appendix c urban design strategy and visual impact … · appendix c urban design strategy and...

MR335- Wyong Road, Enterprise Drive/ Chittaway Road intersection and approaches upgrade Review of Environmental Factors

Appendix C Urban design strategy and visual impact assessment

May 2014

MR335 - Wyong Road, Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road, Berkeley Vale

Intersection upgrade, road widening and lane augmentation

URBAN DESIGN STRATEGYAND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

MR335 - Wyong Road, Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road, Berkeley Vale intersection upgrade, road widening and lane augmentation

iiPeter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd + Frolic Consortium paa.design . architecture . planning . urban design . landscape architecture

Project: MR35 - Wyong Road Intersection upgrade, Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road, Berkeley Vale - Urban design strategy

Version Date issued Description AuthorA 07/05/2014 Urban design strategy and landscape

character and visual impact assessment issued for 100%

Vanessa ColcloughPeter Andrews

B 09/05/2014 Urban design strategy and landscape character and visual impact assessment issued for 100%


Document history and status

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PO Box 494 Terrigal NSW 2260 Level 1 . 56 Terrigal Esplanade TerrigalStudio 67 Windmill Street Millers Point P::+61 2 4385 9126 E::[email protected] W::www.paadesign.com.au











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iiiPeter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd + Frolic Consortium paa.design . architecture . planning . urban design . landscape architecture

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. Purpose 11.2. The proposal 2

2.0 CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS 3

2.1. Regional context 32.2. Local context 4

3.0 URBAN DESIGN STRATEGY 6

3.1. Objectives + principles 63.2. Urban design concept 7

4.0 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 10

4.1. Methodology 104.2. Landscape character zones 104.3. Landscape character assessment 104.4. Visual impact assessment 154.5. Landscape character and visual impact mitigation measures 19

5.0 REFERENCES 20











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1Peter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd + Frolic Consortium paa.design . architecture . planning . urban design . landscape architecture

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1 – Locality planSource: Google maps 2013

Figure 2 – Images of the Enterprise Drive / Wyong Road Intersection

1.1. Purpose

NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is proposing Wyong Road at Enterprise Drive / Chittaway Road intersection to be upgraded to a signalised intersection (Figure1). The existing intersection incorporates a two lane roundabout (Figure 2).

The project objectives set out by the RMS are to:

• Improvetrafficefficiencyandreducepeakhourcongestion.• Contribute to a solution that reduces peak travel times along

Wyong Road.• Improve travel times for public transport (buses).• Reduce crashes and improves safety for all road users

including pedestrians, cyclists and bus commuters.• Minimise the project’s impact on the environment.• Minimise the project “whole of life cost”.

The Urban design strategy provides the following information:

• Theintroductionincludingtheprojectobjectives,purposeofthe study and a brief overview of the proposal.

• Thecontextualanalysisprovidinganoverviewoftheregional and local context of the area.

• Corridordescriptionandanalysis,whichdescribestheexistingurbanandlandscapecharacter,andidentifiesandcommentsonsignificantviewscapesandlandscapes.Thisincludes the builtform, natural and landscape characters of the area, its urban structure and functional relationships urban design objectives and principles, which are addressed as the design is developed.

• Assessment of the proposal on the landscape character and existing and potential views.

• Proposedurbandesignandlandscapestrategyfortheproposal.

• Mitigationmeasuresfortheresidualimpactsoftheproposals.

Study area











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Figure 3 – The ProposalSource: GHD

1.2. The proposal

The project is funded by the NSW State Government and involves the upgrade of a four (4) way, roundabout controlled intersection on Wyong Road at Enterprise Drive / Chittaway Road. The intersection will be upgraded to a full signalised intersection. This includes an upgrade of Wyong Road, Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road on approach to the intersection (Figure 3).

The proposal includes:

• Dual through lanes on Wyong Road.• One through lane on Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road.• Signalised left turn slip lanes on all approaches.• Dual right turn bays on all approaches except Wyong Road

northbound, which has a single right turn bay. • Separate through lane and left turn bay on Chittaway Road.• Bus jumps on the Wyong Road approaches with priority

phasing.• Bus bays and bus stops located closer to the intersection

southbound and northbound on Wyong Road.• Additional roadway width to be achieved by widening to the

west side of Wyong Road and the north side of Enterprise Drive.

• Various sized medians.• Drainage.• Pedestrian crossing facilities at the intersection.• Pedestrian pathway and shared pedestrian/cycle pathways• Onroad cycleway along Enterprise Drive.• Landscape treatment.

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ENTERPRISE DRIVE

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2.0 CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

ChittawayBayisidentifiedasavillageintheCentralCoastRegional Strategy as it provides a range of retail and other services and adjoins residential development. Land to the westisidentifiedasanemploymentprecinctandincludestheBerkeley Vale Industrial Estate. Refer Figure 4.

