Landscape character and visual impact assessment · 2014-06-06 · Roads and Mariti me Services – Landscape character and visual impact assessment Sparks Road upgrade from Virginia

Appendix L Landscape character and visual impact assessment

Sparks Road upgrade from Virginia Road to Hiawatha Road Warnervale

October 2012

Landscape character and visual impact assessment

Roads and Maritime Services – Landscape character and visual impact assessment Sparks Road upgrade from Virginia Road to Hiawatha Road Warnervale

Peter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd 121022_B_VIA.docx paa.design.architecture.planning.urban design October 2012 PAGE i

Document history and status Project: Sparks Road upgrade from Virginia Road to Hiawatha Road Warnervale Client: Roads and Maritime Services Prepared by: Peter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd

Revision Date issued Revision Description Author Approved by

A 22 October 2012 DRAFT Vanessa Colclough

Peter Andrews

B 31 October 2012 FINAL Vanessa Colclough

Peter Andrews

Peter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd paa.design architecture planning urban design PO Box 494 Terrigal NSW 2260 Level 1 . 56 Terrigal Esplanade Terrigal Studio 67 Windmill Street Millers Point P::+61 2 4385 9126 E::[email protected] W::www.paadesign.com.au


Peter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd 121022_B_VIA.docx paa.design.architecture.planning.urban design October 2012 PAGE ii

Contents 1. Introduction 1

1.1. Existing infrastructure 1 1.2. The proposal 1 1.3. Description of proposed works 1 1.4. Methodology 3

2. Contextual analysis 4

2.1. Regional and local context 4 2.2. Statutory planning framework 6 2.3. Existing vegetation 7 2.4. Landscape character 7 2.5. Wyong Shire Council's Draft Urban design framework 7

3. Landscape character impact assessment 8

4. Visual impact assessment 28

4.1. Methodology 28 4.2. Visibility of the proposed works 30 4.3. Key view points 31

5. Discussion 42

6. Mitigation measures 43

7. References 44

Appendix 1 - Proposed concept design

Appendix 2 - Landscape character zones


Peter Andrews + Associates Pty Ltd 121022_B_VIA.docx paa.design.architecture.planning.urban design October 2012 1

1. Introduction 1.1. Existing infrastructure

Sparks Road is a major east-west arterial road in the northern area of Wyong Shire, linking the F3 Freeway to the west to the Pacific Highway at Kanwal in the east. The section of Sparks Road to the south of the proposed Warnervale town centre comprises of a single through lane in each direction, with a service road along the northern edge servicing a number of private properties. The intersection of Sparks Road with Mary MacKillop Drive and Minnesota Road is a signalised intersection. There is an existing bus route along Sparks Road with a bus stop located east of Minnesota Road travelling westbound.

1.2. The proposal

The proposal is for the upgrading of part of Sparks Road including a new signalised intersection with the main access road to the proposed new Warnervale town centre, and reconfiguration of the Sparks Road / Mary MacKillop Drive / Minnesota Road intersection. The proposal extends from Virginia Road to the west of Hiawatha Road and 80 m of the main access road from Sparks Road to proposed Warnervale town centre. Upgrading of Sparks Road would incorporate travel and turning lanes, bus lanes and bus bays, medians and pathways and cycleways.

1.3. Description of proposed works

The proposal includes:

• Upgrade of approximately 1.4km of Sparks Road from just east of Virginia Road to Hiawatha Road.

• Widening the existing Sparks Road from two to four lanes over a 0.4 km length between the Minnesota Road intersection and the entry to the proposed Warnervale town centre.

• Construction of a new signalised intersection with the main access road to the proposed Warnervale town centre approximately 500 m west of Minnesota Road.

• Construction of 80 m of the main access road from Sparks Road to the proposed Warnervale town centre.

• Reconfiguration of the Sparks Road / Mary MacKillop Drive / Minnesota Road intersection including the provision of a left turn lane on Sparks Road travelling east bound into Minnesota Road and provision of a second right turn lane and lengthening of the right turn lanes on Sparks Road into Mary MacKillop Drive.

• Construction of a retaining wall of approximately 150 m in length and up to 3.0 m in height.

• Provision of an on-road cycle path, east and west bound on both sides of Sparks Road between Minnesota Road and the Warnervale town centre main access road.

• Provision of an off-road pedestrian / cycle pathway on the southern boundary of the Sparks Road reserve.

• Relocation of underground utilities. • Retention of existing overhead power transmission lines and the relocation of one pole. • Provision of street lighting between Minnesota Road and the Warnervale town centre

intersection. • Property adjustments including land acquisition. • Provision of appropriate landscape treatment. • Vegetation removal. • Removal of road pavement. • Earthworks. • Construction of concrete median islands.



• Line marking and road signage. • Installation of temporary works including batters, tail out drains, stockpile sites and

sediment basins. • Sediment and erosion control measures.

Figure 1 shows the proposal. An A3 plan is attached in Appendix 1.

Figure 1 - Proposed concept design Source: RMS 2012



1.4. Methodology

The following methodology has been used to determine the potential visual and landscape character impacts relating to the proposal.

1. Contextual analysis: Describes the general setting for the proposal including land uses and existing features and possible future development in the area.

