HORNSBY JUNCTION REMODELLING AND · PDF fileSMM | APRIL 2016 | VERSION B: CONTENTS: CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES OF TABLES LIST LIST OF PLATES 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Purpose of this Report

HORNSBY JUNCTION REMODELLING AND COMMUTER CAR PARK

VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ADDENDUMAPRIL 2016

Prepared for:

Prepared by:

Version control:

Version Status Date Author Released byA 1st Issue 80% 30.03.2016 LH/TC MWB 100% 04.04.2016 LH/TC MW

PO Box 880 Darlinghurst, NSW 1300 P (02) 9361 4549 • F (02) 9361 4569 [email protected] ABN 65 065 578 985

Prepared for:

Prepared by:

iHORNSBY JUNCTION REMODELLING AND COMMUTER CAR PARK | VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT ‘ADDENDUM’ SMM | APRIL 2016 | VERSION B

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF PLATES

1. INTRODUCTION 11.1 Purpose of this Report 1

1.2 Assessment Methodology 1

1.3 DescriptionofmodifiedProposal 1

2. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL AMENITY 52.1 LandscapeCharacterImpact 5

2.2 VisualImpact 8

3. PHOTOMONTAGE 22

4. MITIGATION MEASURES 25

5. CONCLUSION 26

iiHORNSBY JUNCTION REMODELLING AND COMMUTER CAR PARK | VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT ‘ADDENDUM’ SMM | APRIL 2016 | VERSION B

FIGURES

Figure1-1ModifiedProposalLocation 3

Figure1-2LandscapeCharacterZones 4

Figure1-3ViewpointLocationPlanandVisualEnvelopeMap(VEM) 7

TABLES

Table1-1SummaryofLandscapeCharacterZones 5

Table2-2SummaryofVisualImpacts 21

PLATES

Plate2-1Viewpoint1 8









Plate2-10 Viewpoint10 17




Plate3-1ExistingConditions1 22

Plate3-2Photomontage1 22

Plate3-3ExistingConditionsII 23

Plate3-4PhotomontageII 23

Plate3-5ExistingConditionsIII 24

Plate3-6PhotomontageIII 24

1HORNSBY JUNCTION REMODELLING AND COMMUTER CAR PARK | VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT ‘ADDENDUM’ SMM | APRIL 2016 | VERSION B

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) has proposed to build a new commuter car park at Hornsby Station, and to upgrade rail infrastructure in the area to increase the capacity of the T1 North Shore Line. The commuter car park would be delivered as part of the Transport Access Program – an initiative to provide a better experience for public transport customers by delivering accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure where it is needed most. A concept design has been prepared for a multi-storey car park on the existing commuter car park adjacent to George Street, refer Figure 1.1.

TfNSW is the project proponent. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) was prepared by Jacobs for the proposal in accordance with the requirements of Part 5 of the NSW Planning and Environmental Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). As part of this process, a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) report was prepared as a stand alone document by Spackman Mossop Michaels (SMM).

The VIA assessed and documented the potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the proposal. Subsequent to the completion of this assessment, the proposed car park design has been modified in order to achieve better outcomes. This report forms an addendum to the VIA and assesses the changed impact.

This report is to be read in conjunction with the VIA as an additional assessment of a change in design to the car park. The original design as depicted in the VIA will be referred to as the ‘Proposal’ and the addendum as the ‘modified Proposal’.

1.2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGYThe method used to undertake this assessment of the Proposal follows the ‘Guideline for Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment’ (Roads and Maritime Services, 2013).

A desktop review and additional site visit was carried out to identify the potential impacts of the modified Proposal on landscape character and visual amenity. The modification would affect the impact assessments of two of four landscape character zones (LCZ) and all of the eight viewpoints assessed in Section 5.2 of the VIA. An additional five viewpoints have been included in this addendum to address the increased height of the modified Proposal. The implications of the modified Proposal are discussed below.

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF MODIFIED PROPOSALSince the exhibition of the REF, TfNSW has confirmed that the car park design has been modified to provide an above ground level multi-storey car park, instead of the previous excavated proposal.

The modified car park structure would incorporate three levels (ground level plus two storeys). The structure would be situated on top of the existing Hornsby Station commuter car park and would be about 150 metres in length, 35 metres wide and up to 10 metres high (including stair and lift canopies).


A deflection wall would provide a continuous protective face between the railway line and the western façade of the car park (in the event of accidents such as a train derailment). The wall would be approximately three metres high and be constructed of reinforced concrete.