Wyong Road is a major connector road linking the eastern suburbs of the Central Coast including Chittaway Bay and BerkeleyValetothePacificHighwayandtheM1Motorwaylocated to the west (Figure 5).

Enterprise Drive provides access to the south and east and eventuallywiththePacificHighway.ChittawayRoadprovidesaccess to the adjoining residential areas.

Visual assessment and design guidelines Main Road 335

Wyong Road is one of Wyong Shire’s most important arterial roads. The visual assessment and design guidelines were developed to assist Wyong Council to undertake a coordinated improvement scheme and establish guidelines for public and private lands.

The objectives outlined for landscape treatment in the guidelines were:

• Cost effective and easy to maintain. • Create a strong image that is relevant to Wyong Shire. • Reinforce existing landscape character where it is

appropriate to do so. • Create emphasis at major decision points along the road. • Achieve balance between unifying the visual environment

and emphasising changes in landscape character and existing and future land use patterns.

The guidelines proposed:

• Informal groups of tall high canopied trees consistent with a riverine character, E. Saligna and E. pilularis. Individual trees at 5-10m spacing.

• Reinforce existing stands of E. maculata.• Lower planting to screen industrial estate e.g. Melaleuca

sp, Callistomon sp and E. robusta in poorly drained soil.• Individual trees at 5-10m spacing.

Proposed cross section treatments for this section of Wyong Road outlined in the guidelines are shown on Figure 6.

2.1. Regional context

Study area

Proposed intersection upgrade

Figure 4 – Central Coast centres, employment lands and employment precinctsSource: Department of Planning & Infrastructure 2008

Figure 5 – Regional contextSource: Roads and Maritime Services

Figure 6 – Cross Sections - Wyong RoadSource: Main Road 335 Guidelines











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Figure 7 – Contextual planSource: Base map - Google Earth Pro 2013

Figure 8 – Wyong Road corridor travelling south

2.2. Local context The subject site is bound by industrial land to the north west and south west, retail and community facilities to the north east, residential to the east and conservation bushland to the south. It straddles the boundaries of Berkeley Vale and Chittaway Bay. The Ourimbah Creek is located to the north of the subject site. Refer Figure 7.

Property access is not available from Wyong Road. Access to the Berkeley Vale industrial zone is from Hereford Street off Enterprise Drive. There is no direct property access from Enterprise Drive to the northern properties and access is via the internal street network.

Individual entries provide access to the properties to the south of Enterprise Drive.

Entry to the Chittaway Centre is from Chittaway Road.

Individual access is provided from Chittaway Road to the residential dwellings to the south on Chittaway Road.

This section of Wyong Road creates the sense of an urban parkway, ie. restricted access with landscaped verges and medians. Pedestrian pathways along Wyong Road also connect the open space areas and the bus stops to the north with the village centre and the residential area to the south. The landscape treatment and separating the path away from the road in part assists in legibility and a sense of security, enclosure and visual interest for the pedestrian along a busy road (Figure 8).

ENTERPRISE

DRIVE

HER

EFOR

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STREET

BERKELEY VALE INDUSTRIAL ZONE

CHITTAWAY BAY

GLENNING VALE

BERKELEY VALE

SHOPPING CENTRE

PRIMARY SCHOOL

WYONG

ROAD

CHIT

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JAMES WATT DRIVE

PLAYING FIELDS

OURIMBAH CREEK

Legend

Study area

Wyong Road (MR355)

Shopping Centre

Employment lands

Residential Area

Primary School

Pedestrian footpaths

Bus stops











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Zoning

The land is subject to the Wyong Shire Council Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP). Land to the north west and south west is zoned for industrial land uses. Land to the north east is zoned B2 Local Centre and incorporates the Chittaway Shopping Centre. Residential zoned land is located to the south east of the intersection. Land zoned E2 Environmental Conservation also adjoins the road corridor. Refer Figure 9.

The surrounding land to the intersection has generally been developed and includes employment lands and residential accommodation. The Wyong Road, Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road intersection is an important key decision making node as it provides access to the surrounding land uses from Enterprise Drive and Chittaway Road with Wyong Road being the major connector road.

Theproposalneedstoreflecttheroadhierarchyandallowwayfindingtothelanduses.

Bushfire

Apartofthestudyareaisidentifiedasbushfireproneland(Figure10).Themajorityofthisareaisidentifiedasbuffervegetationwithasmallcomponentidentifiedascategory1and2vegetation.Theproposalwillneedtoconsiderthebushfirerequirements for the area.

Flood liable land

Ourimbah Creek is located to the north of the study area. Land tothenorthofthestudyareahasbeenidentifiedwithinafloodplanning area (Figure 11).

WyongCouncilhasalsoidentifiedClass4andClass5acidsulphate soils in the subject area (Figure 12).

The proposal will need to consider plant species that are suitable in low lying areas where appropriate.