2. Landscape character impact assessment: A series of landscape character zones (LCZ) were identified that have a distinct character resulting from a similar combination of landscape features that include landform, built form, vegetation and land use. An assessment was then carried out to determine the sensitivity of the LCZ to the proposed change. This helps to determine mitigation measures.

3. Visibility of proposal: Key viewpoints of the proposal were identified to help assess the visual impact. A visual envelope map is included showing the visual catchment of the proposal.

4. Visual impact assessment: This section assesses the anticipated impacts from the proposed activity and helps to determine mitigation measures.

5. Discussion on the key visual impacts and impacts on landscape character.

6. Landscape character and visual impact mitigation strategy: Identifies measures to minimise the potential visual impact of the proposed activity.

7. Conclusion.

This Landscape character and visual impact assessment has been prepared in accordance with RMS’ Environmental impact assessment guidance note, guidelines for landscape character and visual impact assessment (2009).



2. Contextual analysis 2.1. Regional and local context

For over 30 years, the Warnervale district has been identified as a growth area in metropolitan planning strategies. The Central Coast Regional Strategy (Department of Planning & Infrastructure, 2008) provides the strategic framework to guide future growth on the Central Coast. The Strategy proposes that an additional 100,000 people would be living in the region by 2031 and that an additional 56,000 dwellings would be required, and over 45,000 new jobs. Development of the Warnervale town centre is an important project in meeting the objectives of the strategy. The Warnervale town centre was declared a State Significant Site under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 Refer Figure 2. The town centre core is an area of 119 hectare north of Sparks Road. It will provide a range of retail, businesses, bulky goods and community facilities with a supporting population catchment of approximately 40,000 people (Department of Planning & Infrastructure, 2012). Wyong Shire Council's Residential development strategy has plans for other new urban release areas including Precinct 7A in Warnervale. Precinct 7A, which is approximately 540 hectares is proposed for low and medium density housing, a neighbourhood centre, business park, and conservation and recreation lands. The area is bound by Sparks Road to the north (Wyong Shire Council, 2012). Land adjoining Sparks Road to the south is also identified for a proposed future school site. Existing residential development is located along parts of the southern boundary of Sparks Road and further to the east. The MacKillop Catholic College and the Warnervale GP Super Clinic adjoin Sparks Road to the north. Refer Figure 3.

Figure 2 – Proposed Warnervale Town Centre Source: Department of Planning & Infrastructure



Figure 3 - Contextual plan Source: Base map - Google Earth Pro 2012



2.2. Statutory planning framework

The proposal includes a portion of land within the Warnervale town centre, which is zoned R1 General Residential under the Wyong Local Environmental Plan 1991. This incorporates the first 80 m and the intersection with the main access road to the Warnervale town centre and potential areas for a compound site for the proposal. Roads are permissible with consent in the R1 General Residential. The Wyong Local Environmental Plan 1991 does not zone Sparks Road but it is indicated as a road. Land subject to the proposal also incorporates land zoned 10a Investigation precinct. Refer to Figure 4.

Figure 4 - Zoning plan Source: Wyong Shire Council 1991



2.3. Existing vegetation

Vegetation within and adjoining the Sparks Road corridor varies. Along the section of road west of Minnesota Road the vegetation includes visually prominent stands of remnant forest that contrast with open areas of cleared rural land. In the eastern section of the road corridor the vegetation is dominated by rows of planted Spotted Gums Corymbia Maculata to the south and Cypress Pines Callitris to the north.

The site contains disturbed habitats consisting of Disturbed/Regrowth Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest. The dominant tree species include Angophora costata, Eucalyptus capitellata, E. fibrosa and E. resinifera with patches of E. haemastoma and dense stands of Melaleuca nodosa (Conacher Environmental Group, 2012).

2.4. Landscape character

This section of Sparks Road crosses undulating topography consisting of a series of low ridges alternating with drainage ways with variation in elevation of approximately 10 m. At the road bridge over the railway at the western end of the proposal, Sparks Road is at an elevation of approximately 30 m, providing regional views. Travelling east the road descends to approximately 18 m elevation at the Virginia Road intersection where the views are confined by vegetation and local landforms. The road then rises a gentle grade to a low ridge at about 28 m elevation where views along the road are long distance but views to the north and south are restricted by vegetation and cut slopes. The road then descends to an elevation of 18 m at the Minnesota Road intersection where views are limited by adjoining vegetation and buildings. The section of road east of Minnesota Road gradually rises to approximately 26 m elevation at Hiawatha Road at the eastern end of the proposal.

The Gosford – Lake Macquarie Geology Map (1:100,000 Scale) indicates that this section of Sparks Road is underlain by the Tuggerah Formation comprising sandstone, claystone and siltstone.

The western part of the study area is generally rural land with cleared paddocks and open woodland and forest. To the east the character transitions into the suburban area of Woongarrah and Hamlyn Terrace.

2.5. Wyong Shire Council's Draft Urban design framework

Sparks Road Draft Urban design framework prepared by Wyong Shire Council (unpublished) identifies a series of ten different zones along the whole section of Sparks Road between the F3 Freeway and the Pacific Highway. The section of Sparks Road covered by this proposal is located within zones 6 and 7 and part of zone 8. Councils design requirements:

• To retain and enhance the views to the vegetated knoll within the Warnervale Town Centre

• To integrate the cultural landscape with the original natural landscape • The provision of an attractive gateway to the residential area • Integrate the design themes within the Warnevale Town Centre and Sparks Road. • Clear delineation and separation between pedestrian and vehicular traffic • Ensure the safety of MacKillop Catholic College students • Additional planting to screen fencing.