Vehicles would access the above ground car park levels via ramps. Stairs and a lift would be provided for pedestrian access and would be designed in accordance with accessibility requirements and Australian Standards.

The proposed façade treatment would include features such as vertical, irregular spaced aluminium sheets, to assist breaking up the form of the Proposal and help soften its edge by allowing air and light through the structure. Existing vegetation along George Street would be replaced with suitable landscaping comprising mature native trees and shrubs and appropriate ground cover. Landscaping would be confirmed through the development of an Urban Design and Landscape Management Plan.

An indicative layout, 3D visualisation and cross section of the Proposal is provided in Figure 2 to Figure 5. It should be noted that the car park is at an early stage of design and is subject to further modifications.


MultiLevelConstruction HornsbyStation

Burdett StreetHornsbyStation

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William Street

Hornsby Park

Figure 1-1: Modified Proposal Location MinorUpgrade

150m


BridgeRoad

LindaStreet

Burdett Street

WilliamStreet

PacificHighway

MainNorthernRailway

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ter

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HornsbyStation

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EdgeworthDavidAvenue

PacificHighway

LCZ1Commercial/Residential(HighDensity)

LCZ2Residential(LowtoMediumDensity)

LCZ3HornsbyTownCentre

LCZ4Infrastructure-RoadandRail

Figure 1.2: Landscape Character Zones

150m


2. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL AMENITY

2.1 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IMPACT

Four landscape character zones (LCZ) were identified in the REF (Figure 3-1). The assessment found that the modified Proposal would impact on two LCZs. These are discussed below.

LCZ 1: Commercial / Residential (High Density)LCZ 1 is a busy commercial centre located on the east side of the Proposal. There are three residential apartment blocks found within LCZ1 which are up to 13 stories high. All three apartment blocks would have views on to the modified Proposal, however not all floors would be able to see it.

The modified Proposal would not change the sensitivity rating assessed in the REF, which would remain LOW, mainly due to the homogenous urban character and dominance of commercial land use.

The magnitude rating would change from Moderate to High due to the addition of levels and subsequent change in height of the modified Proposal. This results in a change in landscape character impact from ‘Moderate to Low’ to ‘MODERATE’.

LCZ 2: Residential (Low Density)Originally, LCZ 2 had a Low magnitude rating, as described in the REF. LCZ 2 would now experience a Negligible magnitude rating due to the new layout of the modified Proposal, where the footprint of the multilevel car park has reduced to the north of Burdett Street. Therefore, the overall landscape character impact would change from ‘Moderate to Low’ to ‘NEGLIGIBLE’.

Table 1.1: Summary of the four landscape character zones

LANDSCAPECHARACTERZONEPROPOSAL SENSITIVITY

MODIFIED PROPOSAL SENSITIVITY

PROPOSAL MAGNITUDE

MODIFIED PROPOSAL MAGNITUDE

PROPOSAL IMPACT RATING

MODIFIED PROPOSAL IMPACT RATING

LCZ 1: Commercial / Residential High Density Low No change Moderate High Moderate to

Low MODERATE

LCZ 2: Residential Low DensityModerate No change Low Negligible Moderate to

Low NEGLIGIBLE

LCZ 3: Hornsby Town CentreModerate No change Low No change Moderate to

Low No change

LCZ 4: Infrastructure - Road and Rail Low No change Moderate No change Moderate to

Low No change


2.2 VISUAL IMPACTThe assessment found that the modified Proposal would affect, in some capacity, all of the eight viewpoints in the original REF, and have each been documented in this chapter. An additional five viewpoints were identified and assessed according to the revised design of the modified Proposal and are listed below and on the visual envelope map, as viewpoints nine to 13. The summary of changes to visual impact is tabled below and each individual viewpoint, thereafter. Note the sensitivity rating remains unchanged for all viewpoints.


Figure 1-3: Viewpoint Location Plan and Visual Envelope Map (VEM)

Burdett StreetHornsbyStation

CARPARK

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Linda Street

Bridge Road

Westfield Shopping Centre

Edgeworth David Avenue

William Street

150m


Viewpoint 1

Location: 108 George Street (Refer to Photomontage 1. Plate 3- 2 page 22)

Sour

ce:

SMM

Plate 2- 1 Viewpoint 1

Viewer: Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:15 metres across George street

View type:Foreground view

ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• New exit from car park• Car park facade wall and stair towers• Removal of street trees.Sensitivity Magnitude Impact

Low Moderate - High Moderate

The sensitivity of the view is low for all types of viewers. From this direction, viewers travelling towards Hornsby Station would be viewing the modified Proposal from an oblique angle. The view, although close to the viewer, is experienced only in a transitory way and in the context of a busy street.

