Kingston Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study€¦ · 2014, the Committee released...

Kingston Housing Strategy

and Neighbourhood

Character Study

Project Brief

FEBRUARY 2017

• KINGSTON HOUSING STRATEGY & NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTER STUDY – PROJECT BRIEF

KINGSTON HOUSING STRATEGY & NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTER STUDY – PROJECT BRIEF • PAGE 3

Contents

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5

2. Background ............................................................................................................................. 5

2.1. State Policy Context ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.2. Local Policy Context ...................................................................................................................... 6

2.3. New Residential Zones .................................................................................................................. 6

2.4. Council Resolutions ....................................................................................................................... 8

2.5. Car Parking .................................................................................................................................... 8

2.6. Key Issues ...................................................................................................................................... 9

3. Aims/Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 11

4. Scope .................................................................................................................................... 13

4.1. Housing Strategy.......................................................................................................................... 13

4.2. Neighbourhood Character Study and Guidelines ........................................................................ 14

4.3. Capacity Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 14

4.4. Community consultation ............................................................................................................... 15

5. Project Stages, Task Expectations & Deliverables ................................................................. 18

5.1. Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 18

5.2. Stage 1 – Issues and Opportunities (Discussion Paper) ............................................................. 18

5.3. Stage 2 – Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study ............................................. 20

5.4. Stage 3 – Prepare Planning Scheme Amendment Documentation ............................................. 23

6. Project Management .............................................................................................................. 24

7. Project Delivery ..................................................................................................................... 24

8. Occupational Health and Safety............................................................................................. 25

9. Ownership, Confidentiality of Data and Conflict of Interest .................................................... 25

10. Fees ...................................................................................................................................... 26

11. Disclosure .............................................................................................................................. 26

12. Terms of Payment ................................................................................................................. 26

13. Enquiries ............................................................................................................................... 27

14. References ............................................................................................................................ 27


1. Introduction

Council seeks quotations from suitably qualified consultancies to prepare a new Kingston Housing

Strategy and Kingston Neighbourhood Character Study. These documents are intended to be

implemented into the Kingston Planning Scheme via the application of the new residential zones, updates

to the Local Planning Policy Framework and implementation of new overlay controls, as appropriate.

2. Background

The City of Kingston is located within Melbourne’s south eastern band of middle suburbs, approximately

17km southeast of the Central Business District. It is framed by the Port Phillip coastline to the west and

major arterial road corridors to the north and east. The north-south corridor of foreshore environs, rail

corridor and the Nepean Highway provide the ‘spine’ of the City.

Kingston is one of the most diverse municipalities in Melbourne with a planning and environmental

landscape comprising of regionally significant industrial precincts, major activity centres, the Moorabbin

Airport, over 13km of coastal foreshore, RAMSAR wetlands, Green Wedge areas and State significant

urban renewal sites. Together these attributes set a unique context for residential development in the

City.

The Estimated Resident Population of Kingston in 2015 was 154,477 people, with approximately 60,682

households and an average household size of 2.5. Over the 2006-2011 census period, the population of

Kingston increased by 8,117 residents. Much of this growth was driven by family households.

Kingston’s population is projected to reach approximately 185,000 by 2036, comprising of an anticipated

75,000 households. Total new dwellings from 2011 to 2036 are anticipated to reach 16,981.

Approximately half of this new dwelling stock is anticipated to be located within key activity centres. .

Like many other middle ring suburban areas, housing stock within Kingston’s residential areas is

predominantly comprised of detached dwellings. Kingston’s residential areas contain a variety of housing

styles and types, varying from post war homes in Moorabbin and Clayton South, through to newer and

larger dwellings in Patterson Lakes and Aspendale Gardens. Recently the municipality has experienced

increased apartment development in its activity centres, as well as medium density infill development in

residential areas proximate to public transport and activity centres.

2.1. STATE POLICY CONTEXT

Plan Melbourne forecasts that the southern sub-region of Melbourne will be required to accommodate an

additional 165,000 to 205,000 dwellings. Of those, 90,000 to 115,000 are expected to be in the form of

apartments, townhouses, flats and units.

The draft 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy prepared by Infrastructure Victoria in 2016 envisages that there

is an opportunity to direct future housing to Melbourne’s eastern and southern suburbs. Importantly, the

Strategy also identified the delivery of social housing and other forms of affordable housing for vulnerable

Victorians as one of the three ‘most important actions’ for State Government to address in the short to

medium term.

Council is also awaiting the release of the Plan Melbourne Refresh (Metropolitan Strategy) which is

anticipated to identify strategies and actions that will guide the work of Local Planning Authorities in

addressing issues associated with housing supply and affordability.


2.2. LOCAL POLICY CONTEXT

The Kingston Residential Strategy 2000 was prepared to address residential development within Kingston

in the context of contemporary social and economic changes affecting people’s housing choices. One of

these was the high levels of urban consolidation experienced in Melbourne over the preceding years and

the community concern that had been expressed about this type of development. The Strategy therefore

intended to provide greater certainty for the community about the preferred locations for medium density

housing types.

The Kingston Neighbourhood Character Guidelines 2000 were prepared in parallel with the Kingston

Residential Strategy 2000. The Guidelines are particularly relevant when considering new residential

development in established residential areas where respecting the existing amenity and character is an

important community objective. The Guidelines acknowledge the diverse residential areas of Kingston,

and provide guidance on the appropriate design of medium density housing to respect neighbourhood

character. The Guidelines have been revised twice; once in 2003 and again in 2007.

