Change Application - U9,512 DLW, Castaways - Planning Report · 132001.210140.1

front garden and deck from view from of the street.

3.2 Change to Landscaping

As demonstrated within the proposed landscape plan prepared by North Coast Environmental Services
(Appendix B) the frontage of the site is to be enhanced by a new landscape design. Deep plantings to
the front of the site will consist of a range of shrub and ground cover species including:

    •    Ficus – Green Island,
    •    Meterosiderous – Little Dugald,
    •    Westringia – Grey Box,
    •    Alcantarea – Bromeliad Rubra,
    •    Banksia – Roller Coaster,
    •    Casuarina – Cousin It,
    •    Dietes grandiflora – Fortnight Lily, and
    •    Gazania Pink – Pink Gazania.

It is acknowledged that this part of the site is within the Natural Vegetation area identified within the Lot
and Building Envelope Areas Plan (Appendix C) and is to remain untouched. However, as evidenced in
Figure 2, the area has been turfed since 2010. The proposed landscaping is a far improved outcome from
the existing, with mass planting of a range of species including natives. It is proposed that some 211 plants
are to be potted in the front yard.

Indigenous plants that are in keeping with the local environment have been selected. The same plants
have been selected to those utilised in the front gardens of the Noosa Dunes estate. Further, the selected
species have been deliberately selected to reduce water consumption and are far more efficient in
comparison to turf. The deep plantings will assist in the stormwater treatment and retention on site.

It is proposed that several Ficus – Green Island plants are placed along the entire length of the retaining
wall between the existing driveway and garden area. This is to provide a hedge of approximately 1 metre
in height and ensure that there is a natural barrier to reduce the potential falling hazard that exists
currently. This method required no construction work and results in a safer outcome.

The proposed landscaping enhances the visual amenity and streetscape appeal of the property, whilst
improving the ecological values of the site. The landscaping treatments proposed have been designed to
screen and blend the proposed deck extension and pedestrian walkway.

3.3 Change to Pedestrian Walkway

A new pedestrian walkway is proposed to the front of the property. The walkway will guide visitors from
the existing driveway to the front entry of the house. The walkway will be constructed from timber at
approximately 900mm wide. Concrete blocks and minor earthworks have been undertaken to create the
new pedestrian entry. Steps will be integrated throughout the path to suit the natural site contour. No
additional earth works are required to construct the pedestrian pathway and no changes to the existing
retaining wall along the frontage of Marcus Dune Count are proposed.




RG Strategic                      Town Planning Report – Other Change Application                    7