincts) 2005



FIGURE 3-4: EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE CONCEPT PLAN



FIGURE 3-5: MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHTS NEAR EDMONDSON PARK STATION



4 Project description

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

4.1 Design elements

The Proposal involves the construction of a multi-storey car park with integration

into the existing road and pedestrian network as part of the Commuter Car Park

Program. The Proposal would provide a multi-storey car park with approximately

1,200 commuter car parking spaces over the existing at-grade car park directly

south of Edmondson Park Station. As the existing site has 216 car parking spaces,

the Proposal would provide approximately 1,000 additional commuter car

parking spaces at this location compared to existing.

The Proposal would include the following key elements:

▪ removal of the existing at-grade car park including demolition of the

staff facilities and accessible toilet block

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

car park including:

o approximately 1,200 commuter car parking spaces

o approximately 40 accessible parking spaces

o two lifts and six sets of stairs

o internal circulation ramps connecting the levels

o provision for electric vehicle charging stations

o Transport Park&Ride infrastructure

▪ vehicular access and egress from Henderson road directly north of the

site

▪ separation of vehicle access points and pedestrian access paths

▪ installation of renewable energy options such as rooftop solar panels

and battery storage

▪ ancillary works including services diversion and/or relocation, drainage

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

balustrades, with new infrastructure (including CCTV cameras).

Offset parking during construction would be provided station and would be

assessed under a separate planning approval.

The general arrangement of the Proposal is shown in FIGURE 4-1 and preliminary

elevations as FIGURE 4-2. Artist’s impressions5 are provided as FIGURE 4-3 and

FIGURE 4-4.

5 As provided by TfNSW



FIGURE 4-1: GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF PROPOSAL

FIGURE 4-2: PRELIMINARY ELEVATIONS OF PROPOSAL



FIGURE 4-3: ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF PROPOSED CAR PARK, FROM NEAR STATION (INDICATIVE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DETAILED DESIGN)

FIGURE 4-4: THREE-DIMENSIONAL OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED COMMUTER CAR PARK LOOKING FROM SOUTH WEST



4.2 Materials and finishes

The proposed multi-storey car park involves a ground floor concrete slab and

the addition of five suspended levels (i.e. five storeys with rooftop car parking)

above. Selection of materials and finishes would be confirmed as part of the

detailed design process, and would include consideration of the following:

▪ durability, low maintenance and cost effectiveness (including the use of

anti-graffiti paint or coatings)

▪ colour options are most likely to use neutral tones to blend the car park

with the natural elements of the neighbourhood, and to create a less

obtrusive façade

▪ identify appropriate screening treatments which could be applied to

maintain optimum ventilation to comply with the requirements of an

open-deck car park

▪ availability and constructability criteria to ensure resources are readily

available, and for the structure to be constructed with ease and

proficiency.

Consideration would also been given to life cycle impacts which are calculated

by assessing the environmental impacts of materials from the point of extraction,

through to transportation, use, operation and end of life.

4.3 Rooftop solar panels (subject to detailed design)

Rooftop solar panels are proposed to be installed on the car park (subject to

detailed design). The panels would generate solar energy, be non-reflective,

plus provide some partial weather protection for vehicles. An example of typical

panels is provided as FIGURE 4-5.

FIGURE 4-5: IMAGE OF TYPICAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS WHICH MAY BE INSTALLED6

6 Image provided by TfNSW



4.4 Construction

Subject to approval, construction is expected to commence in mid- 2020 and

take around 13 months to complete. The construction methodology would be

further developed during the detailed design of the Proposal by the nominated

construction contractor in consultation with TfNSW.

Work hours

Standard (NSW EPA) construction hours are anticipated (7.00 am to 6.00 pm

Monday to Friday, and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm Saturdays). Night and weekend work

may be periodically required. Approval from TfNSW would be required for any

out of hours work and the affected community would be notified.

Site establishment

Excavations and earthworks would generally be required for the following:

▪ Removal and cut of the existing at-grade car park

▪ Piling and excavation for car park foundations and support structures

▪ Tie-in works in relation to existing roads and pathways

▪ Other minor civil works, including drainage/stormwater works, and

trenching activities for underground service adjustments and

relocations.