Both of these documents are implemented through the Kingston Planning Scheme via Clauses 21.05 and

22.11, having been introduced via Kingston Amendment C8. This amendment was considered by an

Advisory Committee in late 2001 and came into effect on 22 July 2004. Clause 21.05 – Residential Land

Use was explicit about the Council’s desire to manage change through a tiered approach to housing

development. The principal of Minimal Change (previously Residential 3, introduced via Kingston C56),

Incremental Change (previously Residential 3) and Increased Diversity (previously Residential 1) was

established. Initially 1 zone schedule was used for tailored variances.

2.3. NEW RESIDENTIAL ZONES

In 2013 three new residential zones were introduced by the Minister for Planning to replace the existing

Residential 1, 2 and 3 Zones across Victoria.

Following intensive consultation with the community, Kingston proposed a solution that would see the

required population growth managed effectively in key activity centres (such as Cheltenham, Moorabbin,

Mentone and Mordialloc), in former industrial sites and along Nepean Highway, thereby minimising

medium to high-density development in residential areas. As part of its approach, Council officers

updated the Kingston Residential Strategy and prepared updated demographic information.

In February 2014 Council resolved to request that the Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee

(the Committee) consider draft Kingston Amendment C140. A hearing was held in May 2014. In June

2014, the Committee released its report1 recommending that the amendment “not be prepared, adopted

and approved” (page ii). The Committee found that the amendment was inconsistent with Plan

Melbourne; applied a minimal change zoning to areas identified for incremental change without an

acceptable rationale; and did not consider character when applying the Neighbourhood Residential Zone

(NRZ) as envisaged by Plan Melbourne and Planning Practice Note 78.

1 Residential Zones (Stage One) Standing Advisory Committee Report,

Kingston Draft Amendment C140, 20 June 2014


The committee recommended that:

Council comprehensively review the Kingston Residential Strategy in combination with the Kingston

Neighbourhood Character Strategy to identify a robust basis on which to apply the reformed residential

zones. This should include a review of:

a) Options for housing diversity around nodes as recommended by Department of Planning,

Transport and Local Infrastructure, Metropolitan Planning Authority and Public Transport Victoria.

b) Areas identified as incremental and minimal change against an updated review of neighbourhood

character to determine between the areas where character needs to be respected and where

identified character warrants greater protection (page ii).

It also directed that any future amendment should:

Provide a more robust strategic justification to permeability provisions or address stormwater

management through different tools.

Address single dwelling covenant areas as part of consideration of character, consistent with the

Committee’s Stage One Overarching Issues Report principles.

Review or strategically justify the proposed nine metre rear setback provision for third storeys.

Strategically justify against neighbourhood character the need to limit two storey developments in

the rear of sites as a new policy provision.

Consider the need to require a planning permit for dwellings on lots less than 500 square metres

in preference to more cumbersome and costly use of Section 173 agreements on development

and subdivision.

Consider the need for buildings to exceed eight metres in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone,

only where this is directed by flood or stormwater overflow issues.

Only use decision guidelines that provide specific guidance for use and development in the zone,

not replicate other provisions of the planning scheme.

As an interim solution, the Committee recommended that an amendment to the Kingston Planning

Scheme be prepared to introduce the new residential zones as follows:

a) Apply the General Residential Zone with two schedules to replicate the existing Residential 1

Zone and Residential 3 Zone provisions to the relevantly zoned land.

b) Apply the Residential Growth Zone to the area identified as a Residential Opportunity Site at the

former Highett Gasworks Site as identified in existing Clause 21.05 of the Kingston Planning

Scheme (page ii).

This arrangement is reflected in the current zoning regime which was introduced under Section 20(4) of

the Planning and Environment Act 1987.


2.4. COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

Housing and Neighbourhood Character

On 22 February 2016 Council resolved to undertake background work in parallel with the State

Government’s Managing Residential Development Advisory Committee (MRDAC) Process to inform a

future review of its Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study (Refer Attachment 1 – Council

Report and Minutes - 22 February 2016).

The Council resolution required that the methodology and procurement of support services required to

undertake the new work would not be finalised until after Council had received and considered the State

Government’s review of the new residential zones, to be undertaken by the MRDAC. This was to ensure

consistency between the new work and any recommendations that may arise from the MRDAC’s report.

Due to the delay of the release of the MRDAC report, Council has resolved to proceed with (at minimum)

the background work for its Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study. Therefore, while this

brief is being released for tender, it is anticipated that some changes to the methodology and project

timeframes may be required, subject to the outcomes of the MRDAC process.

It is further noted that on 26 March 2012 in considering the adoption of its Planning Scheme Review

Council resolved:

‘That Council adopt the Planning Scheme Review report and authorise Council Officers to send the

report to the Minister for Planning and write to Minister for Planning seeking an update on the

Planning System Reviews.

That Council amend the review to include the following under economic development section:

Whilst Kingston acknowledges the work of the SEMIP it should also be emphasised that there are

over 4,000 industrial premises in the City which is the highest concentration of small to medium

industrial enterprises in Melbourne.

