S8.1.1 Emerald Hills Planning Principles

  1. A site character founded upon a series of residential neighbourhoods immersed within the landform, open spaces and the pathway network;
  2. Enhancement of view corridors to prominent local natural features that are celebrated within the road and local open space network to promote sense of place and way finding;
  3. Establishment of a local centre linked to recreation facilities and possibly a primary school that provides possibilities for residents to walk or cycle to a range of facilities. The location of the centre adjoining the creek provides the opportunity to establish a distinctive high quality public domain;
  4. Provision of opportunities for a variety of dwelling forms in appropriate locations which either reinforce the scenic values of the site or contribute to the accessibility, vitality and character of the local centre, the amenity offered by open spaces and the viability of public transport;
  5. Configuration of a legible interconnected ‘grid pattern’ of walkable streets which seeks to address site topography and encourage walking and cycling as well as provide a choice of alternate routes for vehicles;
  6. The potential for a bus route and bus stops located along a local collector road that links all residential areas with the local centre and with any potential routes beyond the site to the Leppington Town Centre and railway station;
  7. The preservation of the existing remnant vegetation in the north eastern part of the site;
  8. The provision of a hierarchy of open spaces commencing with preservation of the prominent ridge and hilltops and concluding in small local parks all located within a 5 minutes walking catchment;
  9. The adoption of environmental management techniques to support environmental protection in concert with the provision of public open space and stormwater management in urban development;
  10. The rehabilitation of riparian corridors, which will be integrated into the stormwater management system to provide the mechanism to ensure that water quality is enhanced.