2014-06-17 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                      17 JUNE 2014


a)    It may not be either possible or practical to meet the car parking requirements on some
      sites, for example the topography, dimensions of the site, or arrangement of existing
      buildings, constrain the provision of parking. This situation is applicable to two development
      applications currently being assessed by Council officers:
          DA51997.2384.03 & DA132009.1102.03 Noosa Heads - extension of outdoor dining
            area within an existing courtyard area in Hastings Street
          MCU13/0240 Tewantin - extension to existing office space
b)    Better urban design streetscape and pedestrian circulation outcomes can be achieved with
      less on-site parking.
c)    The adaptive re-use of existing or historic buildings requires additional parking that may be
      difficult to provide.
d)    Public transport is readily available and there is good pedestrian access to existing retail
      and commercial premises.
e)    Shared public parking for retail spaces is desirable to reduce traffic congestion.

To provide guidance to staff when considering the appropriateness of developing an
“Infrastructure Agreement” a Council policy is required. Unfortunately the policy would have no
head of power as it would not form part of the planning scheme or a local law, nevertheless, in
the same manner as PSP13, the policy could:
 define the circumstances under which a cash contribution may be acceptable in lieu of the
   provision of off-street parking when required as part of a development application;
 define the relevant rates for various central areas throughout the Shire; and
 outline how the funds collected may be expended.

The advantage of such a policy is that:
 it ensures a consistent approach when developing an Infrastructure Agreement particularly in
   regards to the amount for the financial contribution;
 the applicant has clarity regarding whether the Council may or may not accept a contribution
   in lieu of the provision of off-street parking which could save them time and money if there is
   no potential for on-site parking; and
 it ensures funds are obtained for Council to provide off-street carparks and/or infrastructure for
   public transport.

To develop the policy a detailed report would need to be prepared addressing a number of
matters including:
 an examination into the feasibility and cost of providing parking spaces, public transport or
   the like, to service key central areas across the shire;
 a review of transport infrastructure requirements and public transport trends within Noosa
   Shire;
 investigation of how other local governments are addressing the matter; and
 how funds would be expended.




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