Local context (cont.)Legend

Study area

R1 General Residential

E3 Environmental Management

B2 Local Centre

E2 Environmental Conservation

IN2 Light Industrial

IN1 General Industrial

R2 Low Density Residential

W1 Natural Waterways

SP2 Infrastructure

RE1 Public Recreation

Figure 9 – Zone map Source: Wyong Shire Council (2013)

Figure 10 – BushfiremapSource: Wyong Shire Council (2013)

Figure 11 – Flooding mapSource: Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013

Figure 12 – Acid sulphate soils mapSource: Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013

Legend

Study area

Legend

Study areaVegetation category 1 Flood planning area

BufferVegetation category 2

Legend

Study area Class 4Class 5

R2

R2











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3.0 URBAN DESIGN STRATEGY3.1. Objectives + principles

Urban Design Objectives and Principles

1. Ensure the urban design strategy reflects the existing urban design theme for the Wyong Road corridor.

This assists in meeting the following principle of Beyond the Pavement:

Principle one – Contributing to urban structure and revitalisationUpgrading of the intersection will assist in the viability of adjoining employment lands including the Berkeley Vale Industrial Estate and the Chittaway Centre and contribute to a sense of place.

2. To minimise adverse impacts on surrounding development.


Principle two – Fitting with the built fabricThe design addresses existing builtform providing better pedestrian connections between the existing land uses. Landscape treatment is to complement the existing builtform.

3. Ensure the pedestrian/cycle connections are enhanced to provide better connectivity and improve safety.


Principle three – Connecting modes and communitiesThe design recognises the need to retain and improve connectivity for all modes of travel and will improve the existing pedestrian and cycle way network. In particular, the signalised intersection will provide better connectivity across the road corridor and between the land uses. Further, relocation of the bus stops on Wyong Road closer to the intersection improves accessibility from the employment and residential lands.

Vision

Ensure legibility of the intersection and maintaining it as an important node on the regional/local road network.

4. Ensure that the new roadworks are designed to be integrated with the existing road network and reflect the important role of this intersection in wayfinding in the network.

This assists in meeting the following principles of Beyond the Pavement:

Principle four – Fitting with the landformThelandformhasbeenpreviouslymodifiedtoaccommodatetheroundaboutintersection.Thedesignwillfitwithinthismodifiedlandform.TheproposalwillalsoassistindefiningWyong Road as the major connector road.

Principle five – Responding to natural patternThe natural patterns of the area have been previously modified.Thenewdesignproposesadditionaldrainagemeasures and will incorporate existing vegetation where possible. Additional vegetation will also be incorporated.

Principle seven – Designing roads as an experience in movementThe design will change the enclosed view along part of the corridor. However, the existing vegetated environmental corridors to the north and south of the study area will assist in enhancing the visual experience along the road corridor.

Principle eight – Creating self-explaining road environmentsThedesignshouldreflecttheimportanceofthisintersectionas a major decision point and the importance of Wyong Road as a major east west connector.

5. Design for low maintenance


Principle nine – Achieving integrated and minimal maintenance designIt is noted that there has been some discussion regarding the maintenance of the Wyong Road corridor. Maintenance should be minimised without compromising the overall urban design theme.











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3.2. Urban design concept

The landscape proposal aims to reinstate lost vegetation due to the roadworks and augment the existing Eucalyptus presentation. The landscape proposal will provide motorists with a continuous Eucalypt canopy to all sides of the new intersection, replicating and augmenting the existing environment.

Eucalypt species are drawn from the locality, with several already present on site including Spotted Gum, Swamp Mahogany and Blackbutt. Eucalypts will be planted in ‘naturalistic’ patterns, with a groundcover of native grasses to complement and extend the existing vegetation patterns. Eucalypts are proposed to be planted in large species groups oftwelveandfifteen,at2.5mcentrestoprovidethenaturalisticplanting. Eucalypts will be planted at 5 litre pot size. Eucalypts adapt to the new environment much better at a smaller size and should put on a metre or more of growth a year. Eucalypts planted at advanced sizes do not adapt as well and growth rates do not match those that are grown in the wild.

The small amount of earthworks to the edge of the freshwater wetland on the eastern side of Wyong Road will be planted with supplementary planting including species already growing in the environs of the wetland. Paperbarks and Lilly Pillies, with their denser canopies, will augment the dense plantings here and further screen the wetland from the roadway corridor.

Shrub planting, including Gymea Lillies planted at 1m centres, is proposed on the eastern verges. Gymea Lillies present well on mass and grow very close to the ground.

The new table drains running parallel to the new roadworks will be screened from the road, with individual Eucalypt speciesplantedatfivemetrecentresinadensenativegrassgroundcover. This presentation mirrors the current landscape treatment to the existing table drains, and reduces the volume of falling litter/mulch that may be washed into the drains and reducing sediment load (Figures 13 and 14).

