Penrith Lakes Visual Management Strategy Penrith Lakes Development Corporation August 2009 PENRITH LAKES PARKLAND VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Client Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited PO Box 457 Cranebrook NSW 2749

Revision Date Description Checked A 27.08.08 Draft issue to client for review CD Prepared by B 10.02.09 Draft issue for client review CD CLOUSTON Associates C 20.05.09 Draft issue for client and John Mulally review CD Landscape Architects • Urban Designers • Landscape Planners D 02.06.09 Draft issue for client and John Mulally review CD 6A Wetherill Street • Leichhardt • NSW 2040 PO Box 44 • Leichhardt • NSW 2040 E 05.06.09 Draft issue for client and John Mulally review CD Telephone (02) 9569 3388 • Facsimile (02) 9569 3523 F 02.07.09 Draft issue for client review CD Email • sydney@clouston.com.au G 14.07.09 Draft issue for client and John Mulally review CD NS 1023 • Issue H • 25th AUGUST 2009 H 31.08.09 Final Report

COMMENTS Revision A Draft Issue Revision B Additional photographs added Revision C PLDC and GML suggested revisions incorporated Revision D John Mulally adjustments incorporated Revision E John Mulally further adjustments incorporated Revision F Further revisions incorporated Revision G John Mulally further revisions incorporated Revision H Daryl Kite revisions incorporated

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page Title Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 4 8.0 REFERENCES 34 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY 4 1.2 SCOPE AND LIMITS OF THE STRATEGY 4 APPENDICES 1.3 METHODOLOGY 4 A - JWP SITE LINE MAP (DA 4 CONDITIONS SITE LINES) 36 1.4 DEFINITIONS 4 B - ANNOTATED SITE LINE SECTIONS 37 C - PLDC LANDSCAPE MANUAL: 2.0 SITE CONTEXT 5 VIEWS TO SIGNIFICANT LAND FEATURES 40 2.1 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 5 D - LANDSCAN: MAJOR VIEWPOINTS 41 2.2 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 5 E - BRITTON AND MORRIS: VIEW SURVEY 42 2.3 DISTRICT CONTEXT 5 F - GML: GRADINGS OF SENSITIVITY 42 2.4 LOCAL CONTEXT 5 G - TCM: NATURAL HERITAGE ZONES 43

3.0 PLANNING CONTEXT AND OTHER RESEARCH 6 3.1 PREVIOUS STUDIES 6 3.2 PLANNING CONTEXT 6 3.3 DEED OF AGREEMENT AND DA4 6

4.0 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 6

5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS 7 5.1 LANDMARKS 7 5.2 KEY VIEWS AND VISTAS 10 5.3 VISUAL DETRACTORS 11 5.4 VISUAL RECEPTORS 12 5.5 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 14

6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS 16

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 32 7.1 CONCLUSIONS 32 7.2 KEY RECOMMENDATIONS 32

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY Smith Road This Visual Management Strategy has been prepared for Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited (PLDC). It forms part of a suite of technical studies that have been undertaken previously which address the visual aspects of the scheme, site lines and visual corridors within the Penrith Lakes Scheme.

The purpose of this document is to provide: • An updated version of the DA4 conditions Site Lines; • A review of the previous relevant studies; • Information on other important views within, from and to the Penrith Lakes scheme as identiﬁ ed on site visits; • Recommendations for general visual management across the site and • Any mitigation measures required in future development to ensure critical views are conserved.

1.2 SCOPE AND LIMITS OF THE REPORT This report provides strategic guidance for the entire PLDC site. Importantly this report is an informing document to help guide future restoration and development of the site Yellow Rock and in that respect does not constitute a formal Visual Impact Assessment (VIA), nor Castlereagh Road does it contain any matters for which approval is sought. Boundary of PLDC Scheme The assessments and assumptions made in this report are based on up to date information regarding the Penrith Lakes Scheme proposals at the time of writing. This recognises that PLDC may (but is not committed to) carry out urban development and includes a Old Castlereagh Road possible but not adopted urban development concept, proposed lake and site levels information provided by PLDC and the Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Conservation Masterplan being prepared by Total Catchment Management Services (TCM).

Consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders and community members is being undertaken by Jillian Comber and is ongoing. On completion of that study this document will be Cranebrook Nepean River reviewed and possibly revised to include additional important views or vistas and any other important visual connections and features in the landscape.

1.3 METHODOLOGY The methodology adopted for this strategy comprises: • Extensive ﬁ eld investigation work conducted by Clouston Associates on 13 June, 24 June, 15 July, 23 July, 14 August 2008 and 23 July 2009.

• A review of the Landscape Manual as prepared by J. Wyndham Prince Pty Ltd Sydney International Regatta Centre refered to in the DA4 conditions to establish where sight lines currently exist. • Review of other study’s visual analysis to determine if sight lines between heritage properties still exist and views to and from them still exist. • Review of site periphery and nearby suburbs to determine the extent of visual receptors and likely views into the site.

1.4 DEFINITIONS Emu Plains The following terms are used throughout the report: Penrith – Visual Receptors are the public or community at large who would have views of the subject site either by virtue of where they live and/or work or Figure 1: Aerial photograph of site and site context from transport routes, paths, lookouts and the like. – Sight lines 1 to 19 are the views identiﬁ ed in the DA4 conditions. PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 4 2.0 SITE CONTEXT

2.1 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The Penrith Lakes Scheme is located in Castlereagh, approximately 55km west of Sydney in New South Wales. The site is 1935 hectares. It is bounded by the Nepean River to the west and Castlereagh Road to the east.

2.2 HISTORICAL CONTEXT Traditional ownership of the Cumberland Plain land covered by this report lies with the Mulgoa clan of the Darug who occupied the land for up to 14,000 years before white settlement (Comber 2008). Archaeological evidence of Aboriginal activity has been found across the site, primarily along the banks of the Nepean River, associated waterways and ridgetops, with the largest cluster of sites found on the sandstone outcrop to the north of the site around the conﬂ uence of Cranebrook Creek and the terraces that ran parallel with the Nepean River (Britton & Morris1999).

The quarrying which ﬁ rst began in the Nepean River bed during the 1880’s and subsequently on the ﬂ ood plain from the 1970’s, has dramatically changed the topography and landscape character by the removal of quarried material and through the creation of landscape mounds for environmental and safety purposes.

2.3 DISTRICT CONTEXT

The district is characterised by the escarpments, river terrace and the Nepean River. The Figure 2: Nepean River bank within PLDC site Figure 3: Rural legacy of the PLDC site looking towards the Castlereagh Escarpment and the Blue Mountains Escarpment site lies on the ﬂ at Cranebrook Alluvial Terrace on the north-western edge of the Cumberland Plain. The Penrith district is dominated by the Blue Mountains Escarpment to the west and the Cranebrook Escarpment to the east.