Kingston also has the highest number of manufacturing jobs of any Victorian Municipalit with over

25,000 jobs.

Given this is a significant sector of the municipality, further planning work is needed in order to

enhance the employment opportunities the City provides.

To discourage two storey developments to the rear of development sites’

The Council’s position in relation to two storey development at the rear of development sites was

subsequently considered by the RZSAC through Kingston Amendment C140 with a recommendation that

Council ‘strategically justify against neighbourhood character the need to limit two storey developments in

the rear of sites as a new policy provision’. It is expected that the NCS component of the consultant work

considers and responds to this issue.

Car Parking

It is noted that, on 22 August 2016 Council resolved to:

1. Receive the officer’s report in response to Notice of Motion No 15/2016 [Planning Policy

(Parking and Rear setbacks)].


2. Note that in accordance with Council’s resolution at its Ordinary Meeting on 22 February 2016,

officers have allocated budget and resources in the 2016/17 financial year to review its

Neighbourhood Character Study and Housing Strategy following the release of the Managing

Residential Development Advisory Committee’s report.

3. Instruct officers to include in the formulation of the briefs for the work identified in

recommendation 2, a traffic and transport component that considers the application of a car

parking overlay for strategic areas of Kingston that require at least one (1) car parking space for

each bedroom in new multi-unit developments and the possibility of requiring a 5 metre setback

at the rear of new multi-unit developments.

Council’s Traffic and Transport Department have prepared a separate project brief that seeks to address

the parking matters referred to in Council’s resolution of 16 August 2016. This brief is to be tendered as a

separate piece of work; however its scope and outputs will necessarily be influenced by the findings of

the Neighbourhood Character and Housing project.

Accordingly it is expected that both projects will be undertaken concurrently with an expectation that the

appointed consultant teams meet at key project milestones to ensure a coordinated response to both

issues.

2.5. KEY ISSUES

In recognition of the findings of the Committee, Council has reviewed what some of the key aspects of

development that influence neighbourhood character in Kingston are, and some key considerations that

the new work needs to address. Above all, there is a need to facilitate an appropriate and sustainable

distribution of housing in the right locations to meet the needs of future residents. More detailed

considerations are as follows:

The relationship between lot size, site coverage, hard surface area and permeability in

determining neighbourhood character.

A need to accommodate growth and change.

Changes in housing needs associated with population growth, changing demographics and

lifecycle.

New infill development is often perceived to be out of scale with surrounding built form.

Loss of back gardens, permeable space and construction of double storey developments in rear

setbacks in new developments.

Encroachment of dwellings into backyards and implications on overlooking and privacy.

Ensuring the ongoing relevance and appropriate guidance of Council’s Housing and Character

Studies particularly in terms of the identification of change area boundaries (i.e. Substantial,

Incremental and Minimal Change) and the differing expectations of development in these various

change areas.

Guiding development located at the edge of activity centres but within a residential change area

that is appropriate to the character of that area.


Council’s ability to appropriately shape and direct its future housing in a manner consistent with

the expectations of the State Government and relevant policies and strategies.

Ensuring that outcomes sought within the existing Council Plan that seek to encourage a diverse

and inclusive community are incorporated into the framework for the future management of the

housing stock in the municipality.

It is in this context that Council seeks quotations from suitably qualified consultancies to prepare a

new Kingston Housing Strategy and Kingston Neighbourhood Character Study.


3. Aims/Objectives

This project is to undertake a detailed review of housing and neighbourhood character in the City of

Kingston in light of existing constraints and future opportunities. It is required to develop the Council’s

housing vision for the next 20 years and provide the supporting statutory tools including the application of

the new residential zones suite.

To this end this project will seek to achieve the following aims:

Formulate a detailed understanding of development constraints within the City of Kingston,

particularly in relation to:

Neighbourhood character and heritage

Drainage and flooding

Buffers to landfill and industrial areas

Proximity to Moorabbin Airport

Acid sulphate soils

Significant vegetation

Access to services and transport

Areas with predominantly single dwellings

Areas constrained by existing planning controls which are unlikely to be changed (such

as Design and Development Overlay 1 and vegetation overlays)

Areas where change is unlikely to occur due to a high proportion of existing strata-titled

properties and covenants2

These constraints are to be considered in the context of Planning Practice Note 78: Applying the

Residential Zones, the Plan Melbourne Refresh, the findings of the MRDAC process and the

Kingston Planning Scheme.

Evaluate the effectiveness of Council’s existing residential standards in order to justify new

planning controls.

Document planned and new areas with potential for increased development within the City of

Kingston, particularly in relation to items outlined in Planning Practice Note 78: Applying the

Residential Zones, the findings of the MRDAC process and the Kingston Planning Scheme.

These may include areas near the Principal Public Transport Network and within or close to

existing activity centres and nodes.

Formulate a detailed understanding of the various design and siting parameters associated with

residential development and use this to identify methods to quantify different types of

neighbourhood character.

2 Please note that Council has much of the environmental constraint information

and it will be provided to the successful consultant.


Develop a new Kingston Housing Strategy to provide a robust document that addresses the

future housing needs of the Kingston community for the next 20 years and beyond.

Develop a new Kingston Neighbourhood Character Study including the provision of

Neighbourhood Character Guidelines to assist Council and the community in understanding the

preferred future development typologies envisaged in various parts of the municipality.