The modified Proposal would be prominent from this view, yet would sit within the current context of the zone. The car park is characteristic of land use close to a train station, however the modified Proposal is of a much larger scale than the existing car park. Replacement planting along verge next to the modified Proposal would mitigate the magnitude of the works as they mature over time.It is unlikely that site establishment infrastructure or construction machinery would be of high magnitude.


Viewpoint 2

Location:Burdett and Hunter Street Intersection

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Workers, residents, motorists, pedestrians

Distancetotheproposal:100 metres at the intersection of Burdett and George Streets.

View type:Mid distance view

ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• Removal of street trees.• Removal of overhead wires

Sensitivity Magnitude Impact

Low Negligible NegligibleViewers on Burdett Street unlikely to have a full view of modified Proposal, as major works are to occur north of the intersection and therefore would be screened behind the buildings along George Street.

As the site would remain as a car park, the magnitude of change on the current form would be low. Limited clearing of vegetation would take place from this view.


Viewpoint 3

Location:Corner of George and Burdett Streets (Refer to Photomontage 2. Plate 3- 4, page 23)

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:15 metres across George Street.

View type:

Foreground view

ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• Eastern facade of modified Proposal wall.

• Removal of all vegetation.

• Construction of new pedestrian footpath.

• View of elevator shafts and stairwells.


Low High ModerateMotorists would see the level of change when driving north along George Street. The modified Proposal would result in a change from a dense green edge to a concrete wall with some street side planting. Views from this angle however, are transitory by both motorists and pedestrians.

A substantial change to the current form would take place. The approximate 15 metre facade would create a hard edge along George Street. Replacement planting would mitigate the magnitude of the works, as they mature over time. During construction the temporary concrete safety barriers and fencing to create a safe work zone would be visible.


Viewpoint 4

Location:Pedestrian Footbridge

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Pedestrians

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:180 metres

View type:Mid-distance view

ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible: • Change in height of the car park• Removal of all vegetation• Temporary site compound area• Elevator shafts, stairwells

• Car park wall along George Street.


Moderate Moderate Moderate

The sensitivity of the numerous pedestrians passing this viewpoint would be considered moderate, even though the distance from the modified Proposal is quite far (200m). The vegetation that would be removed currently acts as a visual indicator towards the natural landscape north of Hornsby.

Although at some distance from the viewer, the elements of the modified Proposal listed above would be visible from this view as the vegetation along George Street would be removed. Two 15 metre walls would be seen from this view, the tops of which would meet the eye line of the viewer on the pedestrian bridge. Replacement planting would mitigate the magnitude of the works as they mature over time. Temporary fencing and storage facilities, stockpile areas, site buildings and other facilities may be visible.


Viewpoint 5

Location: Hornsby Town Centre, Western Side of Railway.

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Pedestrians, park users, motorists, bus and taxi patrons.


View type:Long distance view

ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• Elevator shafts

• Removal of vegetation.

• Carpark walls


Moderate Low Moderate to LowAs Hornsby town centre is within a moderately sensitive landscape character zone, changes to the views from the area would result in an altered sense of place.

The modified Proposal would have a low effect on the magnitude of change from this viewpoint. The elevator shafts as well as the rear wall of the carpark would be seen, however only through existing gaps in the rail infrastructure, cables, trains and fencing.


Viewpoint 6

Location:Station Street outside Railway Hotel.

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ce:

SMM


Viewer:

Pedestrians, workers, Railway Hotel and cafe patrons.


View type:

Mid-long distance view

ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• Stairwell

• Elevator shaft

• Removal of overhead wires.

• Rear wall of car park

• De-rail safety barrier


Moderate Moderate ModerateThe view from The Railway Hotel and cafe would be observed by patrons who have time to sit and look across the railway, particularly from the level one balcony of the hotel.

The current view from The Railway Hotel and cafe is of the railway and commuter car park. The modified Proposal is synonymous with the existing land use, however it would differ substantially in height. Although the modified Proposal would only be seen through gaps in the existing infrastructure from this viewpoint.


Viewpoint 7

Location:Hornsby Station, Eastern Side of Railway, Platform 1 Stairway Landing

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ce:

SMM

Plate 2- 7 Viewpoint 7Viewer: Sydney Trains customers



ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• Removal of vegetation

• Removal of overhead wires

• Side of car park wall

• Elevator shafts and stairwells.