This urban design proposal is shown on Figure 15. Figure 13 – Existing table drain along Wyong Road

Figure 14 – Cross section of table drain











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Figure 15 – The ProposalSource: GHD Base map

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Ground covers and native grasses

Tree screen planting

Existing vegetation to be retained

Legend

ENTERPRISE DRIVE

WYONG ROAD

RESIDENTIAL AREA

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONCORRIDOR

BERKELEY VALE INDUSTRIAL AREA

CHIT

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OURIMBAH CREEK

BERKELEY VALE INDUSTRIAL AREA

CHITTAWAY CENTRE

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Retain existing vegetation to assist in reflectingtheurbandesigntheme

Retainexistingvegetationtoassistinreflectingtheurban design theme and screening the corner

Bus stops

Landscape proposal definesWyongRoadasthemajor connector

Retention of existing vegetation where possible tofilterviewsofindustrialarea

Bus stops located closer to the intersection to provide better accessibility to surrounding land uses

Pedestrian connection from employment lands to public transport

Retention of existing vegetation where possible toassistinreflectingtheexisting urban design theme and provide a sense of place

Use existing and supplementary landscape treatmenttodefinethefourcorners of the intersection

Urban design concept (cont.)











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Swamp Mahogany

Cassica Mat Rush

Plant species include:

Trees

Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Eucalyptus amplifolia Cabbage Gum Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum Eucalyptus resinifera Red Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum Melaleuca linariifolia Flax Leaved Paperbark Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly Paperbark

Shrubs

Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily

Native grasses and groundcovers

Dianella caerulea Paroo Lily Dianella revoluta Blueberry Lily Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass Isolepsis nodosa Isolepsis Lomandra ‘Cassica’ Cassica Mat RushLomandra longifolia Spiny Matt Rush Lomandra multiflora Many-flowerMatRushLomandra ‘Tanika’ Tankia Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Poa labilladieri ‘Eskadale’ Blue Tussock Grass

Refer Figure 16 for indicative plant species

Urban design concept (cont.)

FiGymea Lilly

gure 16 – Indicative plant species

Spotted Gum Blackbutt Cabbage Gum

Weeping Grass Paroo Lily











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(RMS, 2013)

MAGNITUDEHigh Moderate Low Negligible

High High Impact High-Moderate Moderate NegligibleModerate High-Moderate Moderate Moderate-Low Negligible

Low Moderate Moderate-Low Low Impact NegligibleNegligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Table 1 - Landscape character and visual impact grading matrix

2

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4ENTERPRISE

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WYONG

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OURIMBAH CREEK

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Study area

LCZ 2 - Berkeley Vale industrial areaLCZ Boundary

LCZ 1 - Chittaway Centre

LCZ 4 - Environmental conservation Corridor

LCZ 3 - Chittaway Bay and Berkeley Vale residential area

Figure 17 – Landscape character zonesSource: Base map - Google Earth Pro 2013

4.0 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER4.1. Methodology

The methodology used to undertake the landscape character and visual analysis is consistent with the RMS’ Guideline for landscape character and visual impact assessment.

4.2. Landscape character zones

Aseriesoflandscapecharacterzones(LCZ)wereidentifiedthathave a distinct character resulting from a similar combination of urban and landscape features that include landform, builtform, vegetation and land use for the study area (Figure 17).

The landscape character zones are:

• LCZ 1 - Chittaway Centre• LCZ 2 - Berkeley Vale industrial area• LCZ 3 - Chittaway and Berkeley Vale residential areas• LCZ 4 - Environmental Conservation Corridor.

Vegetation generally in the north of the subject area, includes planted natives with scattered natives and exotics. The understorey and groundcover layers have been cleared and are maintained.

Vegetation generally in the south of the subject area includes Alluvial Riparian Blackbutt Forest, Narrabeen Coastal Blackbutt Shrubby Forest and Pittwater and Wagstaffe Spotted Gum Forest. It is characterised as regrowth with a native intact canopy and understorey and a groundcover comprising both native and exotic species.

4.3. Landscape character assessment AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

SE

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Sensitivity and magnitude provide measures to assess impacts from the proposal on the landscape character. They are determined by identifying a series of landscape character zones (LCZ) and valuing the physical landscape elements that characterise each zone. These include landform and topography, vegetation, drainage systems and cultural and built elements. The sensitivity and magnitude for landscape character are as follows:

Sensitivity: refers to how sensitive the character of the setting is to the proposed change and its capacity to absorb the change.

Magnitude: refers to the scale, form and character of a development proposal when compared to the existing situation.

The combination of sensitivity and magnitude provides an impact rating for the proposed works on the landscape character identifiedinTable1preparedbytheRoadsandMaritimeServices outlined in the Landscape character and visual impact guidelines.

The following provides an analysis of each of the LCZ and the impact of the proposal on each LCZ.











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Sensitivity Negligible CommentsMagnitude Low Vegetation will be retained along the Wyong Road and

Chittaway Road frontages and therefore the impact is negligible in LCZ 1.