Review and determine the housing capacity of Kingston having regard to the outcomes of

Council’s internal projections, the implications of any proposed policy, zone or overlay changes

as well as State and Federal data.

Critically analyse the factors influencing the affordability of housing (rental and purchase) in the

municipality and formulate practical and deliverable recommendations on how the Council is able

to ensure access to the housing market is maintained for people with varied incomes and special

needs.

Engage with and educate the community on long term population and housing requirements and

policy.

More specifically through this work the following longer term outcomes are to be achieved:

A holistic Housing Strategy reflecting a refined understanding of the various housing change

areas and neighbourhood character area boundaries and development expectations that reflect

the development conditions and aspirations of Council and the community.

Where appropriate new Neighbourhood Character Guidelines including statements of preferred

future neighbourhood character and built form guidelines for all residential areas of the city. A

detailed outline of any additional controls recommended for residential and mixed use areas to be

implemented into the Kingston Planning Scheme via the application of the new residential zones,

updates to the Local Planning Policy Framework and implementation of new overlay controls, as

appropriate.

An established basis on which to apply the new residential zones including:

defined boundaries of the three residential change areas within the city reflecting

identified opportunities and constraints across all land capable of accommodating

housing;

clear definitions of the levels of change and types of development acceptable in each

residential precinct;

an endorsed approach to dealing with the transition between one category or change

area and another, for example through the designation of buffer areas; and

any varied ResCode standards that would be required to reflect the preferred

characteristics of the various residential change areas.

In addition to the above, the successful consultant will need to engage with the consultant appointed to

undertake the Car Parking Review referred to under Section 2 of this brief. It is anticipated that the two

appointed consultant teams will both be required to attend key milestone meetings and undertake an

integrated consultation program.


4. Scope

Whilst there are three components of this work (Housing Strategy, Neighbourhood Character Study and

Guidelines and Housing Capacity) there will be areas of context and background investigation common to

all. This may include, but not be limited to, such things as policy framework investigation and analysis

(State and Local), market trend and housing delivery analysis, demographics and housing growth data.

As a starting point, the successful consultant will be required to review relevant Council, State and

Commonwealth Government reports, strategies, policies and regulations; and relevant legislative and

Planning Scheme provisions.

The scope of this project is to deliver three discrete but linked components of work, each of which has

their own requirements in terms of investigation and ultimately implementation. Given the interrelated

nature of these components and the complexity of this project it is important that each component be

undertaken in consideration of its relationship to the other. However each component must have the

ability to deliver to Council a standalone piece of work that is able to be adopted and incorporated into

planning policy and control in one form or another.

4.1. HOUSING STRATEGY

Develop a new Kingston Housing Strategy by:

Developing a detailed understanding of the nature and future demand for housing in the city

utilising both Council and census data sources. This is to include a detailed analysis of housing

trends throughout the municipality to identify those locations where significant housing is now

occurring (Activity Centres) and the role of potential strategic redevelopment locations (Clayton

Business Park).

Analysing the impact that the development measures identified in the Neighbourhood Character

Guidelines including lot size, site coverage, hard surface area, permeability and landscaping may

have on the ability to meet future housing demand and for redevelopment to occur across various

parts of the city and on various types of allotments.

Identifying boundaries of the three categories of change areas, including consideration of

environmental constraints and areas with potential for increased development. Determine the

contemporary application of these change areas in areas not solely zoned for residential activity

(e.g. Activity Centres or Strategic Redevelopment locations).

Defining the housing outcomes sought in each of the identified change areas i.e. what type of

residential development is encouraged in Minimal, Incremental and Substantial change areas.

Reviewing any proposed changes to ensure that the housing needs of the city are met.

Preparing policy regarding the full spectrum of housing issues in Kingston including affordability,

sustainability, student housing and social and special needs housing.

Preparing map/s and accompanying strategy for implementation in the MSS or Planning Policy as

appropriate (including reference to new residential zones).

Identify future potential strategic redevelopment sites which may have housing yields that could

either be zoned through the revised strategy or could be identified for further examination

throughout the life of the Strategy (not including land within the Green Wedge).


4.2. NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTER STUDY AND GUIDELINES

Develop a Neighbourhood Character Study and associated precinct Guidelines by:

Undertaking a review of neighbourhood character initially by suburb, and then by smaller area as

appropriate, to determine the degree and nature of change that has occurred since the previous

study was undertaken.

Identify particular character areas and describe what trends have taken place in those areas in

terms of development type. Have lots been consolidated for apartments or have single dwellings

been replaced with the same?

Correlate character areas with housing category of change areas.

Provide succinct, preferred future character statements and guidelines for each area. This may

include guidelines for a new future character.

Newly defining appropriate built form expectations for each of the character areas identified.

Identifying any specific character areas where new development is inconsistent with the desired

character objectives for that area and where further planning scheme controls are warranted for

their protection.

Identifying the appropriate controls for these areas (e.g. overlays, residential zone schedules,

local variations, zones).

Analysing the preferred characters in incremental and minimal change areas and identifying the

correlation between this and the measures of lot size, site coverage, hard surface area,

permeability and landscaping.

Developing an appropriate suite of planning controls associated with these measures that can

deliver on the preferred character outcomes sought.

