statement of environmental effects · the proposed development will increase the school’s...

OCTOBER 2017 SA6366 FINAL PREPARED FOR NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE)

STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS RIVERBANK PUBLIC SCHOOL, 25 WENTWORTH STREET, THE PONDS

© Urbis Pty Ltd ABN 50 105 256 228 All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced without prior permission. You must read the important disclaimer appearing within the body of this report. urbis.com.au

URBIS STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPORT WERE:

Associate Director Alaine Roff

Consultant Naomi Weber

Assistant Planner Nick Keeler

Project Code SA6366

Report Number SEE_SA6366_Final

CONTENTS

URBIS RIVERBANK_PUBLIC_SCHOOL - SEE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

1.1. Project Context ..................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2. Crown Development Application Status ............................................................................................... 1

1.3. DA Documentation ................................................................................................................................ 2

1.4. Structure of this Report ......................................................................................................................... 2

2. Site Context .......................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1. Site Location and Description ............................................................................................................... 3

2.2. Existing Development ........................................................................................................................... 3

2.3. Access & Parking .................................................................................................................................. 5

2.4. Surrounding Development .................................................................................................................... 5

3. Pre-DA Meeting .................................................................................................................................... 7

4. Proposed Development ...................................................................................................................... 10

4.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 10

4.2. Internal Refurbishment........................................................................................................................ 10

4.3. The Connected Hub ............................................................................................................................ 10

4.4. Covered Outdoor Learning Area ......................................................................................................... 11

4.5. Open Space and Landscape .............................................................................................................. 12

4.6. Kiss and Drop Zone ............................................................................................................................ 13

4.7. Removal of parking Spaces ................................................................................................................ 13

4.8. Signage ............................................................................................................................................... 13

4.9. Waste .................................................................................................................................................. 13

4.10. Stormwater .......................................................................................................................................... 13

5. Section 79C(1) Assessment ............................................................................................................... 14

5.1. State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 ................................ 14

5.2. State Environmental Planning Policy (Educational Establishments And Child Care Facilities) 2017 14

5.3. State Environmental Planning Policy No. 55 – Remediation of Land ................................................. 15

5.4. State Environmental Planning Policy No. 64 Advertising and Signage .............................................. 16

5.5. State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006 .................................. 18

5.6. Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20 – Hawkesbury Nepean River (No. 2 – 1997) ............. 20

5.7. Blacktown City Council Growth Centre Precincts Development Control Plan.................................... 20

6. Key Impacts Assessment ................................................................................................................... 24

6.1. Overshadowing ................................................................................................................................... 24

6.2. Privacy ................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.3. Flooding .............................................................................................................................................. 24

6.4. Bushfire ............................................................................................................................................... 25

6.5. Parking, Access & Traffic .................................................................................................................... 26

6.6. Acoustics ............................................................................................................................................. 29

6.7. Suitability of the Site ........................................................................................................................... 30

6.8. The Public Interest .............................................................................................................................. 30

7. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 31

Disclaimer 33


Appendix A Site Survey

Appendix B Architectural Plans

Appendix C Acoustic Report

Appendix D Accessibility Report

Appendix E BCA Compatibility Statement

Appendix F Bushfire Report

Appendix G Geotechnical Report

Appendix H Landscape Concept Plan

Appendix I Preliminary Stage 1 Environmental Site assessment

Appendix J Stormwater Management Report & Plans

Appendix K Traffic and Transport Report

Appendix L Waste Management Plan

Appendix M Pre-DA Minutes

FIGURES:

Figure 1 – Site Location ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 2 – Existing school facilities ..................................................................................................................... 4

Figure 3 – Photographs of the Site and Surrounds ............................................................................................ 5

Figure 4 – Broader context ................................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 5 – Connected Hub ground floor plan ................................................................................................... 11

Figure 6 – Landscape Plan ............................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 7 – Protected Vegetation ....................................................................................................................... 20

Figure 8 – Blacktown City Council Flooding Map ............................................................................................. 25

Figure 9 – Bushfire Prone Land ........................................................................................................................ 26

TABLES:

Table 1 – Summary of Documents ..................................................................................................................... 2

Table 2 – Pre-DA matters ................................................................................................................................... 7

Table 3 – Decision Statement .......................................................................................................................... 15

Table 4 – Proposed Signage ............................................................................................................................ 16

Table 5 – SEPP 64 Compliance ....................................................................................................................... 16

Table 6 – Blacktown Growth Centres DCP 2010 Compliance Table ............................................................... 21

Table 7 – AM & PM Peak Hour Intersection Performances ............................................................................. 28

CONTENTS


INTRODUCTION 1

1. INTRODUCTION This Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) accompanies a Development Application to Blacktown City Council and is made on behalf of the NSW Department of Education (DoE). This application seeks consent for the redevelopment of Riverbank Public School at 25 Wentworth Street, The Ponds.

This DA seeks consent for the following works:

• Minor internal refurbishments of existing Block A, including meeting rooms and staff facilities;

• Construction of a new two-storey ‘Connected Hub’ building to house new classrooms, learning space and bathrooms and change room amenities;

• Construction of a covered outdoor learning area (COLA) above the existing basketball court and sun shelters above the existing artificial turf area;

• New landscaping around the new Connected Hub building, including a productive garden, and synthetic turfed and softfall open play space;

• Kiss and drop zone along Wentworth Street;

• Removal of 19 car parking spaces to accommodate the Connected Hub building; and

• School signage.

This SEE includes a description of the site and proposed development and an assessment of the proposed development pursuant to section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (the Regulation).

1.1. PROJECT CONTEXT Riverbank Public School (the School) caters for children from Kindergarten to Year 6, with a total enrolment of approximately 890 students. The school has 64 full time teaching staff.

The proposed development will cater for the current and projected population growth in the Blacktown Local Government Area, as a result of numerous large scale residential subdivisions surrounding the school. The school will provide collaborative teaching and learning spaces, maximise outdoor learning and provide core facilities for staff and students in line with the Education Facilities Standards & Guidelines (EFSG).

The proposed development will increase the school’s capacity to 1,020 students and 72 staff, resulting in an overall increase of 130 students and 8 staff.

1.2. CROWN DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION STATUS Part 4 Division 4 of the EP&A Act allows for DAs to be made by, or on behalf of the Crown. Clause 226 of the Regulation prescribes that a public authority is the Crown for the purposes of Part 4 Division 4 of the EP&A Act. The DoE is a public authority and is therefore a Crown authority for the purposes of the DA and Section 89 of the EP&A Act.

Further, under section 90 of the Act, Division 5 (Integrated Development) does not apply to a DA made by or on behalf of the Crown, other than development that requires a heritage approval. This DA does not require heritage approval.

2 INTRODUCTION URBIS

RIVERBANK_PUBLIC_SCHOOL - SEE

1.3. DA DOCUMENTATION Table 1 provides details of the reports, plans and technical information that have been considered in the assessment of this SEE.