Signiﬁ cant gorges along the Blue Mountains Escarpment, such as Nepean Gorge to the south west of the site, are deﬁ ning features of the wider landscape.

2.4 LOCAL CONTEXT The local landscape is characterised by the ﬂ at alluvial terrace and associated historic land uses. Due to the rich alluvial soils the area has historically been used for farming since early European settlement.

The land uses on the Penrith Lakes site have dramatically transformed the landscape, clearing it of vegetation and reshaping the land including the creation of bunds around existing properties. The local landscape is also characterised by recent remediation work.

Figure 4: Penrith Lakes current mining and quarry landscape

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 5 3.0 PLANNING CONTEXT AND OTHER RESEARCH 4.0 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

3.1 PREVIOUS STUDIES The cultural landscape of the Penrith Lakes site has been thoroughly investigated by Over the last twenty years or so a range of documents and studies concerning cultural Geoffrey Britton and Colleen Morris’s ‘Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study’. The heritage and landscape character have been prepared for the Penrith Lakes Scheme. study states that the PLDC site ‘... contains a cultural landscape area of exceptional In some cases these studies have drawn on or expanded upon material in studies that value to Australia, NSW and the City of Penrith.’ preceded them. The key ﬁ ndings relating to visual management are: Documents with the most direct bearing on this study include the : • PLDC Landscape Manual • The Penrith Lakes site contains evidence, through important buildings, layout of properties and sight lines of the early development of a strong • Landscan Landscape Report farming community. • Britton and Morris Castlereagh Cultural Landscape Study • The surviving fabric of the site provides a major research, educational and • Godden Mackay Logan Penrith Lakes Scheme Conservation Management interpretive resource. Plan (Draft) • The location on the Nepean River forms a landscape of particular • Stedinger Associates European Heritage within the Penrith Lakes Scheme distinction. A detailed list of references is provided in section 8 of this report. These reports are • The remnants of Endangered Ecological Communities of the Cumberland referred throughout Section 6 of this document (see the list of abbreviations). Plain vegetation.

3.2 PLANNING CONTEXT Through the management of sight lines and views within the PLDC site, cultural The critical planning documents relevant to this strategy include: relationships and histories can be retained and enhanced. With the continuation of • State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 mining on the site some of the relationships have been lost or signiﬁ cantly altered. In • State Regional Environmental Plan No.11-Penrith Lakes SREP 11 instances where buildings no longer exist or views are interrupted, connections can be reinstated and strengthened through interpretation integrated into rehabilitation • Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 (Environmental Heritage Figure 5: General site view with The Poplars in the middleground works. Conservation)

3.3 DEED OF AGREEMENT AND DA4 In 1987 the Penrith Lakes Deed of Agreement (PLDA), entered into with the New South Wales Government and the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Limited (PLDC), deﬁ ned the contractual rights and responsibilities of both parties.

To meet the objectives of the Scheme, DA4 stipulates that a series of critical sight lines, bush photos as referred to in the Landscape Manual (1987), be conserved in any future development or restoration of the site. This strategy analyses each of these sight lines, places them in the context of the other studies that address these views and identiﬁ es how the sight lines could be best addressed in each instance. This strategy updates the status of the views and provides possible mitigation measures for how to retain, enhance, preserve views across the site.

Figure 6: Castlereagh Escarpment and new lakes Figure 7: View from Cranebrook Escarpment

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 6 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

5.1 LANDMARKS Within the area there are a number of existing historic built landmarks that contribute positively to the visual experience and help to reveal the cultural connections across the PLDC site: • Methodist Church which is a heritage site and a later built Church Tower (properties are not owned by PLDC). • Upper Castlereagh School and Residence (properties are not owned by PLDC). • Landers Inn located on Old Castlereagh Road. • The Poplars, which contains some buildings but is most recognisable by its stand of mature and established trees and dense overgrown gardens. • Christ Church, upon the Cranebrook Escarpment on Church Lane (not owned by PLDC and not within the site boundaries). • Howell’s House, also known as the White House and Mass Concrete House near Smith Road. • Hadley Park, a signiﬁ cant heritage property and associated gardens (property not owned by PLDC). • Nepean Park also a signiﬁ cant heritage property. • McCarthy’s Cemetery located off McCarthy’s Lane in the southern part of the site.

Natural landmark features are mostly located outside the site boundaries: • Blue Mountains Escarpment and Castlereagh Escarpment Figure 8: Methodist Church on Old Castlereagh Road Figure 9: Upper Castlereagh School • Cranebrook Escarpment • Nepean Gorge • Fitzgerald Creek/JamiesonGorge • Nepean River

Note: The existing Puddledock site located on Old Castlereagh Road is to be removed as part of the mining operations in the northern part of the site

Figure 10: Landers Inn Figure 11: Puddledock

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 7 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

Figure 12: The Poplars. Figure 13: Howell’s House. Figure 14: Nepean Park

Figure 15: Christ Church. Figure 16: Hadley Park Figure 17: McCarthy’s Cemetery.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 8 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

Figure 18: Castlereagh Escarpment Figure 19: Cranebrook Escarpment with Landers Inn in foreground

Figure 20: Nepean Gorge Figure 21: Fitzgerald Creek and Jamieson Gorge Figure 22: Nepean River

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 9 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

5.2 KEY VIEWS AND VISTAS Key views and vistas are available from lookouts and road corridors within and outside of the site:

Lookouts Looking into the site key views are experienced from: • Hawkesbury Lookout overlooking the entire site with some distinct views to Hadley Park, Nepean Park, Howell’s House and the Nepean River. • Yellowrock lookout overlooking the north of the site with views to Howell’s House, and Landers Inn. • The western boundary from Christ Church affords mostly open views of the site including Hadley Park and Nepean Park and the northern part of the site. The view south is obscured by existing vegetation. Views to the Cranebrook Escarpment are extensive from this point.

Road corridors Castlereagh Road Views across the site and to the Castlereagh Escarpment are in the most part open and very strong from Castlereagh Road. The Nepean Gorge is also highly visible from points along the road where the curve in the road aligns with the gorge.

From the south ﬂ eeting views through gaps in roadside vegetation of the Castlereagh Escarpment are experienced between Nepean Street and Farrells Lane. At this point the curve of the road focuses the view to Cranebrook Escarpment. Views open up to the Castlereagh Escarpment again where the road curves back towards the site and the Figure 23: View from Hawkesbury Lookout Figure 24: View from Yellowrock Lookout escarpment is in full view with very few interruptions.