3. Landscape character impact assessment Sensitivity and magnitude provide measures to assess impacts from the proposal on the landscape character. They are determined by identifying a series of landscape character zones (LCZ) and valuing the physical landscape elements that characterise each zone. These include landform and topography, vegetation, drainage systems and cultural and built elements. The sensitivity and magnitude for landscape character are as follows:

Sensitivity: refers to how sensitive the character of the setting is to the proposed change and its capacity to absorb the change.

Magnitude refers to the scale, form and character of a development proposal.

Sensitivity and magnitude are classified by the rankings outlined in Table 1.

Table 1 - Sensitivity and magnitude rankings

Rank Description

High The proposal would be the dominant feature in the landscape and would significantly affect and change its character

High to Moderate The proposal would form a significant and immediately apparent part of the landscape that affects and changes its character

Moderate to Low The proposal would form a visible and recognisable new element and may be readily noticed by the observer

Low The proposal constitutes a minor component of the wider view

Negligible Only a small part is discernible or at such a distance and is scarcely appreciated

None No part of the proposal is discernible The combination of sensitivity and magnitude provides an impact rating for the proposed works on the landscape character based on the following table prepared by the RMS.

Table 2 - Visual impact matrix

(RMS, 2009a)

An analysis of the proposal’s landscape and surrounds was carried out to assess the significance of likely changes from the proposal. The LCZ were prepared in conjunction with Corkery Consulting.

SE

NS

ITIV

ITY

MAGNITUDE High High to

Moderate Moderate Moderate

to Low Low Negligible

High High Impact High Impact

Mod./ High Mod./ High Moderate Negligible

High to Moderate

High Impact Mod./ High Mod./ High Moderate Moderate Negligible

Moderate Mod./ High Mod./ High Moderate Moderate Mod./Low Negligible

Moderate to Low

Mod./ High Moderate Moderate Mod./Low Mod./Low Negligible

Low Moderate Moderate Mod./Low Mod./Low Low impact Negligible

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible



To provide an overall framework for the development of the landscape concept, the section of Sparks Road that forms the proposal and adjoining areas were analysed to identify and describe a series of LCZ. These zones are areas that are relatively consistent in terms of their combination of landform, vegetation and land use, resulting in a distinctive landscape character. The LCZ are shown in Figure 5. An A3 version of this plan is attached in Appendix 2. The landscape character of areas adjoining this section of Sparks Road reflect the state of transition from rural land uses to urban development that is taking place. Current land uses vary from predominantly residential subdivision development in the east to rural land uses in the west of the project area. North-west of the Minnesota Road intersection a major new school and super clinic form visually distinctive built form with rural land to the east and west. The boundaries of the LCZ were then confirmed by field checking and at the same time the landscape character of each was recorded and photographed. Each LCZ is described and illustrated with photographs on the following pages (refer to Tables 3 to 13 and Figures 5 to 22). The assessment of the proposal on the LCZ is also determined.



Figure 5 - Landscape character zones (see Appendix for A3 version) Source: Base plan - RMS 2012



Landscape character zone 1 - Open paddock/Warnervale town centre site

Figure 6 - LCZ 1 View to north across open paddock to remnant vegetation along ridge line

Figure 7 - LCZ 1 View to east along southern edge of the zone adjoining Sparks Road corridor with 132Kv powerlines visible



Figure 8 - LCZ 1 View to west along Sparks Road frontage to zone 1



Table 3 - Landscape character zone 1 - Open paddock/Warnervale town centre site

Landform and drainage A gently sloping area with a southern aspect draining to a low point adjoining Sparks Road where stormwater is carried below the road through a major culvert. A drainage line runs north-west to south-east across the central area of the open paddock.

Geology and soils Fertile alluvial soils in low-lying southern portion of the zone with shallower residual soils on higher elevation areas to the north are derived from sandstone and shale parent material.

Vegetation Predominantly grassland with some scattered remnant trees, including exotic species close to Sparks Road. A strip of remnant forest vegetation is present along the western boundary with the railway corridor. Vegetation along the northern edge of the Sparks Road corridor is predominantly grass with weed species. Tall shrubs and small trees are growing in the low lying area adjoining the large drainage culvert in the south east corner of the zone and on part of the fill embankment. A small remnant patch of trees and shrubs occurs along to the railway corridor.

Land use/built environment The former plant nursery site is now generally cleared rural land with some remnant exotic tree and shrub species. No structures remain on the site. Residential development associated with Warnervale town centre is proposed in the zone.

Landscape features Grassland contrasting with remnant open forest vegetation along railway corridor and on the knoll to north together with a farm dam located in the northern portion of this zone.

Spatial quality of zone Views from elevated section of road on fill embankment highlight the open spatial character of the LCZ and the slope up to the knoll on which the town centre is proposed to be developed. Views from within the zone are confined by the existing vegetation to the west (along the railway corridor) and to the north and east. Views to the south are dominated by the section of Sparks Road located on a visually prominent fill embankment.