Excavated material would be reused onsite where possible or disposed of in

accordance with relevant legislative requirements.

Vegetation removal

It is likely that all existing vegetation on the Site would require removal, this visual

impact assessment is made on that basis. This would include approximately 14

medium-sized trees and 71 small trees, both within the existing at-grade car park

and along the bordering trees.

These trees include a mix of locally native trees, such as Spotted Gum (Corymbia

maculata) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and other

native trees and shrubs, including Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) and

Common Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra).

Temporary site facilities

A temporary construction compound would be required to accommodate a

site office, amenities, laydown and storage area for materials. The site offices,

storage area and compound would be located near the western border of the

site and worker facilities would be located along the northern boundary as

shown in FIGURE 4-6.

Plant and equipment

Construction would require use of large equipment, including:

▪ Trucks ▪ Lighting towers ▪ Bobcat

▪ Crane (20 tonne) ▪ Excavator ▪ Mulcher

▪ 100 tonne mobile

crane

▪ Elevated working

platform

▪ Small mobile crane



Completion

Upon completion of the proposed construction works, all disturbed areas would

be rehabilitated. Demobilisation works include removal of the construction

compound/s, temporary fencing and storage areas; and covering or

vegetating exposed surfaces.

FIGURE 4-6: SITE ESTABLISHMENT PLAN OUTLINING TEMPORARY SITE FACILITIES



5 Impact assessment

5.1 Landscape character impacts

The impact to landscape character has largely been assessed in terms of the

impact to planned landscape character due to the rapid nature of the planned

change and its current substantial progression.

The town centre precinct, which is focussed around Edmondson Park Station is in

the process of transforming from previous semi-rural land to a new town centre

surrounded by high density residential development encircled by lower density

residential areas and the regional park.

The area closest to the station is rapidly changing and will result in a central area

around the station of high-rise buildings up to 24m high. At ground-level there will

be a mixture of shops, offices and institutional premises, with the upper floors

planned for mostly apartments.

FIGURE 5-1: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS BUILDINGS OF A SIMILAR HEIGHT TO THOSE PLANNED FOR

EDMONDSON PARK TOWN CENTRE

It is presumed that the final landscape character will be a very urban one, with

a cluster of tall buildings, ground level shops, street trees, integrated public

spaces and an emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist facilities. Rouse Hill town

centre is of a similar height and scale to the planned centre of Edmondson Park

and offers an insight into the general type of character that could be expected

(refer FIGURE 5-1 and FIGURE 5-2).



FIGURE 5-2: ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE HAS SHOPS TOPPED WITH APARTMENTS

5.1.1 Assessment of impact to landscape character

This section assesses the likely impact of the Proposal on landscape character

based on the combination of two criteria: sensitivity and magnitude of change.

Due to the changing nature of the surrounding town centre the assessment

considers mostly the likely effect on the planned landscape character.

Sensitivity of landscape character

Landscape character is rated as having low sensitivity to change:

▪ The site is located within the Edmondson Park town centre precinct

which is undergoing rapid and significant re-development which has

been planned for some time.

▪ The plans are to create a vibrant, high quality character for the town

centre with buildings reaching a maximum height of 24m.

Magnitude of change to landscape character

The Proposal would have a low magnitude of change on planned landscape

character:

▪ The approximate 17m height of the Proposal is within the planned

maximum building heights for the town centre of 24m.

▪ The design of the Proposal is planned to have high quality finishes

▪ Existing semi-mature trees within the at-grade car park, and likely the

surrounding semi-mature bordering street trees, would be removed (i.e.

overall 14 medium-sized trees and 71 small trees).



Summary of landscape character impact

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

an overall low level of impact to landscape character.

5.2 Impact to viewpoints

This section assesses the likely impact of the Proposal on representative public

and private viewpoints based on the combination of two criteria: sensitivity and

magnitude of change.