Impact Negligible

Landscape character zone 1 - Chittaway Centre

Table 2 - Landscape character zone 1 - Chittaway Centre

Table 3 - Measurement of impact - LCZ 1

Summary The Chittaway Centre incorporates a local centre providing support services for the surrounding area and open space lands.

Landform and drainage The land is generally flat and slopes to the north to Ourimbah Creek. Land to the north has been identified as a flood hazard. The existing roads are generally at grade.

Geology and soils Broad poorly drained floodplains and alluvial flats of Quaternary sediments on the Central Coast lowlands. Poorly drained, impermeable soils of very low fertility with saline subsoils. The geological map of Gosford-Lake Macquarie 1:100,000 scale (NSW 2010) indicates that the site is underlain by Quaternary soils consisting of alluvium comprising gravel and sand.

Vegetation Planted natives and Gymea Lilly Doryanthes excels in medians along Wyong Road. The landscape treatment is formalised along the Wyong Road edge with street tree planting and ground covers.

Landscape features Ourimbah Creek flows eastwards and adjoins the northern boundary of the LCZ. Open space and environmental conservation lands adjoin the Creek to the south. Large wide vegetated verges along Wyong Road.

Land use / built environment The southern area of the LCZ incorporates retail and community facilities including the Chittaway Centre, a service station and the Chittaway Motel. Access to these facilities is from Chittaway Road. Open space and conservation lands adjoin the centre to the north. This incorporates various pedestrian/cycle pathways providing access to Ourimbah Creek and to the west under the Wyong Road bridge.

Spatial quality of zone The landscape treatment along Wyong Road and part of Chittaway Road encloses the view along the road network. The Chittaway Centre faces towards the eastern part of Enterprise Drive.

Infrastructure - scale/pattern Power lines and light poles located along Wyong Road. Pedestrian paths located along Wyong Road and Chittaway Road, and through the open space and conservation area to the north linking to the west under the Wyong Road bridge. Bus stop located towards the northern end of the study area on Wyong Road and Chittaway Road near the centre.

Figure 18 – Photographs of LCZ 1 - Chittaway Centre

View from Wyong Road to LCZ 1 View from Wyong Road to LCZ 1

Chittaway Centre - approach from Wyong Road Chittaway Centre

Chittaway Centre - view to the east Chittaway Centre - pedestrian refuge at intersection











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Landscape character zone 2 - Berkeley Vale industrial area

Table 4 - Landscape character zone 2 - Berkeley Vale industrial area


Summary The Berkeley Vale industrial area has been fully developed and incorporates generally single storey industrial buildings of varying sizes and car parking areas. Vegetation is limited on individual lots, however street tree planting is incorporated along the internal road network and significant planting along the majority of the perimeter of the industrial area.

Landform and drainage Generally flat. Incorporates a poorly drained area to the north of Enterprise Drive between Hereford Street and Wyong Road, with a concrete-lined drain running to the west of Wyong Road north of the intersection. The existing roads are generally at grade.

Geology and soils Broad poorly drained floodplains and alluvial flats of Quaternary sediments on the Central Coast lowlands. Poorly drained, impermeable soils of very low fertility with saline subsoils. The geological map of Gosford-Lake Macquarie 1:100,000 scale (NSW 2010) indicates that the site is underlain by Quaternary soils consisting of alluvium comprising gravel and sand.

Vegetation Street tree planting along Wyong Road includes planted natives and Gymea Lilly Doryanthes excels in the medians. The landscape treatment is formalised along the Wyong Road edge with street tree planting and ground covers.

Planted natives with scattered remnant Eucalypt species are located along the northern side of Enterprise Drive and part of Wyong Road. The understory and ground cover layers have been cleared and are maintained. There are five trees with small hollows along the northern side of Enterprise Drive.

The southern side of Enterprise Drive also incorporates Planted natives. This includes two small patches of Endangered Ecological Communities incorporating Pittwater and Wagstaffe Spotted Gum Forest.

Narrabeen Coastal Blackbutt Shrubby Forest is located on part of the northern and southern sides of Enterprise Drive. This has also been confirmed as an Endangered Ecological Community (Swamp sclerophyll forest).

Landscape features Ourimbah Creek and an environmental corridor adjoins the northern boundary of the LCZ. Large wide vegetated verges along Wyong Road and Enterprise Drive, an environmental corridor also adjoins the southern boundary.

Land use / built environment The Berkeley Vale industrial area has been fully developed and incorporates generally single storey industrial buildings of varying sizes and car parking areas. Business signs are located along Enterprise Drive.

Spatial quality of zone The LCZ is generally enclosed with mature vegetation located around much of its perimeter. However, the zone opens up along part of Enterprise Drive with younger vegetation and less intense planted vegetation and allowing views to and from this area.

Infrastructure - scale/pattern Power lines run along the southern boundary of Enterprise Drive. Street lighting is located on both sides of Enterprise Drive. There is no kerb and guttering or pathways along Enterprise Drive. Kerb and guttering is provided along the internal road network of the Berkeley Vale industrial area.