The journey south along the road is similar to the journey north. The elevated position of Castlereagh Road near Smith Road creates a vast view of the site and the escarpment and a glimpse of the Old Castlereagh Road vista is had before the road levels out. As the road begins to curve the Cranebrook Escarpment focuses the view straight ahead. As the journey continues the Nepean Gorge is revealed. The Poplars property is also visible near Cranebrook Road. From Nepean Street the focus is on the linear part of Castlereagh Road which is reinforced by the roadside vegetation.

Old Castlereagh Road The vista along the road alignment is culturally signiﬁ cant. It is tree lined in part which reinforces the north south axis. An interesting view corridor is created to the north of the intersection with the new Castlereagh Road and from this elevated position the old road is a strong feature in the landscape.

Smith Road This road is at the northern boundary of the site which is slightly elevated, providing views over the northern part of the site. Views of Landers Inn, Hadley Park, Nepean Park and Christ Church are clear. The focal point of the western end of the street is the dramatic land form of a gorge in the Castlereagh Escarpment.

Nepean River A strong north south vista is experienced from Jackson’s Ford to the Smith Road area. The vista is framed by the Blue Mountains Escarpment on the west and the 15 to 20m high river embankment to the east (on the PLDC site) and its riparian vegetation. From Jackson’s Ford to the south eastern boundary the vistas are shorter and the river is wider, making the Figure 25: Old Castlereagh Road in the south of the site Figure 26: Nepean River looking south views less enclosed.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 10 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

5.3 VISUAL DETRACTORS The major current detractors are mostly associated with human intervention within the natural setting of the escarpments and the river corridor: • Mining activities including machinery and buildings are visible above tree tops when viewed from Emu Planes and Castlereagh Road. The mines are also a dominant feature of the site. • Small scale cuttings and mounding as a result of mining interrupts views between landmark features. • Nepean River weed infested banks can be seen as a detraction from the natural beauty of the area. • Penrith Industrial Area and in particular the larger buildings such as the ACI glass factory are visible from long distances, such as Hadley Park. • The power lines on the western bank of the Nepean River are a dominant feature when viewed from the river and the eastern river bank.

Figure 27: Mining activities Figure 28: Mining equipment viewed from Emu Plains

Figure 29: Weed infested Nepean River bank Figure 30: Power Lines

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 11 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

5.4 VISUAL RECEPTORS TO KURRAJONG

Visual Receptors are the public or community at large who would have views of the HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT subject site either by virtue of where they live and/or work or from transport routes, Smith Road paths, lookouts and the like. HOWELL’S HOUSE

The residential receptors in relation to this study include the surrounding suburbs: • Emu Plains LANDERS INN YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT • Mount Riverview PUDDLEDOCK

• Cranebrook ANGOPHORA STAND • Yellowrock

HADLEY PARK The elevation of these suburbs, apart from the low lying areas of Emu Plains, affords CHRIST views over the entire site. In most instances such as at the top of the escarpment in CHURCH

Mt Riverview and Cranebrook views are ﬁ ltered through existing vegetation. NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS rea Views had of the site by people travelling and the current views to the escarpments and gh Ro CHURCH LANE other natural features could be altered due to the development of the Penrith Lakes ad MINNAVILLE Scheme. Key routes that may be affected could include: HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY) • Castlereagh Road

ER • Old Castlereagh Road (publicly accessible segments at the northern and FULTONS PARSONAGE southern ends) NEPEAN RIV

• Smith Road eagh Road

• Cranebrook Road Old Castler • The northern part of Church Lane

• Soling Crescent in Cranebrook SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM • The Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS RUINS JAMIESON CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL • The Whitewater Stadium GORGE JACKSON’S FORD People visiting the heritage properties listed in section 5.1 of this report are also classiﬁ ed CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S as visual receptors. Current mining operations surrounding the majority of these CEMETERY METHODIST ST THOMAS’ CHURCH WHITEWATER properties will be replaced with new lakes, possible urban areas (if they are developed) CHURCH UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM SCHOOL & RESIDENCE and/or landscape regenerated areas, which will generally improve the outlook to and CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE from the properties. SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE

ACI GLASS FACTORY

PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

Figure 31: Visual Receptors Plan

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 12 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

Figure 32: Typical view from lower part of Emu Plains Figure 33: Typical view from higher parts of Emu Plains

Figure 34: Typical view from Mt Riverview Figure 35: View from Soling Crescent in higher part of Cranebrook

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 13 5.0 VISUAL ANALYSIS

5.5 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT TO KURRAJONG The proposed development consists of the following precincts (see ﬁ gure 36): HAWKESBURY • Urban development (if it is carried out) and which is near Castlereagh Road probably LOOKOUT This plan shows a possible urban concept. PLDC may not Smith Road would consist of new homes, community facilities and medium scale commercial proceed with this or any other urban development concept HOWELL’S HOUSE town centre buildings. • River Corridor and recreation areas adjacent to the Nepean River and the southern part of the site which will mostly consist of landscape treatments with occasional purpose built buildings associated with recreation, such as camp sites. LANDERS INN YELLOWROCK • Wildlife and Biodiversity/Ecology Conservation areas mostly located on the periphery LOOKOUT of the site. PUDDLEDOCK

• Retained heritage sites including Nepean Park, Hadley Park, The Poplars, McCarthy’s ANGOPHORA Cemetery, Landers Inn, Howell’s House, Upper Castlereagh School and Residence. STAND

Urban development (if any is carried out) and creation of parklands will probably include HADLEY PARK

CHRIST the removal of buildings and infrastructure associated with the mining activities on site, CHURCH such as access roads and bridges; tower buildings and large scale industrial equipment. NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as These features provide important physical evidence of the locality’s mining history which tle RUINS rea gh Ro CHURC is also linked to the construction and development of Sydney and vital infrastructure such ad H L ANE as Warragamba Dam. Some of the infrastructure items may be retained as a memory MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD of the industrial and mining heritage of the site. YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