Infrastructure Railway to the west includes steel gantries supporting power lines. Major economic components The area is zoned for residential and mixed use development as

part of the Warnervale town centre.

Table 4 - Measurement of impact - LCZ 1

Sensitivity Negligible Comments Magnitude Negligible Impact Negligible



Landscape character zone 2 - Remnant forest with clearings/Warnervale town centre site

Figure 9 - LCZ 2 View north across clearing with scattered remnant trees and more dense vegetation beyond

Figure 10 - LCZ 2 View to east along edge of zone 2 adjoining the service road within the Sparks Road corridor



Figure 11 - LCZ 2 View north from the edge of the road corridor into remnant forest vegetation



Table 5 - Landscape character zone 2 - Remnant forest with clearings/Warnervale town centre site

Landform and drainage

Gently sloping landform with predominantly southern aspect. Drainage generally dispersed but intercepted by Sparks Road with culverts in two locations directing stormwater runoff below the road.

Geology and soils Tuggerah formation comprising sandstone, claystone and siltstone. The top soil layer consists of silty sand 200 to 400 millimetres thick overlays silty clayey sand up to 1 metre thick with residual clay below it.

Vegetation Remnant stands of Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest occur throughout the LCZ with varying levels of disturbance. Remnant mature trees include Angophora costata, Eucalyptus capitellata, Eucalyptus fibrosa and Eucalyptus resinifera. The understory has been disturbed in most areas but very dense stands of Melaleuca nodosa occur in some locations. Areas previously cleared for grazing are predominantly pasture grasses. A small stand of Alluvial Floodplain Shrub Swamp Forest occurs immediately north of the service road that runs parallel to Sparks Road. Eucalyptus robusta is present with scattered Eucalyptus resinifera and a small tree layer of various paperbarks (Melaleuca linariifolia, Melaleuca decora) that are particularly dense in parts. The ground layer includes Gahnia clarkei, Lomandra longifolia and Hemarthria uncinata var. uncinata. Vegetation along the northern edge of the Sparks Road corridor is variable. Substantial section of remnant indigenous trees and shrubs are growing on the cut embankment adjoining Sparks Road together with patches of grass and weeds. Immediately adjoining the boundary fence the vegetation varies from sections of remnant trees and shrubs growing below the high voltage powerlines.

Land use/built environment

A medical services building is located at the western end of the zone with an abandoned residential building located north of the proposed main access road from Sparks Road to the town centre.

Landscape features The visual dominance of the remnant forest vegetation that includes many large mature trees creates a major landscape feature. The visual prominence of the forest cover is accentuated by the rising landform that slopes up to the north from Sparks Road.

Spatial quality of zone The spatial quality varies from areas that are visually enclosed by a combination of shrubs and tree canopies to partially cleared areas and open grassland.

Infrastructure A 132Kv powerline, which runs along the northern edge of the Sparks Road corridor, is visually prominent from Sparks Road and the service road that runs parallel to it.

Major economic components

The area is zoned for residential and medium density development as part of Warnervale town centre.


Sensitivity Moderate Comments Magnitude Moderate Vegetation would be removed in this LCZ from the

widening of Sparks Road and the proposed main access road to the Warnervale town centre. However, the vegetation within this area is identified as Disturbed/Regrowth Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest. A section of cleared land that currently includes a medical clinic is proposed as a possible compound site for the roadworks, which would only be used during construction of the road and therefore is short term.

Impact Moderate



Landscape character zone 3 - Existing school and super clinic and open area/Warnervale town centre site

Figure 12 - LCZ 3 View north-west across paddock to MacKillop Catholic College and forest covered ridge on skyline

Figure 13 - LCZ 3 View across carpark to MacKillop Catholic College buildings



Figure 14 - LCZ 3 View to east along service road with remnant vegetation below 132Kv powerlines along southern edge of zone 3

Figure 15 - LCZ 3 View west along service road adjoining Sparks Road with vegetation below 132Kv powerlines along the front of zone 3



Table 7 - Landscape character zone 3 - Existing school and super clinic and open area/Warnervale town centre site


Sensitivity Low Comments Magnitude Low Part of the area has been cleared due to previous road

works and development in the area. A small portion of roadside vegetation incorporating the Disturbed / Regrowth Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest would be required to be removed.

Impact Low Impact


The western edge of the zone is located on a prominent ridge at an elevation of about 28 m. The eastern slope extends to a low point at Minnesota Road where drainage is directed below the road to a channel that flows south east through residential development. East of Minnesota Road the landform is a gentle slope with a southern aspect rising to an elevation of about 26 m at Hiawatha Road. Drainage from this slope is intercepted by Sparks Road and directed under the road near the Minnesota Road intersection.

Geology and soils The zone is located on the Tuggerah Formation comprising sandstone, claystone and siltstone. The top soil layer of 200 to 400 millimetres consists of silty sand overlays silty clayey sand up to 1 metre thick with residual clay.

