Att 1 - Landscape Architects letter · OPW19/0266.03

Percentage of the landscape area converted to artificial turf:

Of the landscape areas totaling 2955m2, only 13.4% is proposed as synthetic turf.



Justification(s) on the need to replace the soft landscaping with the artificial turf:

Inability to grow in these areas due to lack of sunlight and sustainability of natural turf is not viable.
Sunlight remains a significant issue for its ongoing survival, along with wear, rejuvenation and self
repair of natural turf will be severely limited.

There is a requirement for these areas to be ‘usable backyard space’. A robust surface treatment was
required; gravel was deemed too hard, contrary to the landscape requirements, and poor surface
treatment for recreation. Shade tolerant trafficable groundcovers would wear quickly.

The subject development consists of short-stay accommodation with guests coming and going on a
regular basis, and to maintain struggling areas of turf (by the caretaker) would be not achievable,
would be highly disruptive and contrary to the peaceful enjoyment of guests.

Limited access and unable to get a mower down the side access of many of the houses, as the
design team have sought to prioritize landscape treatment over maintenance pathways

The design team was not adverse to providing natural turf and have provided it wherever it was
possible for it to thrive and survive, along with maintenance access.

Synthetic turf is permeable to rainwater similar to natural turf, thus ensuring that adjacent mass
planting areas including trees roots would have access to the same subsurface water available with
natural turf

Synthetic turf saves on water and eliminates the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and constant mowing.

Require a product that was like for like, grass look to replace previous natural grass. The supplied
synthetic turf is visually identical to natural turf.



Management of the artificial turf, including expected life span and waste management at the end of life

End of synthetic turf life, it will be removed and disposed of in a professional manner and what is able
to be recycled will be separated and done so. The client has committed to at end of life the disposal
of the synthetic turf will be undertaken by a suitably qualified contractor that ensures that the waste is
disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way at the time, which includes recycling.


Address the micro plastic concerns with proposed filtration methods and how it is separated from
stormwater



Extensive in depth discussions have been held with the synthetic turf supplier. The synthetic turf used
is an Australian made product made for Australian conditions, is UV stabilized with a 7 year guarantee
in a full sun position. The thatch of the turf is half filled with kiln dried sand to prevent turf from
experiencing high heat, and in the process speeding up deteriorating. With correct maintenance along
with the turf not being in full sun positions, the expected life span of the product should be 15 years +
as advised by the supplier. Regular maintenance including washed turf sand into the turf pile to
reduce heat in the turf, raking to keep the turf upright (and aesthetically pleasing) will increase the
durability and longevity of synthetic turf. The client has committed to a high quality of maintenance
given the proposed use of the development as short-stay accommodation. In the event of any micro
plastics in a rain event will be washed into the porous synthetic turf base. Excess stormwater will be