Table 1 – Summary of Documents

Report/Plan Title Prepared by Appendices

Site Survey Hill & Blume Appendix A

Architectural Plans TDK Architects Appendix B

Acoustic Report Wilkinson Murray Appendix C

Accessibility Report Design Confidence Appendix D

BCA Compatibility Statement Design Confidence Appendix E

Bushfire Report Building Code & Bushfire Hazard

Solutions

Appendix F

Geotechnical Report JK Geotechnics Appendix G

Landscape Concept Plan Context Landscape Design Appendix H

Preliminary Stage 1 Environmental Site

Assessment

Environmental Investigation Services Appendix I

Stormwater Management Report & Plans Woolacotts Appendix J

Traffic and Transport Report Traffix Appendix K

Waste Management Plan Cadence Australia Appendix L

Pre-DA Minutes Blacktown City Council Appendix M

1.4. STRUCTURE OF THIS REPORT • Section 2: Description of the background and Pre-DA.

• Section 3: Description of the existing site conditions and surrounding area.

• Section 4: Description of the proposed development.

• Section 5: Assessment of relevant planning considerations arising from Section 79C of the EP&A Act.

• Section 6: Assessment of the key planning impacts arising from the development.

• Section 7: Conclusion and summary of the proposed development

CONTENTS


SITE CONTEXT 3

2. SITE CONTEXT 2.1. SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The subject is located at 25 Wentworth Street, The Ponds and is legally described as Lot 11 DP 1200915 with an area of approximately 8.72 hectares. The site is bound by Wentworth Street to the east, Hambledon Road to the west and Riverbank Drive to the south.

The contours of the site show that the land generally falls towards the west, and also to the north east and south to south-east.

Figure 1 highlights the location of Riverbank Public School, in blue, in comparison to the overall site.

Figure 1 – Site Location

Source: SIX Maps

2.2. EXISTING DEVELOPMENT The site contains the newly established Riverbank Public School and The Ponds High School. Riverbank Public School comprises:

• Established double storey school buildings fronting Wentworth Street Drive, comprising of 21 homebases (classrooms);

• Library;

• Large paved play areas and a basketball court;

• Pedestrian access via Riverbank Drive and Wentworth Street; and

• Vehicular access via Wentworth Street with minimal on-site car parking.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrates the existing facilities of the school.

4 SITE CONTEXT URBIS


The Ponds High School and Riverbank Public School (JRPP13-369) was approved on 22 November 2013 by Sydney West Joint Regional Panel for an Educational Establishment to cater from Kindergarten to Year 12 and associated car parking and landscaping. This application relates only to the public school.

The combined site has the capacity for 1,400 High School students and 890 Primary School students.

The public school’s current hours of operation for both the Primary and High School are between 8:30am and 3:30pm. Non-school hours are 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays. Non-school hour activities include sporting and community activities. This DA does not seek to alter the existing hours of operation.

Figure 2 – Existing school facilities

Source: TKD Architects

CONTENTS


SITE CONTEXT 5

Figure 3 – Photographs of the Site and Surrounds

Picture 1 – Primary School Entrance Picture 2 – Wentworth St outside school

Picture 3 – Nearby residences along Wentworth Street Picture 4 – Protected native vegetation to the east of the

site.

2.3. ACCESS & PARKING Vehicle access is available from Wentworth Street to the car park on site via a driveway and gates. The car park has 37 spaces for staff and visitors. No vehicle or pedestrian access is available from Hambledon Road.

Pedestrian access is provided from a main entry on Wentworth Street for the primary school, and Riverbank Drive for the high school.

2.4. SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENT The site is in the east portion of the “Alex Avenue Precinct” of the North-West Growth Centre. It is immediately adjacent to The Ponds residential estate and approximately 2.5km from the Schofields and Rouse Hill local centres.

The site is predominantly surrounded by low density residential uses. Development in the surrounding area is summarised as:

• North are residential neighbourhoods containing low-density dwellings.

• East are residential neighbourhoods containing low-density dwellings and a large public recreation park, which contains existing native vegetation and a native vegetation retention area.

• South are residential neighbourhoods containing low-density dwellings.

• West is undeveloped rural land. Further west, approximately 2km is Schofields Station.

6 SITE CONTEXT URBIS


Figure 4 highlights the broader context of the subject site.

Figure 4 – Broader context

Source: Google Maps

Riverbank Public School

CONTENTS


PRE-DA MEETING 7

3. PRE-DA MEETING A Pre-DA meeting was held with staff at Blacktown City Council on 22 June 2017. The key matters discussed in this meeting are addressed in Table 2. The full pre-DA meeting notes prepared by the Blacktown City Council are included in this application at Appendix M.

Table 2 – Pre-DA matters

Key Matter Council Comment Response

Planning • Proximity of the proposed new building to

existing residences, car parking and how to

manage street parking. Communication with

neighbours is important.

• Ongoing consultation has occurred with

the school community and surrounding

neighbours; the Department has had

information booths at the school outlining

the proposed development.

• Address the potential impacts on residents

along Wentworth Street. The proposed has a

2.8m setback to Wentworth Street when the

GCDCP 2014 requires lots greater than 15m

to have a minimum setback of 4m, bulk and

landscaping should be addressed.

• Setback and landscape justification

discussed in Section 5 of this report, the

proposed is deemed to have appropriate

bulk and scale.

• Address how demountables, recently located

onsite, impact on parking space and student

capacity.

• The demountable will remain on site, the

impact on parking spaces has been

addressed in the Traffic and Transport

Report in Appendix K. Details regarding

student capacity are in Section 3 of this

report.

• Asset protection zone must be maintained, as

approved under JRPP-13-00369.

• The asset protection zone established

under JRPP-13-00369 will be

maintained, refer to the Bushfire Report

in Appendix F.

Traffic and

Parking

• Under Clause 32 of ISEPP 2007, standards

for car parking including car parking

generation rates specific in the State

Government Schools Facilities Standards take

precedence over the car parking requirements

in Council’s DCP.

• The ISEPP is no longer relevant to

educational establishments as the

Education SEPP supersedes these

requirements. Section 5.2.1 outlines the

RMS requirements as per the Education

SEPP.

• A Traffic Impact Statement is to be provided

to demonstrate how the proposed car parking

will work in practice.

• A Traffic and Transport Report has been

provided in Appendix L. Section 6.5.1

of this Report addresses how the existing

and proposed car parking will work in

practice.

Environmental

Health

• The SEE is to address SEPP 55 and provide

justification that a Stage 1 site contamination

report is not required. It will be sufficient to

• SEPP 55 has been addressed in

Section 5.2 of this report. A Preliminary

8 PRE-DA MEETING URBIS



refer to the report submitted with the DA

which approved construction of the school.

Stage 1 Environmental Site Assessment

has been provided in Appendix I.

• An acoustic report prepared by a qualified

acoustic professional is to be submitted

• An Acoustic Report has been provided in

Appendix C.

Engineering • A stormwater concept plan is to be submitted

with the DA. Address how you are handling

overland flows.

• Stormwater arrangements internally within the

site can be diverted around buildings. Any

easements which relate to Council’s

stormwater system cannot be built over.