5.2.1 Visibility of the Proposal

The Proposal would have limited visibility (refer FIGURE 5-3) due to:

▪ The tall multi-storey mixed-use buildings of the town centre located to

the immediate east (under construction) and south (still vacant) which

would block views from those directions.

▪ The dense bushland within the Regional Park on the western side, which

prevents any views from further west.

▪ The railway corridor and Edmondson Park Station buildings to the north,

which separate the Site from the existing at-grade northern commuter

car park (which includes tree planting) and trees further north, limiting

views from the north to mostly areas along Soldiers Parade.

5.2.2 Assessed viewpoints

The nearest sensitive viewpoints (VPs) are within the planned Edmondson Park

Town Centre, including around the station plaza, the surrounding developing

mixed use area and from some parts of Soldiers Parade.

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

and are shown in FIGURE 5-3:

▪ VP1: Southern side of Edmondson Park Station (Henderson Road)

▪ VP2: Soldiers Parade overbridge

▪ VP3: View from planned apartments to immediate south

▪ VP4: View from mixed-use buildings to immediate east

▪ VP5: Northern section of Soldiers Parade.

The assessment takes into account the existing visual environment and planned

changes related to each viewpoint as described in TABLES 5-1 to 5-5.



FIGURE 5-3: APPROXIMATE VISIBILITY OF PROPOSAL AND ASSESSED VIEWPOINTS



TABLE 5-1: VP1 - SOUTHERN SIDE OF EDMONDSON PARK STATION (HENDERSON ROAD)

Viewpoint

characteristics

Southern side of station plaza, near bus stop, approximately 60m from Proposal Site. It is a

public viewing location near Edmondson Park Station and future town centre.

Potential

viewers

General public - road users, station users and other future users of town centre. It will be a

future high use pedestrian area.

Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of the at-grade car park which would be replaced with the

proposed multi-storey car park. On the western side are the future buildings of up to 24m high

(under construction).

Image of

existing view

with

approximate

position of the

Site

FIGURE 5-4: VIEW FROM SOUTHERN SIDE OF STATION PLAZA TOWARD SITE

A photomontage of the Proposal from this viewpoint is provided as FIGURE 5-5.

Existing

Sensitivity

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

▪ The Site is within the developing town centre and close to the station where tall

buildings are planned.

▪ The number of future public viewers will be high.

Magnitude of

change

The magnitude of change is rated as moderate as:

▪ The Proposal would be a recognisable new tall structure, relatively close and clearly

seen.

▪ The Proposal would be approximately 7m lower than the mixed-use buildings on the

immediate north, and therefore would be similar in terms of height and scale.

▪ Existing trees within the at-grade car park would be removed, and likely the street

trees along Henderson Road.

▪ Construction activities and machinery would be seen yet would be temporary and

within the context of surrounding construction of the town centre.

Level of

Impact

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

an overall moderate level of impact.



FIGURE 5-5: PHOTOMONTAGE (SIMULATED IMAGE) OF LIKELY VIEW OF PROPOSAL FROM VIEWPOINT (VP)1 (FAÇADE DESIGN YET TO BE FINALISED)



TABLE 5-2: VP2 - SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE

Viewpoint

characteristics

Public viewing location from Soldiers Parade, the main through road that crosses north-south

through Edmondson Park.

Potential

viewers

General public - road users, cyclists, pedestrians.

Existing View The Site is not visible as it is located behind Edmondson Park Station building.

Image of

existing view

with

approximate

position of the

Site

FIGURE 5-6: VIEW FROM SOLDIERS PARADE OVERBRIDGE TOWARDS PROPOSAL SITE

Existing

Sensitivity

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

▪ Soldiers Parade is the main road in this area and provides the primary access to the

future town centre and Edmondson Park Station.

▪ Existing public viewers are high from passing traffic, with that traffic to increase with

further development

▪ Views towards the Site are quite obscured.

Magnitude of

change

The magnitude of change is rated as low as:

▪ Very little of the Proposal would be seen, with a small area of the upper level possibly

visible in the background above the Edmondson Park Station building.

▪ Construction activities would not generally be seen from this viewpoint, apart from

any tall cranes.