4.3. CAPACITY ANALYSIS

Based on the above, the consultant is to estimate the housing potential of Kingston, taking into

consideration the findings of the Housing and Neighbourhood Character work, as well as capacity in the

Activity Centre Zone, Comprehensive Development Zone, Commercial 1 Zone and Mixed Use Zones.

Council has information which will assist the consultant with this, which will be provided. It is likely that

this analysis will need to be undertaken at key stages throughout the project as preferred approaches to

housing and neighbourhood character are identified and then tested. This analysis will require robust

testing upon release of the 2016 ABS Census data and will require discussions with Council’s

demographic consultants id Consulting.


4.4. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

The development of the Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study provides Kingston with a

critical opportunity to engage our community.

In the 2016 ‘Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey’, our community expressed a strong

desire to be better consulted on key Council strategies and projects. In addition, our community

expressed a strong dissatisfaction with the way Kingston plans for population growth and town planning

policy - this project presents an opportunity to address these concerns.

Engagement with our community is at the core of Kingston’s philosophy of Community Inspired

Leadership. To realise this philosophy, our governance and decision making needs to be based on a solid

understanding of what the Kingston community needs and wants.

Kingston is committed to the use of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Public

Participation Spectrum; the spectrum sets out the promise being made to the public at each participation

level. More specifically, Kingston is committed to engage the community at the highest level of the

spectrum where possible.

The IAP2 model encourages use of a broad range of consultation tools including public meetings,

surveys, online discussion forums as well as face to face meetings with key groups and individuals –

many of which will be relevant for this project.

Kingston is keen to hear from the consultant on innovative and contemporary ways in which Kingston can

engage its community. As part of the response, the consultant should outline the consultation methods,

timings and required resources to occur in the three stages of this project - as per below.

1. Issues & Opportunities Discussion Paper,

2. Housing Strategy & Neighbourhood Charter Study; and

3. The Planning Scheme Amendment (noting that this would then be undertaken by Council).

The Consultant shall provide a consultation strategy to address, as appropriate, the following:

An outline of the various consultation methods to be employed ensuring all interested residents

and stakeholders have a chance to have their say – this should include recommended timings. In

addition, the consult should include information to be prepared by the consultant for the purpose

of information dissemination and facilitating these processes.

Utilisation of contemporary consultation methods including online property lookup search

functions, for example, City of Whitehorse’s Our Housing Future website at

www.ourhousingfuture.com.au

Kingston has recently established an online consultation platform,

www.yourkingstonyoursay.com.au. The consultant should consider its use in this project.

Presentations and briefings to the Project Manager, Corporate Leadership Group and/or other

groups identified as relevant by Council. Possible presentations at meetings of Council at key

stages of the development of the project, as required.

The consultant should also outline the types of stakeholders to be consulted throughout the three stages.

As a guide, internal Council stakeholders may include, but not be limited to, the following:

http://www.ourhousingfuture.com.au/

http://www.yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/


Councillors

Corporate Leadership Group

Statutory Planning

Strategic Planning

City Transformation

Environmental Planning

Economic Development

Traffic and Transport Team

Drainage Team

Infrastructure Team

Community Development

External agencies may include, but not be limited to, the following;

VicRoads

Victorian Planning Authority

Environment Protection Authority

Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group

Melbourne Water

Respective Utility Providers

Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Transport (Aviation)

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Transport for Victoria

Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

Office of Housing

In terms of the broader community, these stakeholders may also include, but not be limited to, the

following:

Resident Groups (including conservation, heritage and environment groups)

Traders Associations

Business owners and/or peak employment groups


Residents – Ensuring a representative cross section is achieved

Housing Associations

Council Advisory Committees (such as the Public Spaces and Environment Advisory Committee)

Council’s Communications and Community Relations Team is a key stakeholder in terms of

communications. They will be involved in the review of the consultation strategy and execution of its

content, alongside the Strategic and Environmental Planning Team.

The consultation strategy will be finalised and agreed with Council upon award of the contract and prior to

commencement of work.


5. Project Stages, Task Expectations & Deliverables

5.1. METHODOLOGY

The consultant is to propose a methodology, including a project and consultation plan. As a minimum, the

methodology, project and consultation plan should recognise the three distinct components of the overall

project, these being the preparation of the Housing Strategy, Neighbourhood Character Study and

Capacity Analysis. The methodology should also consider integration with the Car Parking Strategy (refer

Attachment 3 - Project Brief).

The consultant’s methodology, project, consultation and implementation plan should therefore include

details of the following:

Overall approach to each component of the project and key principles to be considered;

Proposed tasks and their duration;

Persons or disciplines to be involved in each task and level of involvement (e.g. number of

hours/days);

Key milestones and deliverables;

Proposed meetings with the project team and consultation activities with stakeholders; and

Key presentations to Council.

Council officers have identified key tasks which will inform the methodology, as specified below.

Consultants are encouraged to identify any innovations and / or best practice methodologies that could be

introduced in response to this brief. In this regard it is noted that non-conforming proposals will be

considered by Council.

5.2. STAGE 1 – ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES (DISCUSSION PAPER)

This stage is to gather information and identify issues and opportunities which can then be presented to

the community for their feedback.

Project inception (Month 1)

Attend a Councillor introductory session to discuss the project and consultant methodology.