Street lighting is located along Wyong Road. There is no pedestrian pathway along the western side of Wyong Road to the south of the LCZ. A bus stop is located on Wyong Road to the north of the LCZ. Pedestrian access is provided to the bus stop via a pathway under the Wyong Road bridge. A table drain is located on the western boundary of Wyong Road to the north

Sensitivity Moderate CommentsMagnitude Low Vegetation will be removed along the edges of Wyong

Road and Enterprise Drive opening up the LCZ. However, vegetation will be retained along the property boundaries reducing the overall impact.

Impact Moderate - LowFigure 19 – Photographs of LCZ 2 - Berkeley Vale industrial areaView to the north along table drain View from Wyong Road to LCZ 2

View to the east along Enterprise Drive View to the east along Enterprise Drive

View to the west along Enterprise Drive View from Wyong Road to LCZ 2











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Landscape character zone 3 - Chittaway and Berkeley Vale residential areas

Table 6 - Landscape character zone 3 - Chittaway and Berkeley Vale residential areas


Summary Residential area incorporating single and two storey residential dwellings with direct access onto Chittaway Road.

Landform and drainage The land is generally flat. Chittaway Road is generally at grade. Geology and soils Broad poorly drained floodplains and alluvial flats of Quaternary sediments on the Central

Coast lowlands. Poorly drained, impermeable soils of very low fertility with saline subsoils. The geological map of Gosford-Lake Macquarie 1:100,000 scale (NSW 2010) indicates that the site is underlain by Quaternary soils consisting of alluvium comprising gravel and sand.

Vegetation Planted natives with scattered remnant Eucalypt species are located in the north west corner of the LCZ. Informal street tree planting along Chittaway Road and vegetation within residential lots.

Landscape features Wide vegetated verge at the corner of Wyong Road and Chittaway Road.Land use / built environment Residential area comprising single and two storey dwellings. Dwellings have access from

and face towards Chittaway Road.Spatial quality of zone The LCZ is enclosed from Wyong Road due to vegetation, however it opens up along

Chittaway Road as the dwellings face onto this road.Infrastructure - scale/pattern Power lines run along the southern boundary of Chittaway Road. Street lighting is located

along Chittaway Road. Kerb and guttering and pedestrian pathways are located along Chittaway Road and Wyong Road.

Street lighting is located along Wyong Road and Chittaway Road.

A bus stop and shelter is located on Chittaway Road.

Sensitivity Negligible CommentsMagnitude Low Negligible impact on LCZ 3 as minimal works are proposed

within this LCZ.Impact Negligible

Figure 20 – Photographs of LCZ 3 - Chittaway and Berkeley Vale residential areas

View to the west along Chittaway Road

View from Chittaway Road to LCZ 3

View to the west along Chittaway Road

View from intersection looking south to LCZ 3











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Summary Environmental and open space land.Landform and drainage A freshwater wetland is located to the east of Wyong Road. The topography rises

significantly to the west with up to 2.5m high embankments along some sections of Wyong Road.

Geology and soils The geological map of Gosford-Lake Macquarie 1:100,000 scale (NSW 2010) indicates that the site is underlain by the Terrigal Formation and Patonga Claystone. It consists of shale and lithic sandstone.

Vegetation Alluvial Riparian Blackbutt Forest and Narrabeen Coastal Blackbutt Shrubby Forest are located in this LCZ and are characterised as regrowth with a native intact canopy and understorey, and a ground cover comprising both native and exotic species. Endangered Ecological Communities within the LCZ include Swamp sclerophyll forest and the freshwater wetlands.

Landscape features Wide vegetated verge at the corner of Wyong Road and Enterprise Drive. Walkway through the wetlands.

Sandstone outcrops are visible beyond the southern boundary of the proposed alignment along Wyong Road.

Land use / built environment The area is zoned for environmental management and conservation and open space and is significantly vegetated and enclosed.

Spatial quality of zone The area is significantly vegetated. Infrastructure - scale/pattern A pedestrian pathway is located on the eastern side of Wyong Road. A pedestrian refuge

on Wyong Road to the south providing access to the residential areas further to the south west.

Landscape character zone 4 - Environmental Conservation Corridor

Table 8 - Landscape character zone 4 - Environmental Conservation Corridor


Sensitivity Negligible CommentsMagnitude Low Some vegetation will be removed, however the LCZ will

remain enclosed as significant vegetation will be retained. Impact Negligible

Figure 21 – Photographs of LCZ 4 - Environmental Conservation Corridor

View to the south along pedestrian footpath

View to the north along Wyong Road

View to the west at existing vegetation

View to the north along Wyong Road











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4.4. Visual impact assessmentVisibility of the proposed works

A viewshed analysis was prepared for the proposed works (Figure 22). The viewshed as shown on Figure 22 is a worst case scenario. Existing vegetation and existing buildings reduce the views of the intersection and approaches from the majority of the surrounding land uses. Views of the subject area are available from within the road corridor.