Vegetation Extensive areas of grass occur, which include playing fields associated with MacKillop Catholic College and paddocks between Minnesota Road and Hiawatha Road. A small patch of remnant woodland vegetation occurs north east of the Minnesota Road intersection. A single row of Cypress pines are located at the eastern end of the zone adjoining Sparks Road and Hiawatha Road. Vegetation along the northern edge of the Sparks Road corridor west of the Minnesota Road intersection consists of remnant small trees and tall shrubs including Casuarina and Melaleuca species growing below the high voltage powerlines. Remnant vegetation is also growing on the cut embankment adjoining the northern edge of Sparks Road. East of Minnesota Road, vegetation within the road corridor includes scattered remnant trees and shrubs below the high voltage power lines. The section of drainage swale between Sparks Road and the service road is generally grass covered with two semi mature trees growing along the edge.


MacKillop Catholic College forms the dominant land use in this zone, incorporating a variety of structures together with car parking and security fencing. A recently constructed Super Clinic is located north of the Minnesota Road intersection. Paddocks in the eastern portion of the zone are currently used for horse grazing.

Landscape features Buildings within MacKillop Catholic College and the Super Clinic have a contemporary architectural style that creates a distinctive feature in the landscape. The visually prominent paddocks located east of the College with their edge planting of symmetrical cypress pine trees form a distinct contrast to the College and existing residential development east of Hiawatha Road.

Spatial quality of zone

The spatial character of the MacKillop Catholic College varies from enclosed spaces between buildings to open areas associated with playing fields. The spatial quality of the paddocks up slope of Sparks Road is generally visually open with long distance views to the south from the upper slopes.

Infrastructure High voltage powerlines run along the southern edge of the zone and various elements of underground and above ground infrastructure service MacKillop Catholic College and GP Super Clinic.


MacKillop Catholic College and the Super Clinic are major economic activities within the zone. The area is low density and zoned for residential development that will form part of the Warnervale town centre.



Landscape character zone 4 - Rural lands/hobby farms

Figure 16 - LCZ 4 View south to rural residence with scattered remnant trees and dense vegetation beyond

Figure 17 - LCZ 4 View to south-west across cleared rural land with scattered remnant trees and planted pines



Figure 18 - LCZ 4 View to west showing remnant trees within the Sparks Road corridor and trees in adjoining portion of zone 4



Table 9 - Landscape character zone 4 - Rural lands/hobby farms


Gently sloping landform with southern aspect and broad drainage ways in the eastern and western sections of this zone. Stormwater from upslope of Sparks Road is discharged in to this zone by two major culverts.

Geology and soils Alluvial soils associated with floodplain overlay sandstone, claystone and siltstone associated with the Tuggerah Formation.

Vegetation Generally grassland with scattered remnant trees together with planted trees associated with houses as well as planted wind breaks and avenues of pines. Vegetation along the southern edge of the Sparks Road corridor generally consists of grasses and weeds with significant clumps of remnant trees and shrubs occurring at the western end adjoining the Virginia Road intersection, approximately 250 m to the east of Virginia Road as well as a further 100 m to the east.


Rural land with homesteads and associated structures are located within the zone and accessed from Sparks Road.

Landscape features The rural landscape character of this zone features extensive grassland, scattered remnant trees and rows of planted pine trees.

Spatial quality of zone The spatial quality is generally semi open with views limited to mid distance by the scattered trees and buildings.

Infrastructure

High voltage powerlines cross over the north west corner of this zone at the Virginia Road intersection with Sparks Road. A water supply pipeline runs alongside Sparks Road at the northern edge of this zone.


Proposed as future residential.


Sensitivity Low Comments Magnitude Low The proposal would require small clusters of roadside

vegetation including Disturbed / Regrowth Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest to be removed. If the proposal incorporated the site compound in this LCZ, planted vegetation would also be removed. The compound site would be operational during construction works only and therefore is short term.

Impact Low impact



Landscape character zone 5 - Forest covered slope

Figure 19 - LCZ 5 View south into remnant forest vegetation

Figure 20 - LCZ 5 View west with tall ironbark trees in foreground and remnant vegetation beyond with grass along road corridor



Table 11 - Landscape character zone 5 - Forest covered slope

Landform and drainage Upper slopes of a low north-south ridge line with overland drainage to the west.


Vegetation Remnant stand of Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest is in reasonably good condition with an extensive understorey. Large mature Ironbark trees occur in the north east corner of this zone adjoining Sparks Road. Vegetation along the northern edge of the Sparks Road corridor consists primarily of grasses and weed species.

Land use/built environment No buildings are located within the zone. Landscape features A distinctive feature of this zone is the well-structured forest cover

with visually prominent mature ironbark trees and a diverse understorey.

Spatial quality of zone Spaces within the zone are visually enclosed by the tree canopy cover and shrub layer.

Infrastructure

No infrastructure is located within the zone.

Major economic components There are no economic activities within the zone at present but the site is nominated for future development of a school.


Sensitivity Low Comments Magnitude Low The proposed road widening would remove a small

portion of vegetation including Disturbed / Regrowth Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest in the LCZ.