Attend an inception workshop with the internal project control group to confirm the methodology

and obtain relevant background information.

Data review and analysis (Months 1 – 2)

Undertake a review of relevant Council, State and Commonwealth reports, strategies, policies

and controls in relation to housing and neighbourhood character, particularly:

Plan Melbourne Refresh

Infrastructure Victoria – 30 Year Strategy

Planning Practice Note 78: Applying the Residential Zones


Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee report on Kingston Amendment C140

Managing Residential Development Advisory Committee report

Plan Melbourne Refresh Advisory Committee report

Existing Kingston housing and neighbourhood character work

Kingston Planning Scheme

Relevant VCAT cases and Planning Panel reports

Other recent Panel Reports in relation to housing (e.g. Monash C125)

Develop a detailed understanding of housing in Kingston, particularly in relation to:

The quantity and nature of future demand for housing

Effectiveness of current residential standards and frameworks

Housing affordability and cost

Housing diversity

Accommodating the housing needs of particular groups

Development constraints

Areas with potential for increased development

Meet with internal Council stakeholders to ascertain their understanding of issues and

opportunities in relation to housing in Kingston.

Formulate a detailed understanding of the various design and siting parameters associated with

residential development and use this to identify different types of neighbourhood character.

Analyse the impact that the development measures identified above including lot size, site

coverage, hard surface area, permeability and landscaping may have on the ability to meet future

housing demand and for redevelopment to occur across various parts of the city and on various

types of allotments.

Evaluate how to guide development located at the edge of activity centres that is appropriate to

the character of that area.

Assess Council’s ability to appropriately shape and direct its future housing in a manner

consistent with the expectations of the State Government and relevant policies and strategies.

Site visit and assessment (Month 3)

Undertake a desktop and city wide visit review to confirm findings.


Prepare Issues and Opportunities - Discussion Paper (Month 4)

Draft a concise report documenting all background findings and analysis. The report should

include:

Detailed methodology which outlines the tasks, analysis and investigations, including

how the findings from this work will influence the draft Housing Strategy and draft

Neighbourhood Character Study and Guidelines

All of the background research and findings

Meet with the project control group to discuss the draft report and next steps.

Present and brief Council’s Corporate Leadership Group on the Issues and Opportunities

Discussion Paper.

Prepare a second draft of the Discussion Paper to present to Councillors.

Presentations to Council (Month 5)

Present and brief Councillors on the Issues and Opportunities Discussion Paper.

Subject to Council feedback, prepare a final draft of the Issues and Opportunities Discussion

Paper to be released for community consultation.

Community consultation – Stage 1 (Month 6 or as otherwise proposed by the consultant)

As outlined in Section 4.4 of this brief, Council is keen to hear from the consultant on innovative

and contemporary ways in which Kingston can engage its community. As part of the response,

the consultant should outline the consultation methods, timings and required resources to occur

in each of the three stages of the project.

Presentations to Project Control Group and Council (Month 7)

Present and brief Council’s project control group on the findings from the consultation, including

the summary of consultation issues paper, proposed changes to the Issues and Opportunities

Discussion Paper and the proposed direction moving forward based on the finalised Issues and

Opportunities Discussion Paper. This should allow for changes from Council officers.

Present and brief Council as above.

Finalise the Issues and Opportunities Discussion Paper and consultation issues paper

(consultation issues paper is to be included in the final Issues and Opportunities Discussion

Paper as an attachment).

5.3. STAGE 2 – HOUSING STRATEGY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTER

STUDY

This stage is to prepare the Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study (including detailed

Neighbourhood Character Guidelines) to guide future residential development in Kingston. These

documents will also serve as the strategic justification for any future planning scheme amendment to

apply the residential zones.


Draft Housing Strategy (Months 8 - 9)

Based on the Issues and Opportunities Discussion Paper and outcomes of the Stage 1

community consultation, develop a new Kingston Housing Strategy to provide a robust document

that addresses the future housing needs of the Kingston community for the next 20 years. This

new Strategy is to:

Review the location and boundaries of the three categories of change areas, including

consideration of environmental constraints and areas with potential for increased

development.

Reflect a refined understanding of the various residential change and neighbourhood

character area boundaries and development expectations that reflect the development

conditions and aspirations of Council and the community.

Define the built form outcomes sought in each of the identified change areas i.e. what

type of setbacks, vegetation etc. is encouraged in Minimal, Incremental and Substantial

areas.

Evaluate the effectiveness of current residential standards and frameworks and how

these can be improved to achieve Council’s housing vision.

Have regard to broader housing issues in Kingston including affordability, cost, diversity

and special needs housing.

Identify future potential strategic sites which may have housing yields.

Draft Neighbourhood Character Study and Guidelines (Months 8 - 9)

Based on the Issues and Opportunities Discussion Paper, develop a draft Neighbourhood

Character Study and new Neighbourhood Character Guidelines to assist Council and the

community in understanding the preferred future development typologies envisaged in various

parts of the municipality. The new Guidelines are to:

Include statements of preferred future neighbourhood character and built form guidelines

for all suburbs or appropriate broader area within the city. This may include guidelines for

a different future character. Character statements should express clear aspirations and

elements to achieve those aspirations.

Correlate character areas with housing category of change areas.

