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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND Footpaths are a significant part of the public domain and their quality has a direct effect on the pedestrian experience in the Municipality.

The purpose of this document is to provide simple urban design guidelines. These guidelines will assist Council and developers in improving and maintaining the quality, safety and amenity of the pedestrian environment. Ensuring that footpaths are safe, attractive and well maintained will enhance the pedestrian environment and help to sustain activity and vitality throughout the Municipality.

1.2 CONSIDERATIONS

1.2.1 Sustainability By managing the use of natural resources in a way that considers the economic, social and environmental outcomes, Hunter’s Hill Council has shown commitment to work towards enhancing environmental sustainability in the local area.

Water sensitive development involves simple design and management practices that take advantage of natural site features and minimise impacts on the water cycle.

Paved surfaces, including footpaths, can have significant harmful impacts on the environment. They can contribute to increased peak and total stormwater discharges, increased downstream flows, streambank erosion and sewer surcharges. In addition, paved surfaces also reduce water infiltration to the subsoil.

Vegetation installations can assist in lengthening pavement life as well as contributing to an overall reduction in the ‘heat island effect’.

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2.0 RELEVANT STANDARDS, LEGISLATIONS AND OTHER POLICIES

2.1 AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

AS4455: Masonry Units and Segmental Pavers AS4456: Masonry Units and Segmental Pavers-Method Testing AS4486: Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface

Materials AS1289: Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes AS1428 Design for Access and Mobility RTA Specification116 Asphaltic Concrete RTA Specification Part R47 RTA Specification 612 Supplying and laying asphaltic concrete Aus-Spec2/NSW 245 T44: Concrete Segmental Pavements-Guide to Specifying T45: Concrete Segmental Pavements-Design Guide for Concrete Sub-

base Residential Accessways & Roads T46: Concrete Segmental Pavements-Detailing Guide MA44: Concrete Flag Pavements-Design and Construction Guide MA48: Concrete Segmental Paving-Maintenance Guide Water Sustainable Urban Design (WSUD) – Practice Notes

2.2 LINKS TO EXISTING HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL POLICIES 2.2.1 Hunter’s Hill Council Style Guide

The Hunter’s Hill Council Style Guide was implemented to ensure that all forms of written communication, both internal and external and Council’s corporate image is recognised.

This Style Guide currently contains sections on; business writing, letters and general correspondence, structure of general reports, writing effectively, guidelines for the Business Paper, corporate use of the Hunter’s Hill Council logo and templates. Council is currently working to broaden this document to include; signage, corporate colours and components of the Hunter’s Hill Urban Design Strategy.

2.2.2 Hunter’s Hill Council Cultural Plan

The development of Hunter’s Hill Cultural Plan (2006) focused heavily upon community consultation to determine the cultural needs of individuals, organizations, groups, and businesses in the local area. The Cultural Plan was written under the premise that a Public Art Policy would be formulated to complement the existing cultural resources of Council.

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The Hunter’s Hill Council Cultural Plan sets out a strategic set of goals to be achieved within a 5 year period. The goals range from installing noticeboards throughout the community to investigating the feasibility of a cultural centre. There are existing opportunities within the Cultural Plan to incorporate public art objectives within the cultural planning framework.

2.2.3 Hunter’s Hill Council Social Plan The Social Plan provides Council with a strategic planning framework to guide the provision of appropriate services and facilities to meet the social needs of people within the Hunter’s Hill area. Hunter’s Hill Council Social Plan 2005-2009 was adopted by Council on 29/5/05

2.2.4 Hunter’s Hill Council Sustainability Plan In late 2006 Council successfully applied for a grant from the NSW Environmental Trust through their Urban Sustainability Program. The Trust awarded the Council $20,000-00 to write a Sustainability Plan for the Hunter’s Hill LGA. This plan will assist Council in moving towards joining other NSROC (Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) councils in adopting Global Reporting Initiative recommendations regarding internationally recognised sustainability accounting and reporting standards.

2.3 POLICY REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed in 5 years from the date the policy is adopted and thereafter each 3 years, to monitor its performance and to address any arising issues and changes.