Methodology

The potential visual impact of the intersection upgrade has been assessed in relation to key viewpoints surrounding the subjectsiteasshownonFigure23.Thelevelsofsignificanceof potential visual impacts have been assessed through consideration of the combination of magnitude of visual change in the landscape and its proximity to the viewer and the sensitivity in relation to the quality of the view and how sensitive it is to the proposed change.

Themagnitudeofvisualchangeisstronglyinfluencedbythelevel of visibility of the new works resulting from the combination of scale, extent, distance and duration of the views. Visual sensitivity depends on the nature of the existing environment and on the likely response from people viewing the scene. People driving on a busy road and/or at high speeds are likely to be less sensitive to a change in the environment since they are focusedonchangesintrafficconditionsanddriving,comparedto someone who is enjoying a recreational experience or someone who is viewing the scene from their living room.

The magnitude and sensitivity of potential visual impacts to existing views would depend on a combination of scale, extent, distance and duration of the views. Impacts were assessed by applying a consistent set of criteria determined for this project to each of the key viewpoints as outlined in Table 10.

Table 10 - Visual impact matrixCriteria Definition RatingDuration of viewLong termModerate termShort term

>30 minute15 to 30 minute <15 minute

HML

Number of viewersHighModerateLow

>1,000100-999<100

HML

Viewer sensitivity (type)Resident/visitorPedestrian/cyclistMotorist

HML

View sensitivityPristine landscapeModerately modified landscape Significantly modified landscape

HML

View distance/proximityShortMediumLong

< 50m50m-100m>100m

HML

There are likely to be a number of different users including motorists, residents/visitors, pedestrians and cyclists given the location of the intersection and adjoining land uses.

Figure 23 shows the key view points travelling along the road corridor and from the surrounding area. Tables 11 to 19 analyse the visual impact from the key view points based on the above criteria and for each of the users.

Figure 22 – Viewshed analysis Source: Google Earth Pro

Figure 23 – Key view points Source: Google Earth Pro

Legend

Study area

8 View point

ENTERPRISE DRIVE

CHIT

TAW

AY

ROAD

WYONG

ROAD

ENTERPRISE DRIVE

WYONG

ROAD

CHITTA

WAY

R

OAD

Legend

Study area

Likely visual catchment











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Key viewpoint 1 - Looking south on Wyong roadMotorist Ped/cyclist Resident/visitor Comments

Sensitivity This part of Wyong Road is enclosed with mature vegetation on both sides of the road. Vegetation will be removed along the western side of Wyong Road opening up the views to the industrial buildings and ancillary facilities including carparking within the Berkeley Vale industrial estate.

The impact is moderate travelling along the road corridor due to the removal of vegetation.

- Duration Low Moderate

- No of Viewers High Low

- Viewer sensitivity Low Moderate

- View Sensitivity Low Low

Visual sensitivity Low Moderate-Low N/A

MagnitudeView Distance/proximity High High

Visibility in relation of the field of view

Moderate Moderate

Magnitude of visual effect High-Moderate High-Moderate N/A

Resultant rating of visual impact

Moderate Moderate N/A

Motorist Ped/cyclist Resident/visitor Comments

Sensitivity Vegetation will be removed along the western side of Wyong Road and within the roundabout opening up views. However, some vegetation is likely to be retained.








Moderate Moderate



Moderate-Low Moderate N/A


Sensitivity The Chittaway Centre faces onto Chittaway Road and is separated from Wyong Road and the intersection with fences and a landscaped buffer, and therefore the visual impact is less. Further the vegetated hills to the south west reduce the visual impact.

- Duration Moderate Low

- No of Viewers Low Moderate

- Viewer sensitivity Moderate High


Visual sensitivity N/A Moderate-Low Moderate

MagnitudeView Distance/proximity High Moderate


Moderate Low

Magnitude of visual effect N/A High-Moderate Low


N/A Moderate Moderate-Low

Table 11 - Key viewpoint 1 visual impact assessment



Key viewpoint 2 - Looking south on Wyong road

Key viewpoint 3 - Looking south west from Chittaway Centre











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Key viewpoint 4 - Looking west on Chittaway road

Key viewpoint 5 - Looking north west from Chittaway residential area

Key viewpoint 6 - Looking north on Wyong road

Table 14 - Key viewpoint 4 visual impact assessmentMotorist Ped/cyclist Resident/visitor Comments

Sensitivity The main impacts will be the loss of vegetation in the roundabout and the change to a signalised intersection. However, most of the roadside vegetation will be retained.


- No of Viewers Moderate Low






Low Low

Magnitude of visual effect Moderate Moderate N/A


Moderate-Low Moderate-Low N/A


Sensitivity The residents are in close proximity to the intersection, however dwellings face onto Chittaway Road and not onto the intersection. The intersection will be more prominent to pedestrians and cyclists.

