Raymond Robertson

2022 candidate for City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters.
Heritage survey responses.

1. Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
   As residents we live in our local area and we are the ones most affected by planning decisions.Our council,both elected members and staff should be the first point of call for decisions affecting our local area.COVID has shown us how to enjoy more activities local. Planning and development decisions should be a council matter in consultation with the local community.

2. What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
   We need to protect our culture and maintain the integrity of our past.Heritage buildings and new builds all come together to develop our culture.I do feel that heritage buildings need to be properly maintained and have the necessary upgrades in respect to safety and attractiveness. Council should have a fair process and right to protect all dwellings and work appropriately with owners and developers.Some dwellings need considerable work and expense and this can seriously affect an owner.A dwelling considered heritage should be discussed fairly. A new owner should be advised before purchase of what maybe future action.

3. How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
   A local heritage register would be appropriate.This could be achieved by developing a local heritage society in the area and having the history of the dwellings.Most owners are unsure of when their houses were built. A small plaque for the house so that the owner can be proud of the history. Discounted council rates,rather like residents directly under flight paths surrounding airports.

4. We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
   Adding listings will develop the culture in the area.I feel that current generations do not share the same ideals as from the past.

5. How has the Planning and Design Code impacted on the heritage, amenity, and environment of your area? What changes would you seek to the Code?
   New builds now have smaller land areas.Shrubs and trees and lawns have disappeared from our landscape.The square shape concrete new developments and multi-storey definitely look different and have created a new dimension in respect to traffic flow and the number of people living in the same area.With small yards we need to develop park and recreation areas and be aware of the on-street parking.I have said that I would support a dog park and even a community garden.Does the code need to have a ratio for recreation areas as to new dwellings ? The situation becomes even more complex when the couples extend their families.

6. What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
   A ratio for open areas to the number of new builds.

7. Construction of new housing typically uses 30% labour and 70% materials. Renovation of existing housing stock typically uses 70% labour and 30% materials. What policy changes would you like to see made to encourage people to renovate, rather than demolish and build anew?
   To be honest I am unsure.Maybe a softer approach in the planning side as long as neighbours are consulted with reasonable time to question.I think this process already exists.

8. How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
   Direct consultation with all the affected parties.

9. Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
   I think so.The trees and shrubs need to be appropriate for the areas and maintained not to impede infrastructure.

10. How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
    A tree register.

11. What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
    A tree should be safe in the environment and not cause problems.Council should have the final say.

12. What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
    A local area needs trees and shrubs that are appropriate.

13. What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
    More people and houses in the streets have created issues with parking and increased traffic flow.Overnight parking has impacted crime in the area.

14. How could transport options be improved in your area?
    A reduction in new developments would lessen the amount of vehicles.

15. What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
    Direct consultation with affected parties.
    Reduction in new developments.
    Heritage register