Low High ModerateThe sensitivity would be low as the viewers would be patrons using the train station to commute to and from Hornsby. Their view of the modified Proposal would be of a passing nature.

The change in car park form would be evident from this view. The new formalized arrangement of vehicles and removal of overhead wiring within the car park would have a positive outcome, however the removal of vegetation would harden the adjacent view of the residential apartments. Mature tree planting would mitigate the magnitude of the works from this view.


Viewpoint 8

Location:Jersey Street, west side of railway

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Pedestrians

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:80m across railway


ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:• Elevator shaft

• Vegetation removal

• Rear car park wall.


Low Low LowThe sensitivity of pedestrians within the Hornsby Town Centre would be low. The pedestrians are passing through the area and are over 80m from the modified Proposal, which has views obscured by fencing and rail yard buildings.

The magnitude of change to the current view would be low. Construction of the modified Proposal would result in the removal of vegetation only sighted from the viewpoint through gaps in fencing and buildings.


Viewpoint 9

Location:Jersey Street, west side of railway

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Pedestrians





• Deflection wall

• Rear car park wall.


Low Low LowThe sensitivity of pedestrians within the Hornsby Town Centre would be low. The pedestrians are passing through the area and are over 80m from the modified Proposal, which has views obscured by fencing and rail yard buildings. Jersey Street also contains businesses set back from the street.

The magnitude of change to the current view would be low. Construction of the modified Proposal would result in the removal of vegetation only sighted from the viewpoint through gaps in fencing, railway stanchions, power poles and buildings. The modified Proposal would sit in front of 90 George Street and would generally align with the built form of the zone.


Viewpoint 10

Location:Bridge Road facing south

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Pedestrians


View type:Long distance view


• Rear car park wall

• Vegetation removal.


Low Low Low

The sensitivity of pedestrians walking along Bridge Street would be low. The pedestrians are passing through the area and are over 325m from the modified Proposal, and the views are partially screened by fencing and rail stanchions.

The magnitude of change to the current view would be low. Construction of the modified Proposal would result in the removal of vegetation that is barely visible and the height of the car park would only just peak over the gantries.


Viewpoint 11

Location:George Street and Hunter Lane, looking south toward Hornsby Station.

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Pedestrians, cyclists, motorists

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:150m

View type:Mid-long distance view



• Side and front of car park.


Low High ModerateThe sensitivity of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists from this view would be low. The nature of movement of the viewers suggests the appearance of the car park within the infrastructure zone would be homogenous with its existing character.

The magnitude of change to the current view would be high, as construction of the modified Proposal would result in the large scale removal of the vegetation which currently conceals the car park, behind. The exposed car park would create a hard edge to the western side of George street - a very different view to the current view. Mature tree planting would mitigate the magnitude of the works, replacing existing vegetation.


Viewpoint 12

Location:Level 8, 90 George Street, western balcony looking southwest. (Refer to Photomontage 3. Plate 3- 6, page 24)

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ce:

Jaco

bs

Plate 2- 12 Viewpoint 12Viewer:

Residents

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:35m across George Street


ElementsofthemodifiedProposalpotentiallyvisible:

• Full car park structure including the elevator shaft• Vegetation removal.


Moderate High High to ModerateThe sensitivity of residents to this view would be high. From ground floor to eighth floor, residential views across George Street to the train line would be moderately sensitive to any change.

The magnitude of change to the current view would be high, as construction of the modified Proposal would result in the large scale removal of the vegetation which currently conceals the car park.The level of the cars parked on the rooftop would be lifted beyond the canopy of the existing trees and the new facade of the modified Proposal would be seen directly across from ground floor up to the 8th floor apartment balconies. Replacement of the vegetation with mature species would mitigate this magnitude. Only a small portion of people would be exposed to this view from the residential balconies.


Viewpoint 13

Location:Level 3, 1C Burdett Street

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ce:

SMM


Viewer: Residents

DistancetothemodifiedProposal:50m across shops and George Street




• Car park facade.


Moderate Moderate ModerateThe sensitivity of residents of the Burdett Street apartments would be moderate. The mid level apartments would have the highest sensitivity to change, as they currently are exposed to a view over the existing shops, onto the canopy of the existing trees and beyond into the sky - as seen in the above photo.

The magnitude of change to the current view would be moderate. Construction of the modified Proposal would result in the removal of the street trees and expose the viewers to the facade of the car park. Light from the afternoon sun, into some of the apartments would be marginally inhibited by the modified Proposal’s height, for lower level apartments.