• A Stormwater Management Plan has

been provided at Appendix L.

Drainage Waste Quality Requirements

• Permanent water quality treatment is required

for the new works.

• Use MUSIC to assess the performance of the

water quality systems and provide an

electronic copy to council for assessment.

• Stormwater Management Plan has been

provided at Appendix L, this Plan

address water quality requirements.

• A new raingarden will be provided to

replace the swales and provide treatment

to new paved areas.

• MUSIC analysis has not been

undertaken as the quality objectives

have not been compromised by the

works.

On-Site Detention

• Permanent on-site detention is required for

the new works, unless it can be demonstrated

that this development was considered as part

of the original design for the school.

• Provide a detailed design for OSD basin with

details of the control pits and basin sections.

• The proposed works are all located

within the catchment of the existing bio-

retention basin, which has been sized to

cater for the total catchment area. While

there is an increase in impervious area, it

is minor compared with the total

catchment and will not negatively impact

the bio-retention basin.

• The Stormwater Management Plan

illustrates the location of OSD basins and

details of the control pits and basin

sections.

Water Conservation

• A minimum 80% of non-portable water

demand is to be met through the reuse of

rainwater assessed using MUSIC.

• The design of rainwater tank volume to be

shown on the drainage plans is to be a

minimum of 20% greater than the rainwater

• The existing rainwater tank will be

retained, with the new roof area draining

to the tank.

CONTENTS


PRE-DA MEETING 9


tank volume used in MUSIC to allow for off-

talk and top-up levels.

10 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT URBIS


4. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 4.1. OVERVIEW This DA seeks consent for the following works:

• Minor internal refurbishments of existing Block A, including meeting rooms and staff facilities;

• Construction of a new two-storey Connected Hub building to house new classrooms, learning space and bathrooms and change room amenities;

• Construction of a covered outdoor learning area (COLA) above the existing basketball court and sun shelters above the existing artificial turf area;

• New landscaping around the new Connected Hub building, including a productive garden, and synthetic turfed and softfall open play space;

• Kiss and drop zone along Wentworth Street;

• Removal of 19 car parking spaces to accommodate the Connected Hub building; and

• School signage.

4.2. INTERNAL REFURBISHMENT The internal refurbishment of existing Block A will be minor to improve staff and administration facilities to cater for the growing school population. The refurbishment will occur only at ground level of Block A, including:

• One meeting room;

• Entry vestibule to improve circulation; and

• Staff Room Annexe.

4.3. THE CONNECTED HUB The Connected Hub will be constructed along Wentworth Street joining Block A and Block D of the primary school. The building will be two-storeys with the aim to connect the primary school and high school. The hub will provide future-focused learning spaces for primary school students and appropriate core facilities for staff and students in line with the Education Facilities Standards & Guidelines (EFSG).

The Connected Hub will include:

• Ground Level: productive garden, amenities, two ‘homebases’ with associated presentation area, withdrawal areas and storage, a turfed open play space and a special education department; and

• First Level: store rooms, presentation area, amenities, two ‘homebases’ with associated presentation space, withdrawal areas and storage, special programs room, covered walkway and a special education department with dedicated covered outdoor learning area.

Figure 4 below illustrates the proposed ground floor plan of the Connected Hub.

CONTENTS


PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 11

Figure 5 – Connected Hub ground floor plan

Source: TKD Architects

4.4. COVERED OUTDOOR LEARNING AREA A COLA will be constructed to wrap around the northern, western and southern faces of the existing school hall. It will extend out adjacent from the southern façade of the school hall to cover the existing basketball court.

12 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT URBIS


4.5. OPEN SPACE AND LANDSCAPE New landscaped areas and open space will be provided throughout the public school. The spaces will be provided to enhance the learning experience provided by the development. The proposed landscaping contains the following key aspects:

• Screen planting along the Wentworth Street boundary will reduce the impact of the ‘Connected Hub’ on the streetscape and nearby residences.

• The new entry forecourt will incorporate several landscape features including a feature tree and low groundcover vegetation to maintain sight lines, raised seating and featured paving to delineate the entry forecourt and student areas.

• New areas of synthetic turf and softfall open play spaces to provide a variety outdoor activity areas for students to utilise. A combination of fixed and movable furniture in these areas will allow for the flexible use of the space.

• A productive garden is to be included on the southern end of the Connected Hub building.

Figure 6 below illustrates the proposed landscape design. The full details of the Landscape Plan can be viewed at Appendix H.

Figure 6 – Landscape Plan

Source: Context Landscape Design

CONTENTS


PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 13

4.6. KISS AND DROP ZONE Existing demountables will be relocated to facilitate a Kiss and Drop Zone along Wentworth Street. This zone will allow parents and caregivers to safely drop off students without stopping on Wentworth Street impacting the flow of traffic.

4.7. REMOVAL OF PARKING SPACES To allow for the new building, 19 off-street parking spaces will be removed - 15 spaces will be removed from The Ponds High School and 4 spaces will be removed from Riverbank Public School. This application does not propose to replace the lost parking spaces.

4.8. SIGNAGE One electronic school sign and one school identification sign are proposed at the primary school entrance on Wentworth Street. A signage plan is included in Appendix B. The electronic sign will be illuminated at a low wattage to display school events and achievements. Further details are included at Section 5.4.

4.9. WASTE A Waste Management Plan has been prepared by Cadence Australia for the demolition, construction and operational phases of the development and is included in Appendix L. The School will comply with appropriate conditions of consent imposed in relation to waste management.

During construction, the site will be fenced to prevent illegal dumping. The civil constructor will manage all waste during construction.

All bins are located in the existing high school car park. The disposal of waste will continue to be managed by SUEZ Australia and New Zealand.

4.10. STORMWATER A stormwater management system has been developed to integrate the existing system and accommodate the redevelopment works, as well as comply with Council’s requirements. A Stormwater Management Report and Plans have been prepared by Woolacotts, refer to Appendix J.

14 SECTION 79C(1) ASSESSMENT URBIS


5. SECTION 79C(1) ASSESSMENT The following assessment has been structured in accordance with section 79C(1) of the EP&A Act.

5.1. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT) 2011

State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 (SEPP State and Regional Development) provides the legislative planning framework for state and regionally significant development.

The SEPP (State and Regional Development) requires “Regional Development” as listed in Schedule 4A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to be referred to Sydney West Central Planning Panel for determination. The proposal constitutes “Regional Development” as the proposed development has a Capital Investment Value of more than $5M and is a Crown Development.

5.2. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES) 2017

State Environmental Planning Policy (Educational Establishments and Child Care Facilities) 2017 (Education SEPP) aims to (amongst other things) streamline the planning system for education and child care facilities including changes to exempt and complying development. Of relevance to this proposal are Clause 42 and Schedule 4.

5.2.1. Consultation with public authorities other than councils

Schedule 3 ‘Traffic generating development to be referred to the RTA’ stipulates that development for the purposes of an ‘educational establishment’ with 50 of more students and with access to any road will be referred to the RTA. A referral to the RMS will be undertaken in accordance with this provision.