- Duration Moderate High

- No of Viewers Low Low

- Viewer sensitivity Moderate High


Visual sensitivity N/A Moderate Moderate



Low Low

Magnitude of visual effect N/A Moderate Moderate


N/A Moderate - Low Moderate


Sensitivity The main impacts will be the loss of vegetation in the roundabout and the change to a signalised intersection. However, most of the roadside vegetation will be retained.

- Duration Low Low




Visual sensitivity Low Low N/A



Low Low

Magnitude of visual effect Moderate Moderate N/A


Moderate-Low Moderate - Low N/A











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Key viewpoint 7 - Looking north east from Berkeley industrial area south

Key viewpoint 8 - Looking east on Enterprise Drive

Key viewpoint 9 - Looking south east from Berkeley industrial area north


Sensitivity Roadside vegetation will be removed, however some vegetation will be retained providing partial screening for the industrial land uses.

- Duration Low

- No of Viewers Low

- Viewer sensitivity Moderate

- View Sensitivity Low

Visual sensitivity N/A N/A Low

MagnitudeView Distance/proximity High


Low

Magnitude of visual effect N/A N/A Moderate


N/A N/A Moderate-Low


of viewModerate Moderate



Moderate Moderate N/A


Sensitivity Some filtered views are available to and from the employment lands. The proposal will remove vegetation and open up the views to the industrial area.

- Duration High

- No of Viewers Moderate

- Viewer sensitivity Moderate

- View Sensitivity Low

Visual sensitivity N/A N/A Moderate

MagnitudeView Distance/proximity High


Moderate

Magnitude of visual effect N/A N/A High-Moderate


N/A N/A Moderate


Sensitivity A large portion of the roadside vegetation will be removed, and will open up the road corridor with views to the industrial lands. There is no footpath, however a grassed area under the overhead easement provides access for pedestrians. The vegetation between this area and the road will be removed.







Visibilityinrelationofthefield











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4.5. Landscape character and visual impact mitigation measures

The Enterprise Drive / Chittaway Road intersection improvement involves replacing the existing roundabout with a signalised controlled intersection. All of the intersection arrangements willbemodifiedtosuittherequiredtrafficvolumesandprovidefacilities for pedestrians and public transport. The proposal also incorporates associated upgrades to the local drainage system and public utilities. The road footprint will become largertoincorporatetherequiredconfigurationtoimprovetrafficefficiency,drainageandsafetytoallroadusersincludingpedestrians, cyclists, drivers and bus commuters. Therefore, vegetation will mainly be removed along Enterprise Drive and the western side of Wyong Road in the northern part of the study area. This will open up the road corridor and views to and from the Berkeley Vale Industrial Park.

The following mitigation measures are proposed to assist in minimising the landscape character and visual impacts of the proposal:

• The concept and detailed design will be an integrated engineering/urban design outcome in accordance with the environmental assessment (REF), the urban design principles and the project objectives.

• Existing vegetation should be maintained and protected wherever possible noting that the proposal would result in the unavoidable loss of a considerable amount of existing roadside vegetation.

• The planting palette should be consistent with the existing planting treatment along Wyong Road.

• Provide an attractive, vegetated median with low maintenance frangible species where possible.

• Where possible provide planting to screen views of the rear of existing buildings on Wyong Road.

• Location of large trees needs to have regard to future services and maintenance access requirements.

• Develop a consistent approach to the detailing of barriers, street lighting and pedestrian fences and to the extent possible, integrate with the detailing of existing roadside elements.

• Develop a limited range of materials, colours and textures for built elements to achieve a simple uncluttered design.

• Paving to match existing detail along Wyong Road.• Where possible provide pedestrian and cycle pathway

network connections with the existing employment lands along Enterprise Drive.











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5.0 REFERENCES

Andrews Neil and John McIntyre & Associates (1989), Wyong Shire Council Visual assessment & design guidelines Main Road 335 (1989).

Aurecon (2013). MR335 Wyong Road & Enterprise Drive Intersection Upgrade - Road Pavement and Geotechnical Investigation Factual Report (20 November 2013).

GHD (2013). Flora Survey - Preliminary Results (20 December 2013).

GHD (2014). Fauna Survey - Preliminary Results (10 February 2014).

Google Earth Pro (2013).

NSW Roads and Maritime Services (2014). Beyond The Pavement 2014 (January 2014).

NSW Roads and Maritime Services (2013). Environmental Impact Assessment Practice Note. Guideline for Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment EIA-N04. (28 March 2013).

NSW State Government Department of Planning & Infrastructure (2008). Central Coast Regional Strategy 2006 - 2031.

Wyong Shire Council (2013). Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013.

Wyong Shire Council (2013). Wyong Development Control Plan 2013.

appendix c urban design strategy and visual impact … · appendix c urban design strategy and...

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