Housing Diversity and Desirable Neighbourhoods Study
Having completed reviews of its Historic Conservation Zone in March 2016 and Urban Corridor Zone in February 2018, and with the last review of residential policy having been undertaken in 2008; Council commenced the Housing Diversity and Desirable Neighbourhoods Study in March 2018 to review the Residential Zone within City of Prospect. The Residential Zone applies to the majority of homes within the City, and is the primary zone for homes within the City’s residential side streets.
The purpose of the review was to understand emerging population and housing demand trends, as well as to develop and implement a tool to clearly understand and describe the ‘character’ of Prospect. The work gave Council a strong footing to advocate for policy that better responds to the unique needs of Prospect within the upcoming Planning and Design Code (as part of the State Government’s Planning Reform process).
The review clarified that housing within the City is mainly larger detached houses, and that there is an emerging need for smaller and adaptable housing to be located within the City - including particular opportunities for residents to age in place or to downsize into more suitably sized and designed housing, without having to leave the City to find these housing options. Generational needs were also identified in relation to younger residents, with long term rental and affordable housing options needed to support the aspirations of first home buyers.
Laneway Housing
‘Character’ can be an unclear term with various meanings to different people, and is often used to describe only buildings or features with a historic character. Each property and street within Prospect has a character which is made up of the existing visible features of properties (whether they are historic, modern, or in-between). Eleven elements were identified through the study as being primary contributors to the character of Prospect’s streets, including many of the elements described in the images below.
This tool allowed the character of an individual street to be understood by looking for patterns of existing features within the street in relation to these elements. Extensive analysis of streets across the City was then undertaken to develop a strong and measurable understanding of the character of each street. Streets with similar character attributes have then been grouped and mapped across the City.
Council was strongly supported in developing the study by consultants Wax Design/Grieve Gillett Andersen and URPS, together with government agencies and not-for-profit organisations. Council wishes to thank the involved members of the community and development industry groups who contributed to the investigations through a series of workshops and feedback sessions.
As well as its role in advocating for improved future residential planning policy, the findings of the study will be translated into easy to use guidelines for use by residents and developers that will allow development applicants (and other interested parties) to understand Prospect’s character in a meaningful way.
The study, including its detailed findings about the character of streets within City of Prospect, can be viewed here:
Housing Diversity and Desirable Neighbourhoods Study
If you would like more information on the Study contact us on (08) 8269 5355, or email admin@prospect.sa.gov.au.