5.2.2. Schedule 4 – Design Quality Principles

Schedule 4 of the Education SEPP outlines the design quality principles that are proposed for consideration. The proposal will respond to the design quality principles as follows:

• Principle 1 – context, built form and landscape: The proposal involves a new built form elements called the Connected Hub. The proposal will not exceed the maximum building height outlined in the LEP and is considered an appropriate scale for the surrounding residential context. Landscaping will be provided in accordance with the Landscape Plan provided in Appendix H.

• Principle 2 – sustainable, efficient and durable: The proposal adopts a range of ESD initiatives, including the runoff from the new roof areas will be connected to the existing rain water tank, this will allow for water from the tank to be used to flush toilets associated with the new works. Further, a new raingarden will be provided to replace the swale and provide treatment to the new paved area. Envirpod will be provided in all new grated inlet pits. The proposal will also provide positive social and economic benefits for the local community particularly in terms of job creation and reducing pressure of surrounding public schools.

• Principle 3 – accessible and inclusive: The proposal is capable of complying with relevant provisions for accessibility as outlined in the Access Design Assessment Report included at Appendix D.

• Principle 4 – health and safely: CPTED measures have been incorporated into the design and management of the site to ensure a high level of safety and security for students and staff. The redesign of the school entry will improve surveillance and encourage students to move into the internal areas of the school and avoid loitering at the front entrance. The Connected Hub will also include passive surveillance of Wentworth Street. A range of open spaces and sports facilities will be available for students to encourage passive recreation.

• Principle 5 – amenity: The proposal will contain state of the art facilities, spaces and equipment for use by students and staff. These areas will provide students with an enhanced learning environment.

CONTENTS


SECTION 79C(1) ASSESSMENT 15

• Principle 6 – whole of life, flexible and adaptive: The proposed new classroom building is designed to ensure flexibility and longevity.

• Principle 7 – aesthetics: The proposal will have high quality external finishes, which will be aesthetically pleasing by achieving a built form that has good proportion and a balanced composition. The proposal is an appropriate scale and form for the residential context.

5.3. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY NO. 55 – REMEDIATION OF LAND

State Environmental Planning Policy No 55—Remediation of Land (SEPP 55) provides a state-wide planning approach to the remediation of contaminated land. SEPP 55 requires the consent authority to consider whether the subject land is contaminated. If the land requires remediation to ensure that it is made suitable for a proposed use or zoning, Council must be satisfied that the land can and will be remediated before the land is used for that purpose.

A Contamination Investigation was prepared by the NSW Public Works Department dated July 2013 and submitted with DA JRPP13-369. The report concluded that the site is suitable for the proposed development. Adequacy site remediation was undertaken prior to the construction of the existing school, complying with Condition 6.2 Site Remediation of DA JRPP13-369.

A Preliminary Stage 1 Environmental Site Assessment has been prepared by Environmental Investigation Services (EIS) and is included in Appendix I. Table 3 outlines the conclusion of the Environmental Site Assessment.

Table 3 – Decision Statement

Decision Statement Decision Result

Are any of the results above the

SAC?

Yes. One zinc result in the fill soil was above the ecological criterion.

Has the extent of the

contamination been identified?

Yes.

Do the contaminates pose a risk

to site receptors

No.

Is further investigation required? No.

Is the site suitable for the

proposed land use?

Based on the scope of work undertaken, EIS are of the opinion that the

AEC identified in the CSM pose relatively low risk to the site receptors.

The site is considered to be suitable for the proposed school

development.

A contingency plan should be prepared to address any unexpected

finds during earthworks. In the event unexpected conditions are

encountered during development, all works should stop and an

environmental consultant should be engaged to inspect the site and

address the issue.

Accordingly, the site is considered suitable for the proposed works and no further contamination investigation is required.



5.4. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY NO. 64 ADVERTISING AND SIGNAGE

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 64 Advertising and Signage (SEPP 64) applies to all signage and advertisements. Table 4 outlines the proposed signage for the school.

Table 4 – Proposed Signage

Proposed Signage Description Illumination Approximate Dimensions

Sign 1 – Business

Identification Sign

LED sign with school

logo over.

Illuminated (LED) W: 1.9 metres

H: 1.3 metres

Total Area: 2.47 metres

Sign 2 – Business

Identification Sign

Raised lettering sign. Unilluminated W: 5.9 metres

H: 0.3 metres

Total area: 1.77 metres

As set out under SEPP 64, the consent authority is required to consider and assess any proposed signage and/or advertisements against the Assessment Criteria set out under Schedule 1 of the SEPP.

An assessment of the proposed signage against the objectives of the SEPP and relevant criteria for assessment has been undertaken and is summarised in Table 5.

Table 5 – SEPP 64 Compliance

Control Proposed Complies

1 Character of the Area

• Is the proposal compatible with the

character of the area or locality in which it

is proposed to be located?

• Is the proposal consistent with a particular

theme for outdoor advertising in the area

or locality?

The proposed signage is compatible with

the current land use. The proposed

signage will not detract from the

streetscape as they are set back from the

Wentworth Street frontage and will not

disrupt vehicular or pedestrian flow.

The scale and location of the proposed

signage is considered appropriate, as they

balance the needs of the school within a

residential streetscape. The proposed

landscaping further integrates the signage

with the Wentworth Street streetscape,

softening the appearance.

YES

2 Special Area

• Does the proposal detract from the

amenity or visual quality of any

environmentally sensitive areas, heritage

areas, natural or other conservation

The proposal does not detract from the

amenity or visual quality of any

environmental sensitive area, natural or

other conservation area, open space area,

waterway or rural landscapes.

YES

CONTENTS




areas, open space areas, waterways,

rural landscapes or residential areas?

The signage will be integrated into and

compliment the architectural design of the

school entrance area. As such, the

proposed signage will not adversely

impede the visibility of other signage within

the surrounding area.

3 Views and Vistas

• Does the proposal obscure or

compromise important views?

• Does the proposal contribute to the visual

interest of the streetscape, setting or

landscape?

• Does the proposal reduce clutter by

rationalising and simplifying existing

advertising?

• Does the proposal screen unsightliness?

• Does the proposal protrude above

buildings, structures or tree canopies in

the area or locality?

• Does the proposal require ongoing

vegetation management?

The signage is affixed at a low level above

the ground and will not obscure or

compromise views, dominate the skyline or

impede on the viewing rights of other

advertisers.

The signage has been designed in respect

of the surrounding residential uses and will

not create visual clutter or impact nearby

properties.

YES

4 Streetscape, setting or landscaping

• Is the proposal compatible with the scale,

proportion and other characteristics of the

site or building, or both, on which the

proposed signage is to be located?

• Does the proposal respect important

features of the site or building, or both?

• Does the proposal show innovation and

imagination in its relationship to the site or

building, or both?

The proposed signage is compatible with

the scale of the surrounding streetscape

and setting.

The proposed signage will incorporate

quality materials and finishes and provide a

coherent and integrated colour scheme

based on the school colours.