Impact Low Impact



Landscape character zone 6 - Existing residential area

Figure 21 - LCZ 6 View south across residential development to forest covered ridge on horizon

Figure 22 - LCZ 6 View south along Minnesota Road showing typical street tree planting



Figure 23 - LCZ 6 View to west along Sparks Road showing row of semi-mature Spotted Gums with shrub understorey alongside pedestrian path



Table 13 - Landscape character zone 6 - Existing residential area


The landform comprises a low broad ridge at about 30 m elevation at the western end with gentle slope extending east to a major drainage way at Minnesota Road where the elevation is approximately 16 m. East of the drainage way the landform gently slopes to the south with stormwater runoff controlled by the constructed drainage system within the residential development south of Sparks Road. The natural landform has been modified by regrading during residential development throughout the zone. The primary drainage way running south east from Minnesota Road intersection has been confined to a constructed channel.


Vegetation Predominantly street tree planting and tree planting within residential lots. Some remnant vegetation is located south west of the Minnesota Road intersection and along the drainage corridor running to the south east. Along the southern edge of the Sparks Road corridor a row of healthy semi-mature planted Spotted Gum trees are growing at the top of a fill embankment with an understory of shrubs.


Existing residential development that is predominantly free standing houses. A major aged care facility is located on the south west corner of the Minnesota Road intersection with Sparks Road.

Landscape features A row of semi-mature Spotted Gum trees planted alongside the pedestrian path form a visually prominent landscape feature for motorists as well as residents in the adjoining estate.

Spatial quality of zone Residential streets are visually semi enclosed by adjoining residences with longer distance views along the alignment of the street.

Infrastructure The road network includes Minnesota Road and a network of residential streets with street lighting and underground power.


Maintenance and servicing of residential properties and employment associated with the aged care facility are the main economic components of this zone.


Sensitivity Low Comments Magnitude Low The proposal does not impact on land to the east of

Minnesota Road. The proposal incorporates a pedestrian/cycleway and bus zone, however they are located to minimise vegetation removal. Vegetation including the Disturbed / Regrowth Narrabeen Buttonderry Footslopes Forest would be removed adjoining the existing residential area.

Impact Low Impact



4. Visual impact assessment 4.1. Methodology

The potential visual impact of the proposal has been assessed in relation to key viewpoints and/or group of viewpoints. The levels of significance of potential visual impacts have been assessed through consideration of the combination of magnitude of visual change in the landscape and its proximity to the viewer and the sensitivity in relation to the quality of the view and how sensitive it is to the proposed change.

The magnitude of visual change is strongly influenced by the level of visibility of the new works resulting from the combination of scale, extent, distance and duration of the views. Visual sensitivity depends on the nature of the existing environment and on the likely response from people viewing the scene. People driving on a busy road and/or at high speeds are likely to be less sensitive to a change in the environment since they are focused on changes in traffic conditions and driving, compared to someone who is enjoying a recreational experience or someone who is viewing the scene from their living room.

The categories of magnitude and sensitivity of visibility are defined in Table 15 below.

Table 15 - Magnitude and sensitivity of visibility

Rank Description Negligible Very minor loss or alteration to one of more key elements/features/characteristics of the

baseline visual character (ie pre-upgrade view) and/or introduction of elements that are consistent with the visual character to the existing landscape character (ie approximating the ‘no change’ situation).

Low Minor loss of/or alteration to one or more key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline visual character (ie pre-upgrade view) and/or introduction of elements that are consistent with the existing landscape character.

Moderate Partial loss of/or alteration to one or more key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline visual character (ie pre-upgrade view) and/or introduction of elements that may be prominent but not considered to be substantially uncharacteristic of the existing landscape character.

High Substantial to total loss of key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline visual character (ie pre-upgrade view) and/or introduction of elements considered to be totally uncharacteristic of the existing landscape character.

The magnitude and sensitivity of potential visual impacts to existing views would depend on a combination of scale, extent, distance and duration of the views. Impacts were assessed by applying a consistent set of criteria to each of the key viewpoints or groups of viewpoints as outlined in Table 16.



Table 16 - Visual impact matrix

Criteria Definition Rating Duration of view Long term Moderate term Short term

>1 hr 30 minutes to 1 hr <30 minutes

H M L

Number of viewers High Moderate Low

>1,000 100-999 <100

H M L

Viewer sensitivity (type) Resident Pedestrian/cyclist Motorist

H M L

View sensitivity Pristine landscape Moderately modified landscape Significantly modified landscape

H M L

View distance/proximity Short Medium Long

< 100m 100m-500m >500m

H M L



4.2. Visibility of the proposed works

The visual envelope map shows the areas where the proposal may be visible (refer to Figure 24).

Figure 24 - Visual envelope map Source: Base plan - Google Earth Pro 2012



4.3. Key view points

The key view point map identifies the key view points and road corridor views (refer to Figure 25).

Refer to Figures 26 - 49 and Tables 17 - 25 for the visual impact analysis for these key views.

Figure 25 – Key view points and view corridors Source: Base map – Google Earth Pro 2012



Key view corridor E1 E1.1 to E1.4 – Sequential views of road corridor travelling east on Sparks Road

Table 17 – Key view corridor E1 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The road widening

commences east of Virginia Road. Motorists travelling east may notice the road widening in the distance, however will generally be concentrating on driving. There are no existing pedestrian/cycleways in this location.