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3.0 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS

OBJECTIVE ACTION

Planning

Allow for design flexibility within a consistent palette to articulate diversity and identity of place

Use of nominated paving types for each locality (Type 1& 2)

Allow the development of special place (Type 3) paving schemes for areas of special interest

Safety

Maintain safe and equitable access for persons with access and mobility requirements

Ensure all pavement design meet AS 1428 Design for Access and Mobility

Economic

Promoting the benefits of footpath dining and pedestrian activity

Increase footpath width where possible within the urban centres

Sustainability

Work towards enhancing environmental sustainability throughout the Municipality

Encourage the application of Water Sustainable Urban Development methods and principles in new pavement installations

Reduce the ‘heat island effect’ through the use of street tree plantings and vertical gardens in public places

Incorporate sustainable solutions such as the use of porous paving

Investigate new ground surface technologies

Preference materials that are locally sourced where available, that are durable and have low maintenance requirements

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4.0 OPERATIONAL AND TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

4.1 FOOTPATH TYPES

Three footpath paving types are nominated to be used in the Municipality of Hunter’s Hill.

4.1.1 Type 1

Paving Type 1 is to be used in the main streets of the commercial areas and major pedestrian routes. It consists of asphalt paving with flagstone margins.

Gladesville & Hunter’s Hill Village

Standard Specifications

Asphalt: Surface course AC3, d=25 mm. Subsurface course AC10, d=55 mm.

Pavers: or similar approved to Council's satisfaction.

Colour: Golden Gunmetal 777

Finish: Shotblast

Size: Size A 400 x 400 x 60 50% of total area

Size B 600 x 400 x 60 50% of total area

Pattern: Alternate between Size A and Size B

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Pittwater Road, Garibaldi & Woolwich

Standard Specifications

Asphalt: Surface course AC3, d=25 mm. Subsurface course AC10, d=55 mm.

Pavers: or similar approved to Council's satisfaction.

Colour: Amber 2071

Finish: Shot blast

Size: Size A 400 x 400 x 60 50% of total area

Size B 600 x 400 x 60 50% of total area

Pattern: Alternate between Size A and Size B

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4.1.2 Type 2

Standard Specifications

Asphalt: Surface course AC3, d=25 mm. Subsurface course AC10, d=55 mm.

2 to 3% carborundum

Sub-base: 100mm compacted roadbase material equivalent to DGB 20, recycled materials preferred

Asphalt mixes to meet RTA specifications as set out in section 2.1

4.1.3 Type 3

Paving Type 3 indicates special designs by Council. It is reserved for public places of special significance that stand out as points of identification within the Municipality. Paving Type 3 is to be designed individually to celebrate its specific civic image and role, but it should comply with the general principles and guidelines in this document.

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4.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 4.2.1 Thickness

The thickness of any paving unit should be within +/- 3mm of the designated thickness, except where honing or polishing is specified as this may reduce the paving nominal thickness.

4.2.2 Length and Width

The length and width of any paving unit should be no greater than the overall nominal dimensions and within 1.5mm less than the stated nominal dimensions.

4.2.3 Draw

Paving units should be straight-sided with zero taper.

4.2.4 Flatness and Bowing

The maximum deviation from a 350mm straight edge, placed in any central position on the wearing surface of each individual paving unit, should not exceed 3.5mm.

4.2.5 Chamfer

The arises of the off form paving unit should have a rounded edge with a radius not exceeding the maximum aggregate size used (nominally 4.5mm radius) prior to secondary or tertiary treatment (i.e. shot blasting or honing).

4.2.6 Compressive Strength

The minimum twenty-eight day characteristic strength shall be >35Mpa

4.2.7 Breaking Load

The minimum breaking load of paving units sampled from lots shall be 4kN for 40mm thick units and 5kN for 60mm thick units.

4.2.8 Slip Resistance

Slip Resistance of new shot blast product shall have a classification of ‘V’ (very low risk of slip when wet).

4.2.9 Abrasion Resistance

The Mean Abrasion Index shall be determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4456.9 Masonry Units and Segmental Pavers- Method of Test, and will be no greater than 3.0 for paving units to be installed in high volume areas.

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4.3 INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS

4.3.1 Site Preparation

Safety Fencing

Erect temporary safety and security fencing around contract site. If additional access needs to be provided for pedestrians, the Contactor shall be fully responsible to ensure that this pathway provides safety and security to the pedestrians. The Contractor shall obtain consent from Council for temporary diverted access.

Temporary Notices

Erect temporary notices informing pedestrians of the closure of pathways during upgrading works. The notices shall inform the public of the nature of the works and the length of closure.