Level of

Impact

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

low level of impact.



TABLE 5-3: VP3 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE SOUTH

Viewpoint

characteristics

This viewpoint is from future apartments on the southern side of the Proposal Site (final design

yet to be defined). This site is currently vacant. The apartment building would provide elevated

views for some future residents on northern side.

Potential

viewers

Potential viewers are future residents of the apartments on the northern side.

Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of the landscaped, at-grade car park. To the east are the

multi-storey town centre buildings of up to 24m high (under construction) with Edmondson Park

Station seen behind and the bushland of the Regional Park to the west.

Image of

existing view

At the time of the site visit there was no access to this viewpoint (as future buildings are yet to

be constructed) and therefore an image is not provided.

Future

Sensitivity

Future sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as moderate as:

▪ The Site is within the future town centre which is zoned for heights up to 24 metres and

close to the railway station.

▪ Views would be available from apartments located along the northern side of the

future planned building(s).

Magnitude of

change


▪ The Proposal would be a recognisable new tall structure (consistent with planned

building heights for the town centre of 24m), relatively close and clearly seen from the

elevated future apartments along the northern side of the viewpoint.

▪ It is predicted that future residents of the apartments located on the upper two

storeys on the northern side of the future apartment building (s) (if 24m high) would

see over the new car park, yet have views of the roof-top parking in the foreground.

That view would include the proposed rooftop solar panels which would be non-

reflective and potentially reduce the glare from vehicles and the concrete surface.

▪ Residents living in apartments on lower floors (northern side) would see the car park

façade in close proximity.



Level of

Impact

The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with a moderate magnitude of change, leads to

an overall moderate level of impact.



TABLE 5-4: VP4 - VIEW FROM FUTURE APARTMENTS TO IMMEDIATE EAST

Viewpoint

characteristics

This viewpoint is from future apartments located within the main town centre immediately east.

Along the eastern border with the Site is a future public street and on the opposite side is the

mixed-use building (under construction) which includes apartments over commercial uses on

lower floors.

Potential

viewers

Potential viewers are future residents of the apartments on the western side.

Existing View The existing view toward the Site is of the landscaped, at-grade car park. The bushland of the

Regional Park is seen behind (west) of that car park.

Image of

existing view

At the time of the site visit there was no access to this viewpoint as the building was under

construction and therefore an image is not provided.

Future

Sensitivity

Future sensitivity of the view toward the Site is rated as moderate as:

▪ The Site is within the future town centre which is zoned for heights to 24 metres and close

to the railway station.

▪ Future viewers would have close views of the Proposal.

Magnitude of

change


▪ The Proposal would be a recognisable new tall structure (consistent with planned

building heights), relatively close and clearly seen from future apartments on the

western side.

▪ It is estimated that the upper two storeys of the future western apartments would be

able to see over the new car park yet have views of the roof-top parking in the

foreground. That view would include the proposed rooftop solar panels which would

be non-reflective and potentially reduce the glare from vehicles and the concrete

surface.

▪ Those further below would see the car park façade in close proximity.



Level of

Impact

The moderate sensitivity ranking, combined with a moderate magnitude of change, leads to

an overall moderate level of impact. The upper storeys would be slightly less impacted.



TABLE 5-5: VP5 - VIEW FROM NORTHERN SECTION OF SOLDIERS PARADE

Viewpoint

characteristics

This viewpoint is from Soldiers Parade to the north of Croatia Avenue, close to the highpoint

near Poziers Road.

Potential

viewers

Public viewers travelling south on this main road through Edmondson Park.

Existing View When descending to the south there are currently views towards some of the future mixed-use

buildings in the town centre currently under construction. In the existing view the at-grade car

park (which would be replaced) cannot be seen.

Image of

existing view

(with

estimated

outline of

Proposal)

FIGURE 5-7: VIEW FROM NORTHERN END OF SOLDIERS PARADE

Existing

Sensitivity

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

▪ Soldiers Parade is the main road in this area and provides the primary access to the

future town centre and Edmondson Park Station.