- Duration Low - No of Viewers High - Viewer Sensitivity

Low

View Sensitivity Low Sensitivity Impact Low Magnitude View Distance/proximity

Moderate

Visibility in relation of the field of view

Low

Magnitude Impact Moderate to Low

IMPACT Moderate/Low N/A N/A

Figure 26 – E1.1 - View from railway bridge Figure 27 – E1.2 - Approaching Virginia Road intersection

Figure 28 – E1.3 – Left turn lane to Virgina Road Figure 29 - E1.4 - Virginia Road intersection





Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The existing road and

surrounding area is currently rural in nature. The proposal in this area consists of the start of the road widening to the west and the intersection of Sparks Road with the main access road to the Warnervale town centre. There would be a moderate impact as the area has not yet been developed. However, motorists and cyclists would be concentrating on moving through the new works. There is currently no pedestrian pathway.

- Duration Low Low - No of Viewers High Moderate - Viewer Sensitivity

Low Moderate

View Sensitivity Low Low Sensitivity Impact Low Moderate to

Low

Magnitude View Distance/proximity

High High


Moderate Moderate

Magnitude Impact Moderate to High

Moderate to High

IMPACT Moderate Moderate N/A

Figure 30 – E2.1 Figure 31 – E2.2

Figure 32 – E2.3





Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The proposal would

incorporate the reconfiguration of the travel lanes and intersection along Sparks Road. However, it is an existing signalised intersection with turning lanes and pedestrian pathways and therefore the visual impact is considered lower.


Low Moderate


Low


High High


Low Low

Magnitude Impact Moderate Moderate IMPACT Moderate/Low Moderate/Low N/A

Figure 33 – E3.1 - Approaching the Sparks Road / Mary MacKillop Drive / Minnesota Road intersection

Figure 34 – E3.2 - Sparks Road/Minnesota Road / Mary Mackillop Drive intersection

Figure 35 – E3.3 – Signalised intersection



Key view corridor W1 W1.1 to W1.4 – Sequential views of road corridor travelling west on Sparks Road

Table 20 – Key view corridor W1 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The proposal incorporates the

reconfiguration of the travel lanes and intersection along Sparks Road. However, as per view corridor E3 it is an existing signalised intersection with turning lanes and pedestrian pathways. The area is also generally urban in nature. Therefore the visual impact is considered lower.


Low Moderate

View Sensitivity Low Low Sensitivity Impact Low Moderate/Low Magnitude View Distance/proximity

High High


Lo Low

Magnitude Impact Moderate Moderate IMPACT Low Impact Low Impact N/A

Figure 36 – W1.1 – Merging lane from Hiawatha road

Figure 37 – W1.2 – left and right turning lanes from Sparks Road

Figure 38 - W1.3 - Sparks Road / Mary MacKillop Drive / Minnesota Road intersection

Figure 39 - W1.4 – Merging lane after signalised intersection



Key view corridor W2 W2.1 to W2.3 – Sequential views of road corridor travelling west on Sparks Road

Table 21 – Key view corridor W2 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The existing road and

surrounding area is currently rural in nature although signage has been erected in relation to the proposed Warnervale town centre. The proposal in this area consists of the start of the road widening to the west and the intersection of Sparks Road with the main access road to the Warnervale town centre. Motorists and cyclists would be concentrating on moving through the new works. There is currently no pedestrian pathway.


Low Moderate


High High


High High

Magnitude Impact High High IMPACT Moderate Moderate N/A

Figure 40 – W2.1 – Entry to service lane to the north of Sparks Road

Figure 41 – W2.2

Figure 42 – W2.3 – Approaching Virginia Road intersection



Key view corridor N1

Table 22 – Key view corridor N1 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The approach along Virginia

Road is lower than Sparks Road and therefore the visual impact is negligible.

- Duration Low - No of Viewers Moderate - Viewer Sensitivity

Low

View Sensitivity Low Sensitivity Impact Low Magnitude View Distance/proximity

Low


Negligible

Magnitude Impact Negligible IMPACT Negligible N/A N/A

Figure 43 – View to north on Virginia Road



Key view corridor N2

Table 23 – Key view corridor N2 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The intersection is existing.

Whilst it is proposed to be reconfigured, there will be negligible visual impact from this view point.


Low Moderate


High High


Negligible Negligible

Magnitude Impact Negligible Negligible IMPACT Negligible Negligible N/A

Figure 44 – Sparks Road /Mary MacKillop Drive / Minnesota Road intersection

Figure 45 – Approaching the Sparks Road / Mary MacKillop / Minnesota Drive intersection along Minnesota Road



Key view corridor S1

Table 24 – Key view corridor S1 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity The intersection is existing.

Whilst it is proposed to be reconfigured, there will be negligible visual impact from this view point.

- Duration Low Low - No of Viewers Moderate Moderate - Viewer Sensitivity

Low Moderate


Low


High High


Negligible Negligible

Magnitude Impact Negligible Negligible IMPACT Negligible Negligible N/A

Figure 46 – View to south from Mary MacKillop Drive

Figure 47 – View of existing intersection from Mary MacKillop Drive



Key view point C1

Table 25 – Key view point C1 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity There are two dwellings located in

the vicinity of the new intersection with the main access to Warnervale town centre. Both dwellings are set back approximately 100 m from the existing Sparks Road. A small amount of roadside vegetation would be removed and the road and pedestrian/cycleway would be in closer proximity to the dwellings. Much of the planted vegetation would be retained, unless part of the site is used for a compound site.