YES

6 Associated devices and logos with advertisements and advertising structures

• Have any safety devices, platforms,

lighting devices or logos been designed

as an integral part of the signage or

structure on which it is to be displayed?

The sign will integrate the existing school

logo and a LED screen to display

messages and achievements.

YES

7 Illumination




• Would illumination result in unacceptable

glare?

• Would illumination affect safety for

pedestrians, vehicles or aircraft, or detract

from the amenity of any residence or

other form of accommodation?

• Can the intensity of the illumination be

adjusted, if necessary?

• Is the illumination subject to a curfew?

Part of the sign will be illuminated, using

LED lights. The illumination will occur at

low wattage and will not affect safety for

pedestrians, vehicles or aircraft.

The illumination will not detract from the

amenity of any nearby residence.

YES

8 Safety

• Would the proposal reduce the safety for

any public road?


pedestrians or bicyclists?


pedestrians, particularly children, by

obscuring sightlines from public areas?

The signs are attached to concrete walls at

the school entrance and will not impede on

the path of vehicles, cyclists or

pedestrians.

The proposed signage will not distract

motorists. No safety implications for

pedestrians or vehicular users are

envisaged. The signage will be set back

from the front boundary.

YES

5.5. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (SYDNEY REGION GROWTH CENTRES) 2006

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006 (Growth Centres SEPP) identifies the site of Riverbank Public School within the Alex Avenue and Riverstone Precinct Plan 2010 (Appendix 4 of the Growth Centres SEPP). As such, development controls relating to the site are outlined in this Precinct Plan.

5.5.1. Zoning and Permissibility

Under the Alex Avenue and Riverstone Precinct Plan 2010 of the Growth Centres SEPP, the site is zoned R2 Low Density Residential. Educational establishments are permitted with consent in this zone. The proposal is therefore permissible with consent.

The relevant objectives if the zone are:

• To provide for the housing needs of the community within a low density residential environment.

• To enable other land uses that provide facilities or services to meet the day to day needs of residents.

• To allow people to carry out a reasonable range of activities from their homes, where such activities are not likely to adversely affect the living environment of neighbours.

• To support the wellbeing of the community, by enabling educational, recreational, community, religious and other activities where compatible with the amenity of a low density residential environment.

The proposal will provide additional classrooms and important infrastructure for the growing population of The Ponds. The school maintains the existing education use and will enhance the social infrastructure through buildings and services upgrades. The proposal will have no significant adverse impacts on

CONTENTS



surrounding residential land uses, as it provides adequate landscaping and setback to protect residential privacy and amenity. The development is consistent with the objectives of the zone.

5.5.2. Height

The maximum height limit applicable to the site is 9m. The existing building is two-storeys in height at 8.8m. The proposed Connected Hub is keeping with this built form, with an overall building height of 8.25m. The proposal complies.

5.5.3. Floor Space Ratio (FSR)

The Growth Centres SEPP does not prescribe a maximum FSR for the site.

5.5.4. Public Utility Infrastructure

Clause 6.1 of the Growth Centres SEPP states that prior to development consent being granted the consent authority must be satisfied that essential public utility infrastructure is provided on site. Adequate arrangements of supply of water, electricity and disposal and management of sewage were dealt with during the original DA (JRPP13-369). The proposal will not require upgrades to these services.

5.5.5. Information and Educational Facilities in R2 Low Density Residential

Clause 6.3 of the Growth Centres SEPP outlines additional provisions for education facilities in the R2 Low Density Residential Zone, to ensure that the educational facilities do not detract from the character and amenity of the low density residential area. The clause states:

(2) Development for information and educational facilities is permissible with development consent on land within Zone R2 Low Density Residential located:

(a) on land adjoining land within Zone RE1 Public Recreation or Zone E2 Environmental Conservation, or separated from land within Zone RE1 Public Recreation or Zone E2 Environmental Conservation only by a public road, or

(b) within 90 metres of a public transport stop, or

(c) adjoining an educational establishment or a community facility or separated from an educational establishment or a community facility only by a public road.

The site contains an existing educational facility, which is located within 90m of a public transport stop and is not located within 800m of another public education facility. The proposed Connection Hub and alteration and addition works are permitted with consent and will be in keeping with the character and amenity of the Alex Avenue and Riverstone Precinct.

5.5.6. Protected Vegetation

The site itself is not identified as having native vegetation retention areas or existing native vegetation areas (refer to Figure 5). However, protected vegetation areas are located adjacent to the site toward the north and north-east. Both Cl 6.4 Development controls—native vegetation retention areas and Cl 6.5 Development controls—existing native vegetation do not apply to the proposal as no clearing of native vegetation is proposed. The proposed development will not impact these protected vegetation areas.

All proposed works are isolated to the south-east area of the site. No works are proposed within the area of the site identified as native vegetation retention areas.



Figure 7 – Protected Vegetation

Source: Growth Centres SEPP 2006

5.6. SYDNEY REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN NO. 20 – HAWKESBURY NEPEAN RIVER (NO. 2 – 1997)

The Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 20 – Hawkesbury- Nepean River (No. 2 – 1997) (SREP) aims to protect the environmental of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system by ensuring that the impacts of future land uses are considered in the regional context; the SREP applies to the Blacktown Local Government Area.

The proposal will not have any adverse environmental impacts on environmentally sensitive area, areas of high scenic quality, wetland areas, areas of high cultural heritage or impact on the water quality of the Hawkesbury Nepean River. The development controls outlined in Part 3 of the SREP have been reviewed and deemed irrelevant to this development application as no controls relate to the development of educational establishments.

5.7. BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL GROWTH CENTRE PRECINCTS DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN

The Blacktown City Council Growth Centre Precincts Development Control Plan (BCC Growth Centre DCP) provides the development and design guidelines for future development within the Blacktown City Council’s growth centre precincts. The plan came into force on 19 May 2010.

Riverbank Public School is located within the Alex Avenue Precinct. The following excerpt from the BCC Growth Centre DCP outlines the vision for the Alex Avenue Precinct:

The vision for the Alex Avenue Precinct is that a range of housing types will develop to meet the needs of a diverse community, supported by local services, infrastructure, facilities and employment, in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The proposal is consistent with the vision of the precinct as it will expand the existing educational infrastructure and services to cater for the population growth of the surrounding locality.

A full table of compliance to the development and design guidelines is provided below in Table 6.

The site

CONTENTS



Table 6 – Blacktown Growth Centres DCP 2010 Compliance Table

Provision Compliance Comment

4.4 Other Development in Residential Areas

4.4.1 General Requirements

• Front setback: 4.5m from the lot boundary

to building façade line.

NO

Non-

compliance

justified

• The proposed Connected Hub is setback a

minimum of 4.420m from the Wentworth Street

boundary. The splay shape of the building

varies in setback width, with the maximum

distance 11.75m from Wentworth Street. The

reduced setback is considered acceptable as

the proposed façade varies in colour and form,

reducing the perceived bulk and scale of the

building. Further, the proposed landscaping

softens the appearance of the building from

adjacent residential properties.

• Side setback: 0.9m

• Rear setback: 4m (ground level), 6m

(upper level)

YES • The proposal will not alter the existing side or

rear setbacks.

