The Manager of Planning Services provided an introduction to the presentation, which explained the rationale behind the development of urban design guidelines and a background on the process to date. Matt Reid of Fotenn provided a presentation which began with an overview of the project, the purpose of developing the guidelines and the project timeline. The presentation continued with an overview of how the guidelines would be applied and used to promote the design objectives.
The presentation continued with an overview of the design objectives which form the basis of the guidelines and an outline of the built form typology which describes the different types of buildings in the Town. The presentation included an overview of privately-owned public spaces (POPS) and the key considerations for their inclusion in developments. The presentation concluded with the next steps in the development of the guidelines and an overview of the public input received to date.
Members of Council asked questions of clarification regarding enforceability of the guidelines, the timing of the guidelines coming into effect, how specific the guidelines would be in relation to types of developments, the effect of the guidelines on applications already submitted to the Town, how urban design guidelines would work with established neighbourhoods compatibility, the challenge of first floor retail and the possibility of using an urban design review panel.
Members of Council participated in an exercise to provide their feedback on a hypothetical large site on an arterial road, and provided their comments in relation to the proposed urban design guidelines.
The Manager of Planning Services provided Council with the next steps in the urban design guidelines process.