Visual Impacts and Possible Opportunities

FULTONS The retention of several heritage properties within and surrounding the PLDC site PARSONAGE would probably create an interesting set of visual connections within the Penrith Lakes NEPEAN RIVER

area. The proposed development will signifi cantly alter the topography of the PLDC Old Castlereagh Road site impacting upon existing views. The current landscape is relatively fl at so any new development may obscure views of, or between existing heritage properties. This has been fully explored in the Views Analysis tables in section 6 of this report and the Site Sections in Appendix A. SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ Visual impacts: GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS RUINS JAMIESON CRANEBROOK • Potential loss of visual connections between heritage properties when existing visual FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL GORGE JACKSON’S connections will be interrupted by new lakes, land form and vegetation. FORD • Loss of a signifi cant historic vista along Old Castlereagh Road currently framed by CRANEBROOK

street planting and telegraph poles. McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST • Impacts on visual receptors at: Cranebrook, Penrith industrial estates, Emu Heights, CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ STADIUM Mount Riverview, Church Lane. CHURCH UPPER CASTLEREAGH CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE • A changed landscape from vantage points at Yellowrock lookout, Hawkesbury lookout, SCHOOL & RESIDENCE SIRC Christ Church and Smith Road. MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT Possible Opportunities within the New Development: LONG’S COTTAGE • Enhance views across new lakes as unique views in the Penrith area from lookouts and elevated areas. • Enhance view corridors and vistas within any new urban development and view

corridors from the new urban area entrances (if any urban development is carried GLASS out) from Castlereagh Road to the new lakes and the escarpment beyond. FACTORY • Create framed views from hilltop refuge parks to Cranebrook and Blue Mountains PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL Escarpments. AREA • Maintain views to Castlereagh and Cranebrook Escarpments and gorges at strategic locations within any urban (if any urban development is carried out) and recreation areas. • Enhance a sequence of view experiences from Castlereagh Road. Figure 36: Urban and Natural Heritage Masterplans • Interpretation of the Old Castlereagh Road vista. • Interpretation of heritage connections where visual connections are lost. PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 14 PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 15 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

The following tables provide a detailed analysis of previously identiﬁ ed sight lines and views across the PLDC site. The abbreviated terms refer to previous studies carried out by other consultants. See the list of abbreviations at the bottom of the table and the references in section 8. Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 1 DD From Cranebrook General Description: • Sight line in its entirety no longer Development Impact: Escarpment to • Long 9300m view between Cranebrook Escarpment and Nepean Gorge. exists. • Middleground of the sight line will alter as a result of any residential development (if Nepean Gorge • Top of view (chainage 6200) is within private property and therefore not tested on site. • Views to Nepean Gorge available any residential development is carried out) near Castlereagh Road (chainage 4500 • Filtered views to Castlereagh Escarpment are experienced from Cranebrook Road. from Castlereagh Road within to 4700). • The sight line from end to end no longer exists. However views to the Nepean Gorge from points the view corridor (span of sight • The scale of the Castlereagh Escarpment will seem to remain in tact due to the along the sight line are in tact. lines 1 to 4). elevated view from which is it being viewed from. Mitigation measures: • Maintain views to Nepean Gorge wherever possible from Castlereagh Road and Cranebrook Road. 2 DD From Cranebrook General Description • Sight line in its entirety no longer Development Impact: Escarpment to • Long view between Cranebrook Escarpment and Nepean Gorge over a 9000m distance. exists. • The view is not maintained due to development and vegetation on Cranebrook Nepean Gorge • Top of view (chainage 6800) is within private property and therefore not tested on site. • Views to Nepean Gorge available Escarpment. • The closest view point that is publicly accessible on Cranebrook Escarpment is from Church from Castlereagh Road within • Future development probably would have little impact on this sight line. Lane. Here the view is not maintained due to established vegetation. the view corridor (span of sight Mitigation measures: lines 1 to 4). • Maintain views to Nepean Gorge wherever possible from Castlereagh Road. 3 DD From Cranebrook General Description • Sight line in its entirety no longer Development Impact: Escarpment to • Long 9000m view corridor between Cranebrook Escarpment and Nepean Gorge. exists. • The view is currently not maintained due to Cranebrook Escarpment development Nepean Gorge • Top of view (chainage 6800) is within private property. • Views to Nepean Gorge available and vegetation. • From Church Lane (chainage 7000) the site is blocked due to established vegetation. from Castlereagh Road within Mitigation measures: the view corridor (span of sight • Maintain views to Nepean Gorge wherever possible from Castlereagh Road. lines 1 to 4). 4 DD From Cranebrook General Description • Sight line in its entirety no longer Development Impact: Escarpment to • Long 9000m view between Cranebrook Escarpment and Nepean Gorge. exists. • The view is currently not maintained due to Cranebrook Escarpment development Nepean Gorge • Top of view (chainage 7600) is within private property. • Views to Nepean Gorge available and vegetation. • The closest view point that is publicly accessible on Cranebrook Escarpment near this sight line from points along Castlereagh • Thus urban development (if it is carried out) will have little impact on this sight line. is from Ellison Road (near chainage 7600 ). Road within the view corridor Mitigation measures: • From Church Lane (chainage 7200) the site is blocked due to established vegetation. (span of sight lines 1 to 4). • Maintain views to Nepean Gorge wherever possible from Castlereagh Road. 5 DD To Valley - Nepean, General Description • Sight line exists. Development Impact: Grose and • Combined with sight line 6 this view corridor is vast and encompasses the majority of the • Sight line to be retained. • Environmental changes such as weed removal probably would have a positive impact Hawkesbury Rivers site. Sight line 5 is a long sight line (11,300m) between Emu Plains and the Nepean River, • View corridor (span of sight lines on the overall quality of the river corridor. predominantly looking north/south along the Nepean River corridor and also overlooking the 5 and 6) is maintained but heavily • Additional planting within the wildlife lake area may interrupt views from Smith Road north western corner of the site. altered due to mining operations, corner. • North/south vista of river corridor is strong due to alignment of river and contained view whilst landscape bunds and established • View corridor (span of sight lines 5 and 6) probably would be weakened as a result on the water due to elevation of Castlereagh Escarpment to the west and the river bank to the vegetation. of new residential areas (if any are developed), and the lakes. east. Mitigation measures: • View from Smith Road corner of the site is slightly elevated and provides a vantage point for • Consider type and height of vegetation adjacent to river bank, at the top of river bank viewing the entire site. and the wildlife lake in order to maintain ﬁ ltered or focused views to the site. 6 DD To Valley - Nepean, General Description • Sight line in its entirety no longer Development Impact: Grose and • Long view between Cranebrook Escarpment and Penrith over a distance of 11,500m. exists. • Urban development (if any is carried out) probably would have an indirect visual Hawkesbury Rivers • The sight line crosses a small portion of the site near Castlereagh Road (chainage 6100 to • View corridor (span of sight lines impact on the view corridor of this sight line where new housing will be located near 6600). 5 and 6) is maintained but heavily the wetland area. • Top of view (chainage 7200) is within private property. altered due to mining operations, Mitigation measures: • The view from East Wilchard Road (chainage 8100) to the site is blocked by established landscape bunds and established • No mitigation necessary as sight line no longer exists. vegetation. vegetation.