• Maximum site coverage is 60% of the total

size area.

• Minimum landscaped area for non-

residential development is 20% of the total

site area.

YES • The proposal will increase the GFA by 3,420m2

• The site will have a site coverage of 11.1%.

• The site will have a landscaped area of 64% of

the total site area.

• Provision of car parking for non-residential

uses will be assessed by Council on an

individual basis but must be sufficient to

meet demand generated by staff and

visitors.

NO

Non-

compliance

justified

• This DA is accompanied by a Traffic and

Parking Assessment. The proposal will result in

the loss of 19 parking spaces. This is

considered acceptable as it is assumed many

students will be within the new residential

estate and walking distance to the school and

the proposal does not encroach on students

play space.

• Non-residential development in residential

zones should be similar in bulk, scale,

height and siting to the surrounding

buildings.

YES • The proposal will not exceed the 9m maximum

height limited as defined in the Growth Centres

SEPP. The bulk, scale and height is deemed

appropriate in the residential context.

• Finishes, materials, paving and

landscaping are to be consistent with

those of surrounding residential

development

YES • The proposed finishes, materials, paving and

landscaping are detailed in the Architectural

Plans located at Appendix B, the finishes and

materials are in keeping with the existing school

buildings.




4.4.3 Educational Establishments & Places of Worship

Council will consider the following:

The privacy and amenity of adjoining developments

The need and adequacy for provision of buffer zones to surrounding residential development

Urban design

Location

The size of the land where the development is proposed

Traffic generation and impacts of traffic on the road network and the amenity of nearby residents

The availability of parking

The scale of buildings and their capacity

Hours of operation and noise impacts

• Car parking spaces shall be provided at the rate of 1 space per staff member plus 1 space per 100 students.

PARTIAL • The proposal is in keeping with the schools’

existing character and amenity, to ensure

consistent built form between existing built form

and the Connected Hub. The Connected Hub

will be of a modern construction with exterior

cladding panels and metal roof sheeting to

integrate with the current school design. The

variety of cladding panels along with

fenestration and sunshades will provide

articulation to the building.

• The materiality differs from the existing school

buildings that comprise of part brick part metal

cladding. The proposed coloured cladding

along Wentworth Street will provide visual

interest and soften the appearance of the

Connected Hub when viewed from the adjacent

residential properties.

• Landscaping is also proposed along Wentworth

Street along the extent of the new hub building.

• The proximity to residential properties has been

carefully considered, the proposal will not

create any overshadowing to residential

properties along Wentworth Street.

• A traffic and transport report/statement is

to accompany the DA addressing the

impact of the proposed development on

the local road system and defining car

parking requirements.

YES • This DA is accompanied by a Traffic and

Parking Assessment. The school building will

result in the loss of 19 parking spaces. This is

considered acceptable as many students live

within the new residential estate and walking

distance to the school. Ample on-street car

parking is available surrounding the school,

however, public and passive transport options

are the preferred travel methods. The removal

of these parking spaces ensures that the

proposed development required to

accommodate the expected increase in student

population does not encroach on required play

space and school facilities.

• A landscape plan and associated

documentation is to be submitted with the

DA.

YES • A Landscape Plan has been provided in

Appendix H. The proposal provides additional

landscaping along Wentworth Street and does

not encroach on students play space.

CONTENTS




• An acoustic report is to be submitted with

the DA.

YES • An Acoustic Report has been provided in

Appendix C. The proposal will not create any

adverse acoustic impacts to the nearby

residences.

24 KEY IMPACTS ASSESSMENT URBIS


6. KEY IMPACTS ASSESSMENT 6.1. OVERSHADOWING Shadow Diagrams have been provided as part of the Architectural Plans attached at Appendix B. These illustrate the shadows which will be cast by the proposed development at the winter solstice (21st June), along with the shows from the existing development at the same point in time. The overshadowing is summarised below:

• At 9am the shadows will be relatively small and fall within existing teaching area, ensuring adequate solar access to play areas and no impact to adjacent residential properties.

• At midday, the shadows will be relatively small and fall within the site. There will be no impact to adjacent residential properties.

• At 3pm the shadows will be longer, only a very small section of the shadow from the proposed Connected Hub will extend beyond the site boundary to the east of the site, and will fall upon the pathway and road reserve. There will be no impact to adjacent residential properties.

Given the above, the proposed development will not give rise to adverse impacts in terms of overshadowing. The proposal will not impact adjacent residential properties ability to receive at least 3 hours of sunlight between 9am and 3pm at the winter solstice, as per the Growth Centres SEPP.

6.2. PRIVACY The school is separated from residential properties by Wentworth Street to the east and playing fields and Riverbank Drive to the south. This distance provides a high level of separation, which ensures that privacy levels are maintained at interfaces between the school buildings and surrounding residential properties.

The Wentworth Street road reserve acts as a privacy buffer between the school and residences, providing separation for privacy. In order to further protect privacy levels, the window opening on the proposed building are elevated from street level and covered with sunshades, which have a dual purpose of shielding the sunlight and reducing overlooking to the adjacent residential properties. Landscaping along Wentworth Street provides further protects privacy levels.

Overall, it is not expected that any residential properties will be adversely impacted in terms of visual privacy given the distance to properties on the opposite side of Wentworth Street, as well as the inward facing design.

6.3. FLOODING As outlined in the Stormwater Management Report prepared by Woolacotts and provided in Appendix J, Blacktown City Council has identified that a portion of the site on the northern boundary is identified as low risk flood prone land. This is not located near the proposed works. Therefore, the proposed new buildings are not affected by flooding.

Figure 8 provides an excerpt of Council’s flood map, illustrating the flooding risk in context to the proposed works.

CONTENTS


KEY IMPACTS ASSESSMENT 25

Figure 8 – Blacktown City Council Flooding Map

Source: Blacktown City Council

6.4. BUSHFIRE A Bushfire Hazard Assessment Report has been undertaken by Building Code & Bushfire Hazard Solutions Pty Ltd and is provided in Appendix F. Blacktown City Council’s Fire Prone Land Map identifies the site as partially containing the 100 metres buffer zone from Category 1 Vegetation, therefore the application of Planning for Bushfire Fire Protection – 2006 (PMP) must apply in this instance, refer to Figure 9.

The vegetation identified as being the hazard is located to the east of the site within a vegetated reserve. The vegetation posing a hazard to the east was found to consist of trees 10-20 metres in height having a 30% canopy foliage cover and an understory of low trees, shrubs and grasses.

The minimum required Asset Protection Zone (APZ) was determined from bushfire design modelling to be 29 metres to the east. The proposed new works are greater than 29 metres from the bushfire hazard to the east, satisfying the requirements for Special Fire Protection Purpose development. The existing APZ consists of maintained land within the project and land equivalent to an APZ being Wentworth Street.

The Bushfire Report provides the following recommendations:

General:

1. That the proposed development complies with Site Plan by TKD Architects, Job No. 160711, Drawing No. AR.DA.1102 Revision P1.