Evaluate the effectiveness of current residential standards and frameworks and how

these can be improved to achieve Council’s neighbourhood character vision.

Both of these documents together will position Council to introduce the new residential zones into

the municipality. The work is to provide an established basis on which to apply the new residential

zones including:

Defined boundaries of the three residential change areas within the city reflecting

identified opportunities and constraints.


Clear definitions of the levels of change and types of built form envisaged.

An endorsed approach to dealing with the transition between one category or change

area and another, for example through the designation of buffer areas.

Identification of any specific character areas where new development is inconsistent with

the desired character objectives for that area and where further planning scheme controls

are warranted for their protection (e.g. Neighbourhood Character Overlay).

Identification of physical / environment characteristics that act to limit the extent of

redevelopment possible (drainage, aviation, landfill buffers etc.) through the life of the

strategy.

Identifying the appropriate controls for these areas (e.g. overlays, residential zone

schedules, local variations).

Any varied ResCode standards that would be required to reflect the preferred

characteristics of the various residential change areas.

A detailed outline of implementation recommendations and any additional controls

recommended for residential and mixed use areas.

Review of draft documents (Month 10)

Meet with project control group to discuss the draft documents and next steps.

Facilitate a workshop with Council’s City Development (Statutory Planning) team to seek their

feedback on the draft documents.

Make any necessary changes to the draft documents following officer feedback.

Present and brief Council’s Corporate Leadership Group on the draft documents.

Prepare a third draft of the Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Guidelines to present

to Council.

Presentations to Council (Month 11)

Present and brief Councillors on the draft Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character

Guidelines.

After Councillor feedback and adoption, prepare a final draft of the Housing Strategy and

Neighbourhood Character Guidelines to be released for community consultation.

Community consultation – Stage 2 (Months 12–13 or as otherwise recommended by the

consultant)

As outlined in Section 4.4 of this brief, Council is keen to hear from the consultant on innovative

and contemporary ways in which Kingston can engage its community. As part of the response,

the consultant should outline the consultation methods, timings and required resources to occur

in each of the three stages of the project.


Presentations to Project Control Group, Corporate Leadership Group and Council (Months 14 -

15)

Present and brief Council’s project control group on the findings from the consultation, including

the consultation issues paper and proposed changes to the Housing Strategy and

Neighbourhood Character Guidelines. This should allow time for changes.

Present and brief Council as above again allowing time for consideration of changes.

Prepare a final Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Guidelines and consultation

issues paper for Council adoption and exhibition as part of a future Planning Scheme

Amendment process.

Supplement to Issues and Opportunities Discussion Paper (Month 16)

As an attachment to the Issues and Opportunities Discussion Paper, include the summary of

community consultation outcomes linked to each stage of the project consultation.

Capacity analysis (Month 16)

Based on the final Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study and Guidelines, undertake a

housing capacity analysis evaluating existing housing supply and existing and future demand based on

demographic information. This supplementary report is to include a detailed methodology on how the

capacity analysis was undertaken.

Capacity in the Activity Centre Zone, Comprehensive Development Zone, Commercial 1 Zone and Mixed

Use Zones is also to be considered. Council has information which will assist the consultant with this,

which will be provided.

5.4. STAGE 3 – PREPARE PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT DOCUMENTATION

Statutory drafting (Months 17-18)

Council officers will work with the consultant to draft changes to the Kingston Planning Scheme to

introduce the new provisions, including new residential zones, schedules and updates to the Municipal

Strategic Statement and Local Planning Policy Framework.

The consultant may be required to present as an expert witness to an Independent Planning Panel. This

task will be managed as a separate contract and payment to the consultant should it be required.

Deliverables

Deliverables are to be provided to Council in A4 and/or A3 format as agreed.

The consultant will be required to produce one (1) bound copy, one (1) unbound copy and two (2)

electronic versions (one in Microsoft Word format and one in PDF format) of all reports. Graphic and

mapping outputs are to be provided in MapInfo or Shape files.

With all deliverables, it should be assumed that there will be potentially three rounds of changes.


Community Consultation – Stage 3

As outlined in Section 4.4 of this brief, Council is keen to hear from the consultant on innovative and

contemporary ways in which Kingston can engage its community. As part of the response, the consultant

should outline the consultation methods, timings and required resources to occur in each of the three

stages of the project.

6. Project Management

The project will be managed by the Team Leader Strategic and Environmental Planning from the City

Strategy Department.

Additional direction will be provided by an internal working group. This group will comprise senior officers

from within relevant Council teams established for the duration of the project. This group will receive

presentations from the consultant team at key milestones in the project.

The consultant will be required to prepare a detailed project coordination strategy, and as part of the

submission, should expand on this proposed approach, including number of meetings offered and other

communication channels.

7. Project Delivery

The following indicative stages and timeframes are proposed for discussion with the successful

candidate. Proposals are encouraged to suggest improvements and innovations to the timeframes and

methodology where appropriate:

STAGES TIMEFRAME

1. Issues and Opportunities Analysis Months 1 - 7

2. Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study Months 8 -16

3. Planning Scheme Amendment Documentation Months 17-18

It is the requirement of the consultant to provide a detailed project delivery schedule. Proposals should

include an indicative timeline for the project indicating a realistic program to achieve the critical deadlines.