DA4= DA4 Planing Application; LM= PLDC Landscape Manual; LS= Landscan report; B&M= Britton and Morris study; GML & ST = Godden Mackay Logan and Stedinger Associates reports; CA= CLOUSTON Associates PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2008 16 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG

HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST CHURCH

NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS Figure 38: View from Cranebrook Escarpment to Nepean Gorge typical of views 1-4. rea gh Ro CHURCH LANE ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV 5 eagh Road

Old Castler

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS RUINS JAMIESON CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL GORGE JACKSON’S FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST 6 Figure 39: Typical view from Castlereagh Road to Nepean Gorge as found in views 1-4. CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM CHURCH SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW 4

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT 3 LONG’S COTTAGE 2

GLASS FACTORY

PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

TO NEPEAN GORGE

Figure 37: Views 1 - 6 Figure 40: View north west from Soling Crescent, Cranebrook typical of view 6. PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2008 17 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 7 DD To Fitzgerald Creek/ General Description • Sight line in its entirety no longer Development Impact: Jamieson Gorge • The distinct land formation of the Fitzgerald Creek/Jamieson Gorge is a signifi cant feature in exists. • Urban development (if any is carried out) probably would have little impact on this site the locality. • View corridor (span of sight line. However there probably would be an impact on the view corridor (span of sight • Long view (7700m) between Cranebrook Escarpment and Fitzgerald Creek/Jamieson lines 7 to 9) is maintained from lines 7 to 9) where new residential areas (if any urban area is developed), associated Gorge. Castlereagh Road but heavily hill top parks (Probable Maximum Flood reserves) and riverside biodiversity areas • Top of view (chainage 6400) is within private property therefore it is assumed that the sight line altered due to mining operations, will alter the middle ground horizon line. is blocked due to established vegetation and development on Cranebrook Escarpment. landscape bunds and established Mitigation measures: • Although the entire sight line is not maintained, it is important that views to the gorge are vegetation. • Design of the Riverside Core Conservation areas needs to allow for direct and fi ltered maintained along the sight line, especially at the lower level within the site. • Views to Fitzgerald Creek Gorge views of the gorge. are significant and should be • Views from Castlereagh Road to the gorge and Castlereagh Escarpment need to be enhanced. enhanced through a variety of view experiences such as hidden, exposed, fi ltered. 8 DD To Fitzgerald Creek/ General Description • As above. Development Impact: Jamieson Gorge • Long view (7600m) from Cranebrook Escarpment to Fitzgerald Creek/Jamieson Gorge. • It is predicted that vegetation (at maturity) on urban development hill top park (if any • Top of view (chainage 5200) is on Boundary Road where it is assumed that the sight line is altered urban development is carried out) probably would block the sight line in both directions due to the development of suburbs on Cranebrook Escarpment and established vegetation. (see section). New housing (if any is carried out) probably would also augment the view and alter the perceived mass of the Castlereagh Escarpment when viewed from the east. Mitigation measures: • As above. 9 DD To Fitzgerald Creek/ General Description: • As above. Development Impact: Jamieson Gorge • Long view (7700) between Cranebrook Escarpment and Fitzgerald Creek/Jamieson Gorge • As above which passes through heritage site The Poplars. • New housing (if any is carried out) probably would block views to The Poplars from • Top of view (chainage 5000) is within private property where it is assumed that the sight line is the east and west. blocked due to established vegetation. Mitigation measures: • At Castlereagh Road the view to The Poplars is slightly altered with mounds associated with • Restoration of The Poplars in such a way to retain the vertical element in the landscape mining work surrounding the property. will provide a visual marker within urban development (if any urban development is carried out). 10 DDBetween Upper General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact: Castlereagh School • A 1500m long view between the two heritage sites. • Not possible to reinstate due to • McCarthys Cemetery is located within the urban development concept shown in the Zone (including • This sight line no longer exists due to the established vegetation surrounding the Methodist potential urban development. plan on page 14. Thus the sight line will be further altered with any housing which Methodist Church Church and also vegetation on the northern bank of the SIRC. may be carried out and located on the west of the property. and Cemetery) and • McCarthy’s Cemetery is located within mining areas and is protected by landscape mounds Mitigation measures: McCarthy’s Cemetery which also inhibit the visual connection along the sight line. • Despite the loss of this sight line it is important to open up general views to the Upper • Generally, the Methodist Church and the Old School and School Masters Residence are not Castlereagh School Zone to allow views from the Regatta Centre, the proposed lakes and visible due to surrounding vegetation. river corridor to the property. This would involve selective removal of existing vegetation on the property boundaries. Proposed housing set backs could respond to this sight line. 11 DDBetween Upper General Description: • Generally no longer exists. Development Impact: Castlereagh School • A 2100m long view between the two heritage sites. • Not possible to reinstate due to • The Poplars is located within the urban development concept (if any is carried out) Zone (including • The exact sight line between the two sites no longer exists. This is due to landscape mounds and potential urban development. shown in the plan on page 14. Methodist Church established vegetation on the northern bank of the SIRC training lake and mounds surrounding • The sight line will be further altered with potential new housing (if any is carried out) and Cemetery) and the Poplars. located on the western and southern sides of the property. The Poplars • However from the north east boundary of the Methodist Church, near the bell tower, the top of Mitigation measures: the Poplar trees and other tall vegetation can be seen. This visual link is tenuous and would • No mitigation necessary as sight line no longer exists. otherwise go unnoticed by the general visitor or untrained eye. 12 DDBetween Methodist General Description • No longer exists Development Impact: Church and Christ • A long view (approximately 3600m) between the two heritage properties. • Not possible to reinstate due to • Any urban development which may be carried out probably would further interrupt Church • The exact sight line no longer exists. This is due to established vegetation on Cranebrook potential urban development. the sight line Escarpment, in particular to the south west of Christ Church. • The proposed hill top park (chainage 2400 to 2600) may obscure views from the south to the Cranebrook Escarpment. Mitigation Measures: • No mitigation necessary as sight line no longer exists.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY DA4= DA4 Planing Application; LM= PLDC Landscape Manual; LS= Landscan report; B&M= Britton and Morris study; AUGUST 2008 18 GML & ST = Godden Mackay Logan and Stedinger Associates reports; CA= CLOUSTON Associates 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG

HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST CHURCH

NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS rea Figure 42: Typical view of view 8-10 from Castlereagh Road to Nepean Gorge gh Ro CHURCH L ad

ANE MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV 12 eagh Road

Old Castler

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH 9 OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON RUINS 8 GORGE CRANEBROOK SCHOOL FITZGERALD CREEK JACKSON’S FORD 11 7 CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S 10 CEMETERY METHODIST Figure 43: View 11 from Methodist Church to The Poplars CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM CHURCH SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE

GLASS FACTORY

PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

TO NEPEAN GORGE

Figure 41: Views 7-12 Figure 44: View 12 from Christ Church towards Methodist Church PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2008 19 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 13 DDDDDBetween Hadley Park General Description: • View between Hadley Park Development Impact and Nepean Park and • The 1400m long view from Hadley Park to Christ Church is obtained from the front garden and and Christ Church exists and is • As part of the ecological masterplan a wildlife corridor is proposed along this sight Christ Church best viewed from an elevated position. This is due to the mounding surrounding the site. important to maintain. line. Despite the elevated position of Christ Church, tree planting may obscure the • The view from Nepean Park to Christ Church was not tested on site due to the site being in • View between Nepean Park and connection with Hadley Park. private ownership. It is assumed that the view between the house and Christ Church no longer Christ Church no longer exists Mitigation Measures: exists due to well established vegetation on the eastern boundary of the house which would but could be reinstated. • Careful selection and placement of vegetation within the wildlife corridor could retain block the view. views between Hadley Park and Christ Church. • Selective removal of vegetation surrounding Nepean Park and on the south western boundary of Christ Church could open up views between the two heritage sites. 14 DDFrom Yellowrock General Description: • Sight line exists. Development Impact lookout to Sandstone • The sight line from Yellowrock to the Sandstone outcrop area is clear and open. From this • Sight line should be maintained • Depending on the vegetation type, the Core Conservation area proposed near the outcrop vantage point broader views of the site are experienced. and protected. surrounding Wildlife Lake could have an impact on the view from Yellowrock to • The horizontal distance between the two sites is 1700m. the sandstone outcrop. Depending on the importance placed on this area of core conservation use of tall trees may obscure the view, whereas ephemeral and wetland species allow the sight line to be retained. Mitigation Measures: • Careful selection and placement of vegetation surrounding the Wildlife Lake could maintain views between the two sites. 15 DDDDBetween McCarthy’s General Description • Generally, this sight line no longer Development Impact Cemetery and The • From the southern boundary of cemetery, which is slightly elevated, the tops of the Poplar trees exists. • The sight line between the two properties will be further altered due to any new Poplars and other tall vegetation within The Poplars site are visible, over 880m. • Not possible if urban development housing (if any housing is developed) and town centre proposed (if any is undertaken) • From the northern boundary of the cemetery the Poplars is not visible due to a mound on the is carried out in accordance with between the two properties. northern boundary. This is a temporary feature and if removed would allow for a strong visual the urban development concept Mitigation Measures: connection between the two sites. shown in the plan on page 14. • Due to the visual link between the sites being lost it will be important to link these • From within The Poplars property boundary there are no views out of the site due to dense two sites by other means such as tree planting, interpretation, pedestrian and cycle understorey vegetation. links etc. • From the south western boundary of the Poplars the Cemetery is not visible. This is due to a • Retain alignment of adjacent road to the south of the cemetery in proposed mound along this boundary which inhibits views to the south in general. development.

16 DDBetween Hadley General Description: • View from the Sandstone outcrop Development Impact & Nepean Park to • The view from Hadley Park grounds to the Sandstone outcrop, over a distance of 1700m is not to Hadley Park grounds exists • The proposed Wildlife Lake could have an impact on this sight line. Sandstone outcrop clear as there is no clear indicator, boundary or marker of this site. and should be maintained. Mitigation Measures: (near Howell’s • The view from Nepean Park is obscured by Hadley Park and its vegetation. • View from Nepean Park no longer • Design of vegetation and landscape areas associated with the Wildlife Lake and House) • The sight line from the sandstone outcrop site to Hadley Park grounds is clear and currently exists. recreation areas will need to maintain a site line between Hadley Park house and maintained. However only the grounds and tree canopy and not the house are visible. the sandstone outcrop. • Beyond the Sandstone outcrop long views, over 15km, to the energy towers on the ridge line at Kurrajong are possible from the northern boundary of the property. 17 DDHawkesbury Lookout General Description • Sight line exists. Development Impact to Sandstone outcrop • Hawkesbury lookout is a high vantage point within the Yellowmundee National Park where views • Sight line should be maintained • The proposed Wildlife Lake could have an impact on this sight line. (near Howell’s of the entire PLDC site are experienced, over a 700m horizontal distance.. and protected. • The overall view from Hawkesbury lookout will be improved when the mining House) • Currently the view is of mixed quality where some heritage sites are visible, but so too are areas operations are discontinued. of mining operations. Mitigation Measures • The vicinity of the sandstone outcrop is visible from the lookout. • For this particular sight line it will be important to design landscape and vegetation • The lookout is difficult to make out from the sandstone outcrop as it is obscured by in such a way to allow a visual connection between the two sites. vegetation.

DA4= DA4 Planing Application; LM= PLDC Landscape Manual; LS= Landscan report; B&M= Britton and Morris study; GML & ST = Godden Mackay Logan and Stedinger Associates reports; CA= CLOUSTON Associates

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 20 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG 17 HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT PUDDLEDOCK 16

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST 13 CHURCH

NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS rea Figure 46: View 13 from Christ Church to Howell’s House and Hadley Park. View to Nepean Park obscured by vegetation gh Ro CHURCH LANE ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV

eagh Road

Old Castler

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON RUINS GORGE CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL JACKSON’S 15 FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ Figure 47: View 13 from Hadley Park to Christ Church obscured by bund Figure 48: View 15 from McCarthy’s Cemetery to The Poplars UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM CHURCH SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE

GLASS FACTORY

PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

TO NEPEAN GORGE

Figure 45: Views 13-17 Figure 49: View 16 from the sandstone outcrop Aboriginal artefacts site to Christ Church and Hadley Park PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 21 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 18 Sandstone outcrop General Description • Sight line exists, however a Development Impact (near Howell’s House) • The area associated with the sandstone outcrop is visible from the lookout which is over a strong visual link between the • The new Wildlife Lake and area and its associated vegetation may obscure views and Christ Church distance of 2100m, but the connection is vague due to the lack of a physical indicator, boundary two sites does not. in this area. or marker of this site. • Sight line could be lost as a result Mitigation Measures • The elevated position of Christ Church provides good views over the northern part of the PLDC of vegetation. • Where views to the sandstone outcrop may be designed in such a way as to ‘hide site and is also highly visible from lower parts of the site. and reveal’ the site for visitors travelling along the ground towards the site.