Table 2.2: Summary of visual impacts

VIEWPOINT PROPOSAL SENSITIVITY

MODIFIED PROPOSAL SENSITIVITY

PROPOSAL MAGNITUDE

MODIFIED PROPOSAL MAGNITUDE

PROPOSAL IMPACT RATING

MODIFIED PROPOSAL IMPACT RATING

Viewpoint 1 Low No change Moderate Moderate to High

Moderate to Low

Moderate

Viewpoint 2 Low No change Low Negligible Low Negligible

Viewpoint 3 Low No change Moderate High Moderate to Low

Moderate

Viewpoint 4 Moderate No change Moderate No change Moderate No change

Viewpoint 5 Moderate No change Negligible Low Low Moderate to Low

Viewpoint 6 Moderate No change Low Moderate Moderate to Low

Moderate

Viewpoint 7 Low No change Moderate High Moderate to Low

Moderate

Viewpoint 8 Low No change Negligible Low Negligible Low

Viewpoint 9 N/A Low N/A Low N/A Low

Viewpoint 10 N/A Low N/A Low N/A Low

Viewpoint 11 N/A Low N/A High N/A Moderate

Viewpoint 12 N/A Moderate N/A High N/A High to Moderate

Viewpoint 13 N/A Moderate N/A Moderate N/A Moderate


3. PHOTOMONTAGES

Refer to Viewpoint 1

Sour

ce: Ja

cobs

Plate 3- 1 Existing Conditions 2

Montage looking back to Hornsby Station from 108 George Street. Terracing and new pedestrian path can be seen in front of modified Proposal.

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ce: Ja

cobs

Plate 3- 2 Photomontage 2


Refer to Viewpoint 3

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cobs


View from corner of George and Burdett Streets, facing northwest. Montage shows modified Proposal behind established, mature planting with overhead wiring maintained.

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ce: Ja

cobs

Plate 3- 4 Photomontage 1


Existing view onto car park from 8th floor balcony, 90 George Street . Refer to Viewpoint 12

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cobs


Montage looking onto modified Proposal from 8th floor balcony, 90 George Street . Plate 3- 6 Photomontage 3

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cobs


4. MITIGATION MEASURES

The following design criteria has been applied for the modified Proposal to minimise it’s visual impact. In addition to the mitigation incorporated in the concept design in section 6.1 of the VIA in the REF, the modified Proposal should ultimately aim to provide a well thought out and visually appealing landscape plan to effectively screen the new structure and provide amenity for all users of the area. A planting strategy would be implemented to reduce the immediate impact of the removal of vegetation on the eastern site edge. It should include:• Planting mature tree stock at appropriate spacings along the eastern edge• Ensuring pot sizes of mature specimens should be no smaller than 400Litres • Providing suitable shrub and ground cover planting between the road and the

car park where possible. If space is limited, climbers are to be considered as an alternative.

• Establishment of suitable low height trees and shrubs under electrical power lines

• Provision of taller trees where there are no power lines, taking into consideration clearance zone requirements.

• Specification of appropriate soil, drainage and mulch, applicable to each species to ensure optimum chance of survival and growth rate.


5. CONCLUSION

In summary, the qualitative assessment concluded that the modified Proposal would alter the visual impact by a varying degree to that of the Proposal.

A total of 13 viewpoints have formed the basis of the visual impact assessment. The viewpoints are focused across the range of anticipated magnitudes and sensitivities including residents, pedestrians, workers and motorists, providing a more even ratings outcome. A summary of the assessment results are presented below.

Out of the 13 selected viewpoints, the range of visual impact ratings were determined as follows:

No viewpoints would have High visual impact

One viewpoint would have High to Moderate visual impact

Seven viewpoints would have Moderate visual impact

One viewpoint would have Moderate to Low visual impact

Three viewpoints would have Low visual impact

One viewpoint would have Negligible visual impact.

The Moderate visual impact rating is the most recurring within the assessment, with only one viewpoint rating higher, and the remaining all of lower impact.

SPACKMAN MOSSOP MICHAELS PTY LTD PO Box 880 Darlinghurst, NSW 1300 P (02) 9361 4549 • F (02) 9361 4569 www.sm2group.com.au ABN 65 065 578 985

Documents

HORNSBY JUNCTION REMODELLING AND · PDF fileSMM | APRIL 2016 | VERSION B: CONTENTS: CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES OF TABLES LIST LIST OF PLATES 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Purpose of this Report