Sediment Control

Provide erosion and sediment control measures around the perimeters of lower sides of the subject locations within the site. These control measures shall prevent all contaminated surface water run-off from entering site storm water drains and water ways, and works completed by other contractors.

Statutory Authorities

Liaise with the statutory authorities to ensure the timing and correct procedures for the disconnection and temporary reconnection of all the above and underground service lines as relevant to the hard landscape contract work.

4.3.2 Flagstone Paving

Flagstone pavers shall be laid on a mortar bed. The mortar bed shall be installed on a 100mm thick concrete base. The mortar bed mix shall consist of, in measures by volume:

2 parts Bedding Sand 1 part Brick Sand 1 part Portland Cement Type GP

Bedding sand shall be natural or manufactured (crushed) material. Single size or gap-graded sands, or sand containing an excess amount of fines shall not be used.

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The sand shall be free from all clay, dirt, organic and other deleterious matter. Sand shall be washed free of soluble salts or other contaminants which can cause or contribute to efflorescence.

Cement shall be normal Portland Cement Type GP. Water used for mixing mortar or grout materials shall be clean, fresh and free from injurious amounts of oil, acid, salt, alkali, organic matter, or other deleterious substances.

The mortar mixing shall be performed in a cement mixer free of fresh or loose mortar residues, by adding the aggregates to the liquid (which shall initially be proportioned as one part by volume) whilst mixing continuously to ensure a homogeneous consistency free of lumps. Water may be added in specified proportions. This is to impart to the mix to a consistency such that it can be loosely hand shaped and remain whole when released whilst leaving hand slightly moist (not wet). The amount of mix shall not exceed the quantity to lay pavers within 45-60minutes, depending on weather conditions.

The mix shall be applied spread in a uniform layer and screeded to the nominated design profile and levels to achieve a uniformly thick layer in the range of 25 to 40 mm. The pavers shall be laid with the exfoliated face as the finished surface and set on mortar bed while it is still freely workable.

The pavers shall be laid with a 5mm joint between pavers. The grouting mix shall be a dry bagged proprietary brand, fine aggregates, cement, admixtures type grout with high flow and low shrinkage properties, non staining in the course of its application and a compressive strength of 20 MPa at 7 days. Mixing shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.

Joints between pavers units shall be grouted, no less than 12 hours after laying. All foreign materials shall be removed from the joints before grouting. The joints shall be raked to a depth of 3mm. Grout colour, composition and supplier shall be selected and approved by the Council prior to use.

Separation joints between the flagstone paving and against the kerb and the paving boundary shall be between 10-12mm width. Paving abutting other fixed objects will also require a separation joint. Any variation of kerb or fixed object width must be accommodated by the separation joints. The separation joint must be filled with proprietary sealant and application shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.

The pavers shall be laid with true specified angles and coursing shall be consistent throughout. The installed pavers shall be free of any ‘trip points’ and inconsistencies of elevation. All external and leading edges shall be flush with adjoining paving materials.

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Pavers shall proceed in a continuous manner and constant rate. Where paving patterns appear ambiguous or the pattern does not fit in practice as shown on the Drawings, the Contractor must clarify the final layout with Council prior to laying.

Unless otherwise specified, all paving shall be shaped to shed surface water from the entire paved area in the direction of natural slope or towards constructed surface drains. The slope at any point on the paving except on a ridge shall be not less than 1%.

Where necessary, the pavers shall be cut with an approved diamond saw.

Not less than 14 days or more than 30 days after grouting, the contractor shall remove all and any staining of the grout or bedding mortar from the face of the paving with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid applied with a stiff brush/ yard broom. All care shall be taken to ensure that no other surfaces are contaminated by the acid.

Provide a sawcut edge between the existing and new asphalt paving at a right angle to the kerb. The sawcut lines and the edges of the asphalt infill against the flagstone margins must be neat and absolutely straight.

4.3.3 Asphalt

Grade and consolidate excavated sub-grade material to smooth even grades parallel to the finished RL grades and levels. Import and back fill excavated sub-base areas with clean hard core material to a minimum depth of 100mm and thoroughly compact with a vibrating pad or roller.

Lay a 55mm subsurface course of AC10 over the compacted pavement footings. Lay and roll to smooth even grades. Allow the base to cure /harden off before applying the AC3 25mm surface course. Lay and roll to smooth even grades.