19 Between Christ Church General Description • No longer exists Development Impact and The Poplars • A distance of 2500m exists between the church and the property • Not possible to reinstate if urban • Urban development (if any is carried out) probably would alter further the sight line. • The sight line no longer exists in both directions due to established vegetation on the south development as shown in the • Even if vegetation was cleared on the south western boundary of Christ Church western boundary of Christ Church and the Cranebrook Escarpment generally. plan on page 14 is carried out. new housing (if any is carried out) would block the sight line between the two properties. Mitigation Measures • Interpretation of the visual link could be considered. 20 Along Old Castlereagh General Description • Sight line exists. Development Impact Road • Old Castlereagh Road is the old means of accessing the agricultural properties once located • The entire vista will be lost due • The majority of Old Castlereagh Road will be removed to allow for new lakes to be in the area. The road is not publicly accessible but is still intact from its southern point at the to construction of lakes. constructed as part of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. Thus the vista will be lost. Mulgoa Road roundabout in Penrith to the intersection and with Castlereagh Road near Smith • Where possible the vista should • A portion of the road will be retained to maintain access to the Methodist Church and Road in the north. be retained at the southern and Upper Castlereagh School precinct in the south and to Landers Inn in the north. • Several heritage sites are still located adjacent to it. northern ends of the site. Mitigation Measures • The north south vista is still very strong. • As the majority of the road and vista will be lost it will be important to reﬂ ect the old • Open and clear views to the Cranebrook Escarpment and Castlereagh Escarpment are also rural road as part of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. experienced along most of the length of the remaining road. However views to the escarpments • Interpretation of the road alignment should be considered within the Penrith Lakes are weaker near the Methodist Church and Upper Castlereagh School precinct where road side Scheme. vegetation is overgrown. • Where the road is retained views to the escarpment should be reinstated through the concept of ‘hide and reveal’ through existing and proposed vegetation. 21 Overall views of Valley General Description • Overall views to the Development Impact and Escarpments • This refers to a general view from the valley (PLDC site) and the Cranebrook Escarpment on the escarpments exist and will be • Any new residential areas developed in accordance with the urban development Eastern side of the valley and the Castlereagh Escarpment on the western side of the valley. maintained. concept shown in the plan on page 14 probably would limit the views to the escarpments. • This view corridor is highly signiﬁ cant as it emphasizes the district landscape character of the • Views will be altered due to • Views will become filtered or blocked through the introduction of housing, in site. proposed development. accordance with the urban development concept shown in the plan on page 14, hill • The valley and escarpments also creates an identity for the area and a sense of enclosure. top parks and associated vegetation as part of the urban development (if any urban • A distant view is had between the distinct Palm trees at the entrance to Landers Inn and development is carried out). Castlereagh Road. • In some instances the escarpments may seem smaller due to the ‘base’ of the escarpment being ‘higher’ Mitigation Measures • Minimise housing heights, developed in accordance with the urban development concept shown in the plan on page 14, at key points, such as along Castlereagh Road, to maintain the impact of the escarpments. • Create view corridors with no obstructions to the escarpments.

DA4= DA4 Planing Application; LM= PLDC Landscape Manual; LS= Landscan report; B&M= Britton and Morris study; GML & ST = Godden Mackay Logan and Stedinger Associates reports; CA= CLOUSTON Associates

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 22 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG

HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT 18 PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST CHURCH

NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS 21 rea Figure 51: View 18 from Howell’s House to Christ Church gh Ro CHURCH LANE ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

21 ER 19 FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV

eagh Road

Old Castler

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON RUINS CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK GORGE SCHOOL JACKSON’S FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY Figure 52: View 20 north along Old Castlereagh Road from Landers Inn METHODIST CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM CHURCH SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE

GLASS FACTORY

PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

TO NEPEAN GORGE Figure 53: View 20 north along Old Castlereagh Road from Methodist Church Figure 50: Views 18-21 PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 23 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 22 Between Hadley Park General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact and Nepean Park • A short distance, in comparison to other sight lines, of 300m between the two properties. • Possible to reinstate by removal • There is no development proposed between the two properties. • The actual houses are not visible between the two properties. of existing vegetation on both Mitigation Measures • From the south western site boundary of Hadley Park the Nepean Park house is visible. properties. • Any adaptive re-use of these properties will need to take into consideration the opening • Nepean Park is in private ownership and views within the property were not tested on site. up of views between the properties. • A long view from Hadley Park to the ACI Glass Factory exists, beyond Nepean Park. • Vegetation surrounding the lakes will need to be designed in such a way as not to impinge on views between the properties and leading up to the properties.

23 Between Landers General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact Inn/Puddledock and • A distance of 1300m between the two properties. • The development of the lakes and associated vegetation in the most part will be to Christ Church • Due to residential development on the Cranebrook Escarpment the view between these two the west of Landers Inn. properties no longer exists. Mitigation Measures • N/A. 24 Between Nepean General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact Park and Minnaville • The Minnaville (Dowlings) property no longer exists, thus the view between the two properties • N/A (Dowlings) no longer exists. Mitigation Measures • N/A 25 Between Christ General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact Church and Minnaville • The Minnaville (Dowlings) property no longer exists, thus the view between the two properties • N/A (Dowlings) no longer exists. Mitigation Measures • N/A 26 Between Minnaville General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact (Dowlings) and Mount • Both the Minnaville (Dowlings) and Mount Pleasant properties no longer exists, thus the view • N/A Pleasant between them no longer exists. Mitigation Measures • The Samuel Terry and Rosetta Marsh property ‘Mount Pleasant’ no longer exists on the • N/A Cranebrook Escarpment and is not within the site boundary. However olive trees have been re-planted to interpret where the original olive farm once stood. 27 Between The Poplars General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact and Mount Pleasant • The ‘Mount Pleasant’ property no longer exists, thus the view between the two properties no • N/A longer exists. However olive trees have been re-planted to interpret where the original olive Mitigation Measures farm once stood. • N/A 28 Between McCarthy’s General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact Cemetery and Vine • Vine Cottage & Avenue property no longer exists, thus the view between these two sites no • N/A Cottage & Avenue longer exists. Mitigation Measures • N/A 29 Between Vine General Description • No longer exists. Development Impact Cottage & Avenue • Vine Cottage & Avenue property no longer exists, thus the view between these two sites no • N/A and Methodist longer exists. Mitigation Measures Church • N/A 30 Castlereagh Township General Description • No longer exists Development Impact overlooking site • A general view over the site from the old Castlereagh township. • N/A • Established vegetation now blocks the views over the site. Mitigation Measures • N/A The following two view lines 30A and 30B (as seen on the opposite diagram) no longer exist and are described on page 26.

