7 - Special Character Areas
Special Character Areas
Winston Hills Special Character Area
This large development was the most important subdivision of its time. The land was acquired by Hooker-Rex and developed as the Model Farm Estate; a complete neighbourhood development. It was one of the last releases of land zoned as Green Belt, providing one of the last greenfields development areas. A number of the original farmhouses remain, incorporated in the subdivision plan. It was opened in 1965 as Winston Hills.
Character of the area
- curvilinear design of streets following the contours of the land
- gully parklands occurring throughout the development
- allotments that are comparatively wider and less deep than earlier subdivisions
- houses are ‘wide-fronted’ with low, horizontal lines. This appearance is created by a number of factors including the siting of houses across the allotments, garages integrated with the house, simple low-pitched roofs with ridges parallel to the street, overhanging eaves or verandahs, and window and door detailing
- houses are of brick construction with tiled roofs. There is a mixture of single, split level and two-storey homes, and wall finishes include face brick, painted brick and cement rendering. There are additions on some houses, in both brick and lightweight construction
- absence of front fences
Approach to planning controls
Council’s planning policies for this area are directed towards ensuring that development is consistent with the existing character of the area. The main elements of that character are the subdivision pattern, consistent setback of houses to the street and the absence of front fences.
Development consistent with the existing character of the area
For additions to existing houses:
- additions must be designed to protect the amenity of neighbours and generally compliment the architectural character of the original house
- second storey additions to existing single storey houses should be positioned to the rear of the existing house where a consistent single storey scale is a predominant streetscape element
For new houses:
- new houses must be compatible with existing houses in the streetscape so that they do not dominate or stand out in marked contrast to existing dwellings
- Setback must be consistent with neighbouring buildings
- Houses should be ‘wide-fronted’ across the site. Overly complex roof forms should be avoided
Development not consistent with the existing character of the area
- additions to the front of houses
- front fences
- loss of open character to front yards
- second storey additions that are not designed in a manner that minimises the visual impact on the predominant streetscape scale
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