Ensure that all surfaces are flush with all inspection cover surfaces, paver banding and other structures within the pavement surface. Ensure that the wearing course asphalt is butt jointed with all upstanding objects and structures within or adjoining the pavement surface.

Unless otherwise specified, all paving shall be shaped to shed surface water from the entire paved area in the direction of natural slope or towards constructed surface drains. The slope at any point on the paving except on a ridge shall be not less than 1%.

4.4 KERB RAMPS

For visual consistency, kerb ramps should appear as subtle depressions in the pavement. They are to be paved with the same material as the surrounding

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footpath, in accordance with the standard detail for each paving type. Their sides are to be marked aluminium inserts and their top edge with aluminium tactile tiles to alert people to the change in grade.

At footpath corners and street intersections, kerb ramps should be located within the corner area of the footpath, aligned with the street wall, and set at a straight angle to the street alignment. This arrangement corresponds to pedestrian desire lines, provides a stable crossing for people using wheelchairs, and directs people in a straight line to a safe crossing to the opposite footpath.

Kerb ramps must not be provided diagonally at the footpath corners as this provides no protection for pedestrians from the wheels of turning vehicles and misdirects people with sight impairments into the intersection, in the path of vehicles. At any irregular intersections, and when a large corner radius is required, the location and alignment of the pedestrian crossings and kerb ramps is to be designed simultaneously for the whole intersection to avoid inconvenient and dangerous mismatch of facing kerb ramps.

4.5 VEHICLE CROSSOVERS

Vehicle crossovers are required to provide vehicular access to carparks and service bays across the footpath. Where installed, they are to be constructed at footpath level and paved with the same material, to match the standard detail for each paving type. Their sides are to be marked with aluminium inserts to alert people to the change in grade. For proper continuity and edge definition, kerbs and stone margins are to continue uninterrupted along the length of the street and be set down at the vehicular crossings to match their profile.

Vehicle crossovers may only be separated by kerbs in exceptional circumstances outside the commercial centres, for industrial purposes. Recessed double vehicular crossings have an adverse impact on pedestrian amenity and should not be constructed along the major pedestrian thoroughfares.

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Footpath paving is to be uninterrupted so that it visually integrates all permanent and semi-permanent elements of the streetscape. To maintain the continuity of the footpath, individual objects such as street furniture items shall be inserted into the paving pattern as seamlessly as possible rather than being individually acknowledged by variations in the pavement.

4.7.1 FOOTPATH CORNERS AND JUNCTIONS Junctions of different paving types indicate transition points and boundaries

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between areas of different character within the commercial centres. Paving Type 2 provides a visually simple corner definition consisting of a single material, and are to be used to pave the junctions.

4.8 KERBS AND GUTTERS

Concrete is the most common kerb & gutter material in the Municipality but there are some heritage sandstone kerb & gutters remaining. Concrete kerb & guttering is to be used throughout the Municipality except in heritage conservation areas where sandstone is to be used.

4.9 FOOTPATH EXTENSIONS Footpath extensions increase pedestrian presence on the streets and have a significant effect on its pattern and civic image. They are to be constructed according to an overall plan that takes into account the relevant urban design, heritage, and traffic issues. All footpath extensions must have a precise, geometric form and a sufficient length to contribute to the linear quality of the streetscape and the visual continuity of the pedestrian realm.

4.10 LANES Appropriate paving, kerbing, and detailed design of lanes and small streets with narrow footpaths depends on the heritage status and functional role of each lane and street. These will be defined and appropriate individual plans of management with specific recommendations prepared.

4.11 STREET TREE SURROUNDS Street trees have a sufficient presence to be recognized in the paving pattern as shown in Detail 1. 50mm depth decomposed granite (pink) should be used inside the paving trim. The deco granite should not be stabilized. The depth should be reduced around base of the tree.

Refer to Appendix Detail 1: Street Tree Surround

4.12 MAINTENANCE

Clean as necessary. Replace broken flagstones. Reinstate pavement after works that require footpath surface to be opened. Use matching flagstone and asphalt for replacements. When reinstalling asphalt, replace a full square across the entire width of the footpath with sawcut edges to existing asphalt paving to avoid patchiness.

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5.0 APPENDICES

5.1 STANDARD DESIGN DETAILS

Detail 1: Street Tree Surround

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5.2 PAVING TYPE 1 DETAILS

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