Project timelines must anticipate a two week interval between supply of any draft outputs or other

information for Council’s review, before client feedback is given. There may also be instances where

critical stages will require reporting to Council and this will also represent intervals of up to three weeks.


8. Occupational Health and Safety

8.1. GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Council is obliged to provide and maintain, so far as is practicable, a working environment for its

employees and members of the public that is safe and without risk to health.

The consultant must itself, and must ensure that any sub-contractors, at all times identify and take all

necessary precautions for the health and safety of all persons, including the consultant employees and

sub-contractors, staff of the Council and members of the public, who may be affected by the performance

of the Services.

The consultant must inform itself of all OH&S policies, procedures or measures implemented or adopted

by the Council. The consultant must comply with all such policies, procedures or measures.

The consultant must immediately comply with any and all directions by the Supervisor relating to OH&S.

8.2. LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE

The consultant must comply with; and ensure that its employees, sub-contractors and agents comply with

any Acts, regulations, local laws, codes of practice and Australian Standards which are in any way

applicable to OH&S and the performance of the Services.

9. Ownership, Confidentiality of Data and Conflict of Interest

9.1. OWNERSHIP OF DATA

The Council retains ownership of all data and information provided to the consultant.

9.2. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA

In the process of using information, the consultant may have access to sensitive Council information and

business and private information covering ratepayers or staff. All data accessed by the consultant shall at

all times be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed to any other party without the prior written

approval of Council.

9.3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

If at any time the consultant, employee or representative of the consultant has any potential or actual

conflict of interest, personal or business, in any service then this interest shall be declared in writing to

Council for a decision.

9.4. OWNERSHIP OF INFORMATION

Any research and/or survey material, including data collected and collated, draft and completed reports

and policy developed remain the property of Kingston City Council.


10. Fees

Council will evaluate submissions against the ability to address the aims/objectives of this project, the

relevant technical competency and experience of the submitter to undertake the work required and price

quoted.

As a minimum, the fee proposal shall address the following issues:

A full methodology and project plan including all tasks to be conducted, the relationship between

them, the personnel to conduct the task and their level of involvement.

An outline of the proposed consultation/engagement strategy and project co-ordination required

for the project.

A lump sum fee and a matrix showing estimated staff hours and fees for each of the tasks and by

project stage.

A list of staff that will work on the project and details of their qualifications and experience. For

each staff member the level of involvement in the project and availability should be included

together with details of their respective hourly charge rates.

Details of the consultants’ capability and experience with similar projects, including references.

Experience in providing expert evidence before an Independent Planning Panel.

Time allocation for each Stage (including any work to be undertaken by sub-consultants) should also

factor in time requirements for things such as project manager briefings, review periods, community

engagement, key Councillor briefing reports or any required Council resolutions.

Proposals must explicitly describe exclusions and conditions and suggest how related issues will be

managed to ensure the delivery of the project on time and within budget. Any assumptions and/or

limitations contained within the fee proposal should also be detailed.

11. Disclosure

Council has at its request sought preliminary written and verbal advice on matters related to Housing and

Neighbourhood Character from Planisphere Pty Ltd. This is disclosed for the purpose of transparency to

the market. This disclosure is intended to ensure that no parties seeking to assist Council in this task will

be advantaged or disadvantaged.

12. Terms of Payment

It is the requirement of this tender process that the consultant set out a proposed fee structure with

payments being linked to the achievement of key project milestones. These are to be consistent with the

endorsed project program to be submitted by the consultant.

The work must be completed to the reasonable satisfaction of Council’s Project Manager. Payment may

be withheld in instances where the work submitted clearly does not satisfy all of the tasks outlined under

Section 5 above.


13. Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to Rita Astill, Team Leader Strategic and Environmental Planning by phone

9581 4781 or email [email protected]

Respondents should note that all questions and answers may be circulated to all parties quoting for this

service.

14. References

State Government documents

All relevant State Government planning provisions, policies, guidelines, strategies and practice

notes.

Plan Melbourne Refresh

Infrastructure Victoria – 30 Year Infrastructure Plan

Relevant State Government Strategic Transport Plans / Policies

Kingston documents

Kingston Planning Scheme

Cheltenham Structure Plan 2010

Council Plan

Green Wedge Plan 2012

Highett Structure Plan 2006

Kingston Biodiversity Strategy 2008

Kingston Neighbourhood Character Guidelines 2000 (and subsequent updates)

Kingston Open Space Strategy 2012

Kingston Parking Management Policy 2016

Kingston Residential Strategy 2000

Kingston Residential Strategy Update 2014

Kingston Energy Efficiency Strategy 2012

Kingston Integrated Water Cycle Strategy 2012

Mentone Structure Plan 2011-2013

Moorabbin Station Precinct Implementation Plan 2013


Moorabbin Structure Plan 2011

Mordialloc Structure Plan 2004

Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee report on Kingston Amendment C140

Retail and Commercial Development Strategy 2006

In addition to the above, access will be provided, as appropriate, to:

Aerial photography of the municipality in digital copy

Digital topographic, cadastre and zoning information

Drainage and environmental other constraint layers

Any other relevant information required.

It is the responsibility of the consultant to identify any data/information gaps for the fulfilment of the project

brief and as well as the proposed corresponding steps necessary to address these gaps.

Kingston Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study€¦ · 2014, the Committee released...

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