ASTP-Rspns_To_RFI

While we disagree that the subject spaces are substantially enclosed, we point out that there is no reference
anywhere in the definition of GFA that refers to the term ‘substantially enclosed’. Instead, the definition refers
to floor area measured from the outside of external walls. As shown in Figure 1 below, where excluding the lift
and fire stair, which are excluded from the definition of GFA, all external edges of the laundry and open-air
passage are ~50% transparent battened balustrade or screening that is open to the sky either above or below
the balustrade or screen, not external walls. Additional perspective views from the laundry and passage are
enclosed in Attachment 2 to better illustrate the external open-air nature of these spaces. It is further noted
that multiple provisions within the relevant assessment benchmarks require the type of screening proposed to
such external spaces to protect privacy and amenity between the proposed and adjoining developments. The
proposed laundry and open-air passage are not enclosed by external walls, are not GFA, and are external spaces
that are screened in accordance with the Planning Scheme. Accordingly, these spaces do not contribute to plot
ratio. A compliant plot ratio is achieved.

Updated Architectural Plans are enclosed in Attachment 1 and have widened the opening between the lift and
fire stair, increased the width of the opening to the lobby and increased the batten spacing in the privacy screens
to increase the openness of this space. Further amendments were considered, however, could not be adopted
due to requirements to maintain a compliant fire escape for the upper floor and also to maintain the privacy of
the neighbouring property at 22 Grant Street.




          Battened balustrade / screen and open to sky


Figure 1 - External Edges of Laundry and Open-Air Passage


From the Information Request item, we understand that Council’s concern is that the spaces add bulk to the
built form of the dwellings. The laundry and open-air passage are located in a rear corner of the site, are not
visible from Grant Street and therefore will not add any building bulk as viewed from the street frontage. In
terms of building bulk to adjoining properties, the external edges of the spaces are open with lightweight
battened screening, are setback from common boundaries compliant with the Performance Outcomes of the
Planning Scheme and contribute to significantly less building bulk than if external walls were proposed in this
location. The proposed outcome also presents less building bulk than the entirely screened void spaces recently
approved for the adjoining Dual Occupancy at 22 Grant Street (refer Figure 2 below).




Our ref: 240407                                                                                          Page 3 of 9