▪ There are high number of existing public viewers using the road, with traffic to

increase with further development.

▪ The viewpoint provides very minimal visibility of the area affected by the Proposal.

Magnitude of

change

The magnitude of change is rated as low as:

▪ The upper part of the car park would be visible above the trees within the existing at-

grade car park north of the station.

▪ Once development occurs within the currently vacant site (in the foreground) the

Proposal would be screened from view.

▪ Construction activities would largely not be seen from this viewpoint, apart from tall

cranes.

Level of

Impact

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

low level of impact.



5.3 Consistency with DCP

Design principles and key requirements for the Edmondson Park Town Centre

are detailed in the Edmondson Park South Development Control Plan (DCP)

2012. The most relevant of these and the implications in terms of the Proposal

are described in TABLE 5-7.

TABLE 5-6: ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSAL AGAINST EDMONDSON PARK SOUTH DCP 2012

Element (from DCP) Design Guidelines and Key

Requirements (numbering from DCP)

Relationship of Proposal to DCP

Design and Layout 11. The street layout is to emphasise sight

lines to local landscape features, parks,

places of key cultural significance, civic

buildings and public open space.

The Proposal and street alignment would

continue to allow sight lines to the bushland

in the Regional Park which is consistent with

this guideline.

Built Form 17. All large format retail premises and

decked parking areas, visible from

prominent public areas, are to be

sleaved with active uses. Blank walls

visible from the public domain are to be

limited.

The Proposal is a decked car park and does

not include active uses at the ground level

(i.e. ‘sleeved with active uses’). However,

the building is planned to be designed with

attractive facades and no blank walls so is

generally consistent with part of this

guideline.

Pedestrian Amenity

and Public Domain

18. High amenity pedestrian

streetscapes are to be provided through

the Town Centre.

It is likely that the surrounding semi-mature

street trees would be removed as part of the

Proposal to allow construction. Appropriate

side setbacks (the DCP specifies an

indicative setback of 4.4m for secondary

east-west streets) should ideally be

provided. It would be preferable to retain

the existing street trees which have an

estimated 5-8 years growth and provide

both shade and visual amenity, yet if their

removal is unavoidable, new street trees

should be installed in consultation with the

Council.

The Proposal is generally consistent with the relevant DCP guidelines in relation

to landscape character and visual impact. However, it is recommended that the

detailed design phase test a number of facade designs to ensure an attractive

and appropriate finish. The setbacks should also be consistent with the

requirements of the DCP and allow for the retention, or replacement, of the

existing street trees. These measures are referred to in SECTION 7.



6 Mitigation measures

This section describes the positive design measures of the Proposal and

additional measures that are recommended to improve the visual outcome.

6.1 Positive visual attributes of the Proposal

The Proposal has incorporated a number of positive characteristics which would

reduce its potential landscape character and visual impacts:

▪ The Proposal would be located on land specified for a car park in the

planned future Edmondson Park Town Centre.

▪ The height of the Proposal is within the planned maximum building

height of up to 24m in the central, mixed-use town centre.

▪ The Proposal is planned to have an attractive finish (texture and

colour). Colours and tones are most likely to be muted to blend the

Proposal with the natural elements of the neighbourhood and

adjacent Regional Park and create a less obtrusive façade.

▪ All lighting would be designed and installed in accordance with the

requirements of AS4282 Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor

Lighting.

▪ An Urban Design Plan would be prepared which includes landscaping.

▪ Any loss of trees would be replaced in accordance with TfNSW

Vegetation Offset Guide (2019) and therefore result in a substantial

increase of mature trees in the general vicinity over time.

6.2 Additional measures

In addition to the above positive attributes of the Proposal, it is recommended

that:

▪ The detailed design phase test a number of facade designs to ensure

an attractive and appropriate finish.

▪ Street setbacks be consistent with the requirements of the DCP,

including allowing for the retention, or replacement, of the existing

street trees (with advanced-sized specimens preferred if replacement

occurs).