Asset Protection Zones

Location of Proposed Works



2. That any new landscaping is to comply with Appendix 5 ‘Landscaping and Property Maintenance’ under Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006.

Construction

3. New construction comply with section 3 and 5 BAL 12.5 under Australian Standard AS3959-2009 ''Construction of buildings in bush fire-prone areas'' and section A3.7 Addendum Appendix 3 of ''Planning for Bush Fire Protection''.

Emergency Management

4. That the existing Bush Fire Evacuation Plan be updated in accordance with the NSW Rural Fire Service guidelines for emergency management plans.

The subject site has three street frontages, allowing fire services free vehicle access and pedestrian access around the subject site and proposed works. Existing hydrants are available along Wentworth Street and surrounding streets available for the replenishment of fire appliances. The subject site also has a comprehensive internal hydrant system in place. These arrangements are considered appropriate with no upgrades required.

Figure 9 – Bushfire Prone Land

Source: Blacktown City Council

6.5. PARKING, ACCESS & TRAFFIC A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) has been provided by Traffix and is included in Appendix K. parking, access and traffic are addressed below.

6.5.1. Parking

Car Parking

In accordance with the Blacktown Growth Centres DCP 2010 educational establishments are required to have a minimum of 1 space per staff member and 1 space per 100 students. From these rates the proposed development is required to provide an additional 10 parking spaces. This proposal does not include the provision of additional off-street parking. To allow for the new building, 19 off-street parking spaces will be removed. 15 off-street spaces will be removed from The Ponds High School and 4 off-street parking spaces will be removed from Riverbank Public School. This application does not propose to replace the lost parking spaces.

CONTENTS



The Department of Education has its own set of guidelines in relation to the provision of parking for staff within education facilities. The Department’s Educational Facilities Standards and Guidelines (EFSG) activity encourages the use of sustainable means of transport. Furthermore, the Motor Vehicle Policy for NSW Government Agencies does not entitle parking spaces for private use vehicles on Government leased or owned premises.

To reduce the reliance on use of private vehicles, a comprehensive package of measures is proposed to meet the needs of staff, students and parents while achieving a mode shift towards public transport. The following measures are proposed:

• Bicycle User Group and promotion of Bicycle Initiatives;

• Walking school bus program and school travel plans;

• Car sharing scheme; and

• Staggered schemes for pick-up and drop-off times.

There are currently 6 dedicated on-street pick-up and drop-off spaces on the western side of Wentworth Street. These are provided in the existing 40m ‘No Parking 8:00am-9:30am, 2:30pm-4:00pm, School Days’ restricted parking zone along the school’s Wentworth Street frontage. An additional 30m of the above-mentioned restricted parking on the western side of Wentworth Street between Springwood Avenue and the access driveway for the Riverbank Public School car park is recommended. This will provide an additional 5 pick-up/drop-off spaces.

Existing disabled spaces have been designed in accordance with AS2890.6-2009.

Bicycle Parking

The Blacktown Growth Centres DCP 2010 does not provide a rate of bicycle parking. Traffix have used the Planning Guidelines for Walking and Cycling 2004 which require:

• Long Term Use: 3-5% Staff (1 space)

• Short Term Use: 5-10% Staff (1 spaces)

Given the direction of the above guideline, Traffix recommend that the proposed development provide 4 bicycle spaces taking into account the proposed increase of 8 staff and the potential for parents to cycle to the site. Bicycle parking has been provided to the left of the main school entry, as detailed on the Landscape Plans.

6.5.2. Access

The development proposes no changes to the existing access arrangement. Vehicle access is available from Wentworth Street to the car park on site via a driveway and gates. No vehicle or pedestrian access is available from Hambledon Road.

Pedestrian access is provided from a main entry on Wentworth Street for the primary school, and Riverbank Drive for the high school.

6.5.3. Traffic

The proposal is expected to generate additional vehicle trips in the AM peak associated with student drop-off and staff arrivals, and vice versa during the PM peak. The proposed volumes occur over the school peaks from 7:30am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Traffix has reviewed the data collected from the staff and student surveys, and has applied a 74% and 70% private vehicle occupancy for student in the AM and PM peak periods respectively, and an 100% vehicle occupancy for staff.

To further accommodate a conservative approach, it has been assumed that 90% of student vehicles and 33% of staff vehicles will arrive to the site during the AM peak hour between 8:00am – 9:00am and 78.5% of student vehicles and 20% of staff vehicles will depart during the PM Peak hour at 3:00pm – 4:00pm.

Based on an increase of 130 students and 8 staff, the traffic is estimated at:

• 111 vehicle trips (57 in, 54 out) during the AM peak period.



• 92 vehicle trips (45 in, 47 out) during the PM peak period.

Table 7 illustrates that the AM & PM peak hour intersection performance comparing the existing and proposed Level of Service of surrounding intersections. All key intersections are expected to operate satisfactorily after the completion of the proposed development with a Level of Service of ‘A’ being maintained at all critical intersections during both peak periods.

Table 7 – AM & PM Peak Hour Intersection Performances

Intersection Description

Control Type

Model Period Level of Service

Degree of Saturation

Intersection Delay (sec)

Wentworth

Street/Riverbank

River

Stop Existing

AM

PM

A

A

0.163

0.098

13.4

10.6

Existing &

Development

AM

PM

B

A

0.234

0.136

16.6

11.6

Greenview

Parade/

Wentworth Street

Roundabout Existing AM

PM

A

A

0.023

0.023

8.2

8.1

Existing &

Development

AM

PM

A

A

0.028

0.028

8.5

8.3

6.5.4. Sustainable Travel

Appendix H of the TIA provides a draft Transport Access Guide (TAG), which will provide information to school staff, students, parents and visitors on how to travel to and from the School by active modes of transport and public transport. The TAG includes the following information:

• Local bus facilities and network maps;

• Local cycle route maps;

• Information regarding a walking school bus;

• Information regarding staggered pick up and drop off times; and

• Cycle initiatives and events.

The TAG will be developed further by the school.

6.5.5. Construction Traffic

Traffix has prepared a preliminary Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be prepared and submitted to Council separate to this Development Application. In summary:

• The truck routes utilised for the construction of the development would utilise the arterial road network where possible.

• Trucks will have an anticipated maximum vehicle size of 12.5 HRV, to accommodate movement to and from the site in a forward direction.

• Contractors will be encouraged to either use public transport or ride share to/from the site.

• If necessary, a Traffic Control Plans will be development in accordance with the RMS Traffic Control at Worksites Manual and AS1742.3.

CONTENTS



• Swept Path Analysis should be undertaken for each construction stage demonstrating forward entry and exit during all construction stages. All entry and exit movements will be monitored by certified traffic controllers.

6.5.6. Conclusion

The Traffic and Transport Report concludes that the proposal is supported on traffic planning grounds and will operate satisfactorily. Carparking is acceptable as DoE’s Policies for Facility Guidelines, the Motor Vehicle Policy for NSW Government Agencies and the Crown Employees Salaries and Condition Award indicates that off-street parking should be minimised for staff. The proposed car parking provision is therefore acceptable under those circumstances.

