Has the right layout and building typology (e.g. detached, terrace or apartment dwellings) been selected for the site and its characteristics?
The information required is the same as that for all resource consent applications (refer to Proposed Auckland
Unitary Plan), with the addition of a consideration of views and climatic conditions.
For all development, the proposed site layout and floor plans should demonstrate the following: - Is the building and site design integrated?
- Does the building platform work with the existing site conditions?
- Has the building been placed and orientated for passive solar design?
- Is the internal layout appropriate for the proposed uses, with access to natural daylight?
- Have the buildings been placed to create quality private open spaces which are clearly defined and differentiated from public open space? Are private outdoor spaces attractive, functional and enjoyable?
- Does the proposal respect the neighbours and does the site layout maintain the liveability/privacy of existing dwellings to be retained?
- Look at where the neighbour’s house, windows and private open space are located. Have the house and open spaces around the building been designed to maximise privacy and sunlight access for everyone?
- How have pedestrians, cars, access, and servicing been integrated with the design of the site and the street?
- How do the proposed buildings interact with the street – do they encourage activation and passive surveillance?
- Has the proposal been designed for the site or is it trying to use a standard layout designed without the site in mind?
- For large scale development does the layout optimise the potential of the site to accommodate development, and create and sustain a mix of uses including public open space and social infrastructure?
Further design guidance can be found in the Designing the Site, Placing the Building on the Site, Accommodating the Car and Outdoor Spaces sections of the ADM.
For subdivision applications, does the subdivision design create an urban structure that will enable a mix of uses and activities with appropriate future building forms and site layouts, that is easy to understand and move through?
The scheme plan should demonstrate how the subdivision design: - Creates a mix of section types and sizes and a mix of uses and activities, to facilitate diversity and adaptability
- Ensures the lot layout maximises sunshine, views and privacy
- Creates clear public fronts and private backs
- Limits the use of cul-de-sacs except in specific circumstances
- Provides convenient access, by foot, to public transport and local open space
- Limits the total number of rear lots
- Reduces block sizes as densities and number of residents increase
For applications within centres, has the proposed design:
- Clearly identified existing and proposed active building frontages
- Clearly identified existing and proposed areas of public open space
- Recognised and provided for landmark and gateway locations - note that this more important if these are located on or adjacent to the subject site
- Used distinctive landscaping and building forms to help in creating a place that is easy to understand (legible)
- Provided landmarks to make it easy to navigate around a site and to emphasis the hierarchy of a place
- Recognised and provided for the visual prominence of the site in the context of the surrounding neighbourhood