7 Key findings and conclusion

The Proposal is to construct a multi-level commuter car park south of Edmondson

Park Station, within the future Edmondson town centre on a site planned for such

use. The Proposal would replace an existing at-grade car park with a new multi-

storey car park (ground level plus five levels (including rooftop)) of approximately

17m high.

Context

The future town centre of Edmondson Park is rapidly changing and will result in

the area around the station having high-rise buildings up to 24m. At ground-level

there will be a mixture of shops, offices and institutional premises, with the upper

floors planned mostly as apartments.

It is planned that the final landscape character will be a very urban one, with a

cluster of tall buildings, ground level shops, street trees, integrated public spaces

and an emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist facilities.

The Proposal

The Proposal would result in the removal of trees within the existing at-grade car

park and likely the bordering street trees. The Proposal is planned to have an

attractive finish (texture and colour). Colours and tones are most likely to be

muted, neutral tones to reduce contrast with surrounding natural elements and

adjacent Regional Park and create a less obtrusive façade.

Impact on landscape character

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

landscape character has been assessed in terms of planned landscape

character. The approximate 17m height of the Proposal is within the planned

maximum building heights for the town centre of 24m and consistent with the

future (urban) landscape character. The Proposal design would have high

quality finishes and surrounding street trees would be retained or reinstated.

Impact to surrounding viewpoints

Due to the rapid and changing ongoing redevelopment of the area, impact to

views has been assessed largely in terms of the expected changes in relation to

future viewpoints. The assessed impact of the Proposal on viewpoints is

summarised in TABLE 7-1.

The Proposal Site is within the future town centre and close to the railway station,

with its use as a car park a planned use.

There would be a moderate impact to two viewpoints, both related to the

change in view that would occur to future residents of apartments surrounding

the Proposal. From VP3 (future planned apartments to south) there would be a

loss of potential distant views to the north (over the railway corridor and future

residential areas); and from VP4 (future apartments to east under construction)

there would be a loss of views of the Regional Park to the west and other more

distant views.



There would be a moderate (yet acceptable) impact to one public viewpoint

(VP1 on southern side of station plaza) and the remaining two assessed

viewpoints would have a low impact.

TABLE 7-1: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Assessed visual

impact

VP1: Southern side of Edmondson Park Station (Henderson Road) Moderate Moderate Moderate

VP2: Soldiers Parade overbridge Low Low Low

VP3: View from future development to immediate south Moderate Moderate Moderate

VP4: View from town centre mixed-use buildings to immediate

east (under construction) Moderate Moderate Moderate

VP5: Northern section of Soldiers Parade Low Low Low

Relation to DCP

The Proposal is generally consistent with the relevant DCP guidelines in relation

to landscape character and visual impact. However, it is recommended that the

detailed design phase test a number of facade designs to ensure an attractive

and appropriate finish. Street setbacks should be consistent with the

requirements of the DCP, including allowing for the retention, or replacement, of

the existing street trees.

Conclusion

In summary, the construction phase of the Proposal would occur whilst

substantial construction is happening around this part of the town centre and

thus would have a relatively low impact. The loss of the semi-mature trees from

the existing at-grade car park would be a loss to the existing landscape

character. All efforts should be made to retain the existing street trees so as to

retain an ongoing landscape element and provide adequate street setbacks.

Regardless, any loss of trees would be replaced in accordance with TfNSW

Vegetation Offset Guide (2019) and therefore result in a substantial increase of

mature trees in the general vicinity over time.

Overall, the Proposal is consistent with the planned character of the Edmondson

Park town centre and would integrate within the new urban environment.



8 References

Department of Planning & Infrastructure (2012). Edmondson Park South

Development Control Plan (DCP), 2012

JBA (2010). Edmondson Park South State Significant Site Listing and Concept Plan

Liverpool Local Environmental Plan (LEP), 2008

Roads and Maritime Services (December 2018) Guideline for Landscape

Character and Visual Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment

Practice Note EIA-N04

Transport for NSW (22 July 2019) Vegetation Management (Protection and

Removal) Guideline

Transport for NSW (23 August 2019) Vegetation Offset Guide

Transport for NSW (23 August 2019) Weed Management and Disposal Guide

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