6.6. ACOUSTICS An Acoustic Report has been prepared by Wilkinson Murray and is included in Appendix C. It addresses construction, operational and traffic noise.

6.6.1. Construction Noise and Vibration

The greatest potential impact from construction occurs when mobile construction plant operates in proximity to residential receivers near the eastern boundary. Throughout the demolition and excavation period, careful management will be required to minimise impacts at residences. A review of the predicted noise level ranges indicates exceedances of up to 36dBA may occur during building construction for Wentworth Street Residences and The Ponds High School. The following project-specific mitigation measures should be adopted:

• Installation of localised noise barriers between piling rigs and residences;

• Selection of quietest feasible construction equipment;

• Use of rock saws and ripping in preference to rock breakers if rock removal is required (unlikely);

• Localised treatment, such as barriers, shrouds and the like around fixed plant, such as pumps, generators and concrete pumps;

• Provision of respite periods, particularly on Saturdays; and

• Trial testing of vibration levels where equipment is identified as having the potential to exceed the human comfort criteria.

In addition, the following measures should be included in a Noise and Vibration Management Plan.

• Plant Noise Audit – Noise emission levels of all mobile plant and equipment should be checked for compliance with noise limits appropriate to those items prior to the equipment going into regular service. Testing should be established with the contractor.

• Operator Instruction – Operators should be trained in order to raise their awareness of potential noise problems and to increase their use of techniques to minimise noise emission.

• Equipment Selection – All fixed plant at the work sites should be appropriately selected, and where necessary, fitted with silencers, acoustical enclosures and other noise attenuation measures in order to ensure that the total noise emission from each work site complies with EPA guidelines.

• Site Noise Planning – Where practical, the layout and positioning of noise-producing plant and activities on each work site should be optimised to minimise noise emission levels.

Community consultation will also occur with the adjoining properties to advise of the proposed works and likely impacts. The Report recommends that a Community and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy be development and Noise and Vibration Management Plan be prepared prior to Construction Certificate.

6.6.2. Operational Noise

Operational noise is expected from the mechanical service plant, school announcements, teaching and practical activities, outdoor play and events in the hall.



Noise levels during a game with a small crowd can be expected to be in the order of 50 dBA at residences on the eastern side of Wentworth Street. While the extra children at the school will increase the noise from the playground, noise is expected to be generally within the range of background LA90 + 10dBA.

To minimise the potential impact at residences the following recommendations made:

• Restrict the use of the sports courts prior to 7.00am.

• Minimise PA use and ensure speakers are appropriately located and limited to achieve acceptable levels.

• The PA system should use small low-powered horn-type speakers oriented in such a manner to fire away from residential premises.

• Speakers should be mounted at a downward angle of 45 degree and as close to ground level as possible.

• Only nominated persons, trained in the appropriate use of the system, should be permitted to operate the PA system.

It is recommended that management of noise be included in any site management plan.

6.6.3. Road Traffic Noise

It is predicted that increasing enrolments at the school will increase the overall traffic noise by 2.0 dBA. As noted in the Road Noise Policy, an increase of less than 2dBA represents a minor impact that is considered barely perceptible to the average person.

While the traffic noise during peak school times is predicted to marginally exceed the RNP criteria for daytime, the extra traffic noise due to the proposal is considered to cause only a minor impact and is to be expected at residences near a school.

6.6.4. Conclusion

The Acoustic Report concludes that the proposal will not have unreasonable impacts in terms of construction noise and vibration, operation noise and road traffic noise. The proposed recommendations will ensure the development will not adversely impact the amenity of surrounding residents.

6.7. SUITABILITY OF THE SITE The site is suitable for this development for the following reasons:

• The site is already in use by Riverbank Public School, and pursuant to the Growth Centres SEPP 2006 educational establishments are permitted with consent in the R2 zone.

• The site is capable of accommodating upgraded educational buildings with no undue impacts on surrounding residential properties.

• Residential amenity and privacy to adjacent properties will be respected using landscaping and fencing.

• The site is in an area of high population growth and development. The redevelopment will cater for the growing population.

Accordingly, the site is considered suitable for the development for education purpose.

6.8. THE PUBLIC INTEREST The proposal improves the education facilities at Riverbank Public School. The development therefore represents an orderly development of the land. The scale of the additional buildings does not have an unreasonable material effect on the amenity and character of the area and the surrounding built form. Accordingly, it is considered that the development is in the public interest.

CONTENTS


CONCLUSION 31

7. CONCLUSION This SEE accompanies a DA which seeks consent to provide classroom and facilities at Riverbank Public School. The proposal should be supported by Council for the following reasons:

• It provides high quality teaching and learning spaces to benefit students and teachers;

• The site is suitable for the proposed development and it is entirely in the public interest;

• It improves education facilities on land zoned for this purpose;

• The proposed school buildings are future focused to enable a collaborative teaching and learning environment rather than the traditional classroom setting Riverbank currently adopts;

• It provides additional students spaces for the growing population of The Ponds and surrounding suburbs, the redevelopment responses to population demand; and

• It does not decrease key recreational space for the school, keeping school buildings on the northern portion of the site and leaving a large expanse of play area.

The proposed development is therefore in the public interest and should be approved by Council.

32 CONCLUSION URBIS



DISCLAIMER 33

DISCLAIMER This report is dated 5 June 2017 and incorporates information and events up to that date only and excludes any information arising, or event occurring, after that date which may affect the validity of Urbis Pty Ltd’s (Urbis) opinion in this report. Urbis prepared this report on the instructions, and for the benefit only, of Tanner Kibble Denton Architects Pty Ltd (Instructing Party) for the purpose of SEE (Purpose) and not for any other purpose or use. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Urbis expressly disclaims all liability, whether direct or indirect, to the Instructing Party which relies or purports to rely on this report for any purpose other than the Purpose, and to any other person which relies or purports to rely on this report for any purpose whatsoever (including the Purpose).

In preparing this report, Urbis was required to make judgements which may be affected by unforeseen future events, the likelihood and effects of which are not capable of precise assessment.

All surveys, forecasts, projections and recommendations contained in or associated with this report are made in good faith and on the basis of information supplied to Urbis at the date of this report, and upon which Urbis relied. Achievement of the projections and budgets set out in this report will depend, among other things, on the actions of others over which Urbis has no control.

In preparing this report, Urbis may rely on or refer to documents in a language other than English, which Urbis may arrange to be translated. Urbis is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of such translations and disclaims any liability for any statement or opinion made in this report being inaccurate or incomplete arising from such translations.

Whilst Urbis has made all reasonable inquiries it believes necessary in preparing this report, it is not responsible for determining the completeness or accuracy of information provided to it. Urbis (including its officers and personnel) is not liable for any errors or omissions, including in information provided by the Instructing Party or another person or upon which Urbis relies, provided that such errors or omissions are not made by Urbis recklessly or in bad faith.

This report has been prepared with due care and diligence by Urbis and the statements and opinions given by Urbis in this report are given in good faith and in the reasonable belief that they are correct and not misleading, subject to the limitations above.