- Duration High - No of Viewers Low - Viewer Sensitivity

High

View Sensitivity Low Sensitivity Impact Moderate Magnitude View Distance/proximity

Moderate


Moderate

Magnitude Impact Moderate IMPACT N/A N/A Moderate

Figure 48 - Views of rural properties adjoining Sparks Road to the South



Key view point C2 - Views of dwellings located west of Minnesota Road and south of Sparks Road

Table 26 – Key view point C2 visual impact assessment

Motorist Ped / cyclist Resident Comments Sensitivity A few dwellings have filtered

views of Sparks Road. This may increase as Sparks Road is extended to the north and vegetation is removed.

- Duration Moderate - No of Viewers Low - Viewer Sensitivity

High

View Sensitivity Low Sensitivity Impact Moderate Magnitude View Distance/proximity

High


Low

Magnitude Impact Moderate IMPACT N/A Moderate N/A

Figure 49 - Views of dwellings located west of Minnesota Road and south of Sparks Road



5. Discussion Warnervale is an area that has been undergoing transition from rural lands to urban development over the past 20 years, Further urban development is planned to occur on land adjoining the proposal. Land to the west and east of Minnesota Road and land to the east of Hiawatha Road has been developed for residential development. MacKillop Catholic College and the Warnervale GP Super Clinic have been developed to the north west of the Sparks Road / Mary MacKillop Drive / Minnesota Road intersection. Land surrounding the college and super clinic has been zoned for urban development and as part of the Warnervale town centre. Land opposite the proposed town centre south of Sparks Road has been identified for a possible future school site and other lands are identified as future residential.

The proposal incorporates the widening of Sparks Road, the reconfiguration of the intersection along Sparks Road to allow additional turning lanes into Mary MacKillop Drive, a new signalised intersection to the Warnervale town centre, on-road cycleways and an off-road pedestrian cycleway to cater for the existing and future urban development in the area.

The visual and landscape character impacts are higher for the works proposed in the western section of the proposal. This is generally because this section of road is still rural in nature. However, this area is subject to future development with the development of Warnervale town centre to the north of Sparks Road and the possible urban development of land to the south of Sparks Road. The proposal would assist in meeting the desired future urban character of Warnervale.

The proposal also incorporates an off-road pedestrian / cycle pathway located approximately 1.5 m from the rear of the properties adjoining Sparks Road. There are seven dwellings and the aged care facility that back onto this section of Sparks Road. It is noted vegetation would be retained where possible, however there would be removal of vegetation, which could possibly reduce privacy to these dwellings. It is therefore recommended that the landscape design include screen planting in this area.

The visual and landscape character impacts of the proposal are generally low to moderate. These impacts are caused by removal of existing road side vegetation and some areas of retaining walls. The removal of existing vegetation and widening of the road in the western part of LCZ 5 has the potential to impact the views to and from the rear of existing dwellings and reduce privacy.

There may be some short term impacts caused by the construction compound and sediment basins.



6. Mitigation measures The following outlines the proposed mitigation measures for the proposal:

• Incorporate appropriate landscape treatment along Sparks Road that would complement the future desired urban character. This would include small to mid canopy trees along the road side with taller shrub screen planting behind, ground covers and native grasses under power lines and sacrificial planting where the road reserve would be subject to possible future road augmentation.

• Make provision for future landscape treatment including incorporation of signage as part of the future urban development at the Sparks Road intersection with the main access road to Warnervale town centre to assist in way finding.

• Incorporate screen planting where possible between the proposed off-road pedestrian / cycle pathway along the southern boundary of the Sparks Road reserve and the residential dwellings to minimise graffiti attacks on rear fences and provide privacy to the dwellings in this area.

• Minimise the loss of existing vegetation in stabilising site compounds and temporary sediment controls by selecting a site with no vegetation if possible and / or if possible the use of tree protection and management methods in the compound site during its use.



7. References Coffey Geotechnics Pty Ltd 2012, Preliminary Pavement Investigation Report for the Proposed Warnervale Town Centre Entry Road. July 2012 Conacher Environmental Group (2012), Biodiversity Assessment Report October 2012 Google Earth Pro 2012, Google Earth Pro NSW Department of Planning (2008a), Central Coast Regional Strategy 2006-31 NSW Department of Planning (2012), Warnervale Town Centre Development Control Plan 2012 NSW Department of Primary Industries 1968, Gosford - Lake Macquarie Geology Map (1:100,000 scale) NSW Government (2012a), State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 RMS 2009, Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Note. Guidelines for landscape character and visual impact assessment. 24 March 2009 RMS 2012, Virginia Road to Hiawatha Road Interim Connection Design, DS2012/000680 Wyong Shire Council (unpublished), Landscape Master Plan for Sparks Road Wyong Shire Council (unpublished),Draft Urban Design Framework for Sparks Road Wyong Shire Council 1991, Wyong Local Environmental Plan 1991 Wyong Shire Council 2012, Wyong Shire Council online mapping www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/mapping

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Landscape character and visual impact assessment · 2014-06-06 · Roads and Mariti me Services – Landscape character and visual impact assessment Sparks Road upgrade from Virginia