23 I accept the evidence of Mr Ooi and Mr Biddulph, although the setbacks of No 75 and No 79-80 are expressed in very different styles and architectural treatments, both buildings generally follow the street alignment and have greater setbacks than what is proposed. The north east corner of the development does not follow the street alignment and while this is similar to the existing building at No 77-78, it will have a greater impact than the existing building as it is higher. Levels 2 to 4 of the proposal relate to the setback of the north east corner of No 75, as the proposal moves towards the north its setback to North Steyne is reduced. Above ground level, the south east corner of No 79-80 North Steyne is set back between 4 to 5 m more than the proposal. The proposal does not relate to this setback and does not mediate between the two buildings and, when viewed from the north, it will step out. Due to the bend in North Steyne, the proposal will be read against the backdrop of No 69-74, however, it will still protrude in a manner that does not unify or add to the consistency of the street. This would be further exacerbated if the proposed re-alignment of the street were to be implemented as the proposal would be built to the street but would not follow the alignment.
24 The experts disagreed on whether the balconies were enclosed and under RDCP could intrude into the setback area. Mr Ooi was of the opinion that a balcony that is roofed is enclosed. Whereas Mr Layman considered that a balcony would need to be framed on all sides to be enclosed. Mr Biddulph considered that the importance of balconies was to add interest to the façade and to be used to break down the overall bulk of the building. He cited No 84-85 North Steyne as a good example of the use of balconies for this purpose.
25 I understand the intent of the RDCP provision to be that minor structure such as balconies (unenclosed), roof eaves, sun-hoods, chimneys, meter boxes and the like which do not add to the bulk of the building and add interest to the façade can intrude within the setback area. This is illustrated in the Figure 16 in cl 3.5 of the RDCP. A balcony that runs along the full length of the facade on a number of levels is not a minor structure and it does add to the bulk of the building. While I accept Mr Biddulph's opinion that balconies such as those on No 84-85 add interest and breakdown the overall bulk, they are structures that also add to the bulk of the building and should not protrude within the setback. Similarly, the balconies of the proposal add to the bulk of the building and should not protrude into the setback to the extent proposed.
Building envelope - wall height and roof structure
26 The RDCP permits a maximum wall height of 12m. Roof structures may extend a further 3m above the maximum wall height. A roof is defined as having a maximum pitch of 35 degrees. A steeper pitch is considered as a wall height. Habitable rooms in the roof are only permitted above the wall height where they do not detrimentally affect the amenity of the locality. The main difference of opinion between the parties was whether level 4 (fifth storey) was rooms within a roof and therefore complied with the requirements of the RDCP or an extra floor that exceeded the wall height.
27 Mr Layman's opinion was that the rooms were contained within the envelope set by the 35 degree pitch and therefore met the requirements in the RDCP. Further, he stated that the proposal was consistent with other recent developments along North Steyne and would not detrimentally affect the amenity of the locality.
28 Mr Ooi and Mr Biddulph considered that while the structure was within the envelope it did not appear as a roof as the wall height was exceeded, the wrap around balconies added to the bulk of the building and it would appear as a five storey building rather than a four storey building with rooms in the roof. They were also concerned that the front part of the building to North Steyne exceeded the height of the adjoining buildings and would be viewed along the street. Mr Ooi considered that even though the adjoining residents no longer objected, the additional floor would impact on privacy, particularly the side balconies.
29 I accept that the proposal will appear as a five storey building, however the controls do not specify the number of storeys but only the overall height and maximum wall height. The relevant objectives of the height control are:
a) To control the height of buildings by specifying maximum wall and roof/ridge heights.
b) To provide for building heights that are consistent with the locality.
30 As I understand the intent of the controls is to establish a dominant wall height of 12m above which a secondary structure is permitted in the form of rooms in the roof. The overall height is not to exceed 15m and the rooms in the roof should not result in adverse amenity impacts. These impacts include privacy, overshadowing, views and bulk. This intent has been implemented in different ways by recent development in the street. There is no consistent roof form but a dominant wall height with a secondary structure above, is generally expressed by these other developments.
31 The experts agreed that the proposal would not impact on views. They disagreed on privacy and overshadowing impacts which I discuss later. The main disagreement between the experts related to the amenity impact from the bulk of the additional floor.