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Mr Graham Foster 16 Edna Road, Dalkeith
CEO-City of Nedlands
71 Stirling Highway
Nedlands 6009

Dear Mr Foster,

Submission to City of Nedlands -Concept Draft Built Form Design Guidelines—Precinct 18

I am writing to object to the current Dalkeith re-development Concept Plan. Dalkeith is one of the most beautiful small garden villages in Australia. For over 50 years residents have enjoyed its unique ambience, grateful to the planners,residents and Council for their foresight in carefully developing and nurturing this special residential peninsula. Each local area in Perth is different. Many people have worked and saved to be able to live on the Dalkeith peninsula. In introducing change Council must be mindful of preserving and not diminishing its uniqueness as part of the City of Nedlands so future generations can also enjoy what we have now as something special –full of trees, gardens and open spaces, lovely homes and a great commercial/retail facility

Process

There is no need to rush through the consultation process in developing a plan which will permanently affect the area. If the plan was not finalized until 2009 or later would it matter? The important thing is a proper outcome for the residents of Dalkeith.
I have not seen any ‘back up’ ‘or the case for change’ material which presumably were considered in formulating the Concept plan ie population growth requirements , traffic studies, car parking needs (which, until the relocation of the Bridge Club, already exceeded available places) public transport effect, etc.The point has been made by some that building an increased number of single residential home units or the like with a consequent decrease in the number of family homes does not necessarily lead to an increase in population in a small precinct like Dalkeith Does Council propose to evaluate this aspect –which has a major bearing on future housing needs?
Council mentions previous studies relevant to the Concept plan within the Dalkeith Development Area include the Gazetted Alexander Road Design Guidelines and the Dalkeith Village Design,I suggest details of the relevance of these be explained to the public.
I would appreciate clarification on the process Council proposes to follow as outlined in paragraphs 5 to 8 of page 1 of ‘frequently asked questions’since it is not clear what is proposed concerning the sequence of further community input

I attach a copy of my e-mail sent yesterday relating to this matter

Existing Concept Plan

‘Entry statement buildings’ are inappropriate as are 5 stories. Height of all future commercial buildings should be restricted to no more than Dalkeith Village ie3.5. stories. However I think any change to the remaining current commercial/retail areas all along Waratah should be no more than 3 stories and only if depth of blocks, adequate set back etc is provided for .

There is a real place for single story remaining where it is presently as part of the charm .Small villages do not need to all be multi-story

Retain Dalkeith Village as the focus of the community shopping area.
Confine all commercial and retail development to existing locations.The present redevelopment of Claremont commercial and Subiaco will be adequate to cater for future needs. Existing Dalkeith Commercial /retail buildings have had difficulty in obtaining full tenancy for many, many years

Allow residences above existing commercial/retail areas
Remove the NW corner of Circe Circle from Concept Plan for redevelopment and retain for family homes

The Waratah Ave proposal for residential development ( clause 5.2 in the planning document)is unsuitable for the area
The Dalkeith Hall and adjoining car parking must be kept as a community asset and not sold. In the future innovative ideas for its increased use by residents and Council will emerge.
The height of future residential buildings be restricted to two stories.
The whole question of whether subdivision should be allowed is a major issue for Dalkeith . including freehold (green title) duplex, strata development, flats, apartments etc. This needs much further careful study and evaluation by experts and residents as to what is appropriate for the Dalkeith precinct. Unreasonable or uncontrolled development/expansion could adversely affect Dalkeith’s uniqueness and property values. This evaluation should include

Likely future needs
Minimum size of blocks
Areas suitable for rezoning and type of rezoning
If home units are allowed, minimum size and number per block
Ensuring any development and style or features of dwellings on a block fits in with the ambience of the street and Precinct
Suitability/feasibility of combining work from home office and residence

The precinct is unsuitable for a hotel/tavern.Gradual development of cafes/restaurants would

be good

It would be helpful if Council funds could be allocated to enable some scale modeling( not just computer modeling)to be built and displayed in the future so that residents receive a clear visual idea of the style and type of residences and other buildings which are proposed under new guidelines.

In conclusion, as this present Plan is quite unsuitable I urge Council to draw up a second Plan in consultation right from the start with the community, drawing on the work in progress from Plan One and refocusing on the wishes of the community. Please invite some residents in the Planning Group, including PADD and hold Council sponsored information sessions during the process

Yours sincerely

John F Kollosche

Cc each Councillor