TO KURRAJONG

HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT

PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

OLD CASTLEREAGH 22 23 TOWNSHIP CHRIST CHURCH NEPEAN PARK

25 C MASS CONCRETE as 24 tle RUINS rea gh Ro CHURCH LANE ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV 30-B 26

eagh Road

SAMUEL TERRY & Old Castler ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS 27 ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS RUINS JAMIESON CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK GORGE SCHOOL JACKSON’S 30-A FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM CHURCH SCHOOL & RESIDENCE 28 CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE 29 SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE

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PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

Figure 54: Views 22-30B Figure 55: View 22 from Hadley Park western boundary to Nepean Park PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 25 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 30-A View to Cranebrook General Description • No longer exists Development Impact Escarpment • This viewpoint was not tested on site due to mining operations. • N/A • It is assumed that the view has been signiﬁ cantly altered due to the construction of lakes and development on the Cranebrook Escarpment. Mitigation Measures • N/A 30-B Farrells Lane General Description • No longer exists Development Impact to Castlereagh • Farrells Lane no longer exists on site due to mining operations and the construction of lakes. • N/A Escarpment Mitigation Measures • N/A 31 Nepean Street into General Description • Generally views to the escarpment Development Impact site (Viewpoint 1), • Highlighted as a view point from Nepean Street formerly known as Penrith Street into the PLDC exists and will be maintained. • Any residential areas which may be developed in accordance with the urban along McCarthy’s site, where views were once had of the Jamieson Gorge along McCarthy’s Lane. • Foreground views will be altered development concept shown in the plan on page 14, will be seen in the middle ground Lane to Fitzgerald • Due to the removal of the majority of McCarthy’s Lane the vista no longer exists. due to proposed development. with the escarpment in the background, altering the scale of the escarpment. Creek/Jamieson • Existing groups of trees create ﬁ ltered views of the escarpment. Mitigation Measures Gorge • As part of the Castlereagh Road driving experience carry out selective removal of trees adjacent to the road to create a sequence of ‘hide and reveal’ of the Blue Mountains Escarpment. 32 From Cranebrook General Description • Generally view corridor exists, Development Impact Escarpment Trig Point • A general view over the site from an elevated position on the Castlereagh Escarpment. albeit altered by existing • Due to the elevated position the views will not be blocked through development. (Viewpoint 2) • Established vegetation hinders the ability to gain an uninterrupted panorama of the site. vegetation. However the foreground views will be altered with any new residential areas which • The Nepean Gorge is visible through the tops of trees. • Views to escarpment and gorge may be developed in accordance with the urban development concept shown in the should be maintained and plan on page 14. protected. Mitigation Measures • Consider selective removal or pruning of trees to allow direct views to the Nepean Gorge. 33 Christ Church, Church General Description • Generally view corridor exists, Development Impact Lane vantage point • A general view over the site from an elevated position from the western boundary of the church albeit altered by existing • Due to the elevated position the views will not be blocked through development. However (Viewpoint 3) grounds. vegetation. the foreground views will be altered with new Wildlife Lake and core conservation areas. • Established vegetation hinders the ability to gain an uninterrupted panorama of the site, especially • Views to escarpment and gorge Mitigation Measures to the south. should be maintained and • Consider selective removal or pruning of trees to the south of church to allow direct • The Nepean Gorge is visible through the tops of trees and the Hadley Park and Nepean Park protected. views to the Nepean Gorge. complex is also visible. 34 Smith Road viewpoint General Description • Assume viewpoint exists within Development Impact (Viewpoint 4) • Originally highlighted by Landscan as a viewpoint with good views to the Nepean River, this private property. • N/A viewpoint no longer exists due to private development and established vegetation. Mitigation Measures • Viewpoint not tested on site. • N/A 35 Views from General Description • Views exist and will be Development Impact Hawkesbury lookout • A wide viewpoint taking in Castlereagh Escarpment, Nepean River corridor and the PLDC site, maintained. • The site will be altered which will affect foreground views but the overall panoramic across entire site including Hadley Park, Nepean Park, Landers Inn and mining operations and equipment. view will be retained. (Viewpoint 5) • It may be possible to see Christ Church from this viewpoint. Mitigation Measures • The elevated viewpoint enables sweeping views over the site. • N/A 36 From Yellowrock General Description • Views exist and will be Development Impact lookout across site • A wide view corridor looking over the northern part of the site including Howell’s House. maintained. • The site will be altered which will affect foreground views but the overall panoramic (Viewpoint 6) • The elevated position enables views to Cranebrook escarpment. view will be retained. Mitigation Measures • N/A

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY DA4= DA4 Planing Application; LM= PLDC Landscape Manual; LS= Landscan report; B&M= Britton and Morris study; AUGUST 2009 26 GML & ST = Godden Mackay Logan and Stedinger Associates reports; CA= CLOUSTON Associates 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG 35

HAWKESBURY THE ORANGE SHADING ON THIS MAP LOOKOUT DENOTES THE VIEWSHEDS AND VIEW 34 Smith Road HOWELL’S HOUSE CORRIDORS OF VIEW NOS. 31-38. REFER TO APPENDIX D.

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT 36 PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST CHURCH 33 Figure 57: View 32 from Mass Concrete house on Cranebrook Escarpment NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as 32 tle RUINS rea gh Ro CHURCH LANE ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS PROPERTY)

FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV

eagh Road

Old Castler

Figure 58: View 33 from Christ Church

PARKERS SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON OLIVE FARM RUINS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GORGE CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL JACKSON’S FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM CHURCH SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE 31

SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

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GLASS FACTORY

PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL 38 AREA

Figure 59: View 35 from Hawkesbury Lookout Figure 60: View 37 from Mount Riverview glimpses of the site through the gaps between the houses Figure 56: Views 31-38 PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 27 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 37 From Mount Riverview General Description • View as described by Landscan Development Impact (Viewpoint 7) • From the elevated position of the established suburb of Mt Riverview some glimpses of the site no longer exists. • Due to the elevated position views across the site and long views to the Cranebrook (refer to Figure 56) are had from gaps between houses. • Filtered view over the site exists Escarpment will be retained. • Established vegetation on the escarpment creates ﬁ ltered views of the regatta lake and training and will be maintained. Mitigation Measures lake. However the views are ambiguous due to the density of vegetation. • N/A • The exact original viewpoint was not tested on site. 38 Wedmore Road General Description • View as described by Landscan Development Impact (Viewpoint 8) • Unlike Mt Riverview this part of the Emu Plains suburb is generally level with the site. no longer exists. • If weed species are removed from the riparian zone in order to restore the river (refer to Figure 56) • Views to the site are inhibited by dense riparian vegetation along the river bank. • Views of riparian corridor exists corridor, the views from Emu Plains will be opened up. • Mining buildings and machinery are visible above the tops of the riparian vegetation. and will be maintained. • The design of vegetation in recreation areas in the southern part of the PLDC site may allow a better visual connection across the river. Mitigation Measures • Consider opening up of views in line with Biodiversity Masterplan principles.

39 Between Landers Inn General Description • General visual connection does Development Impact and Hadley Park • Over a distance of 1200m the view of the properties from Hadley Park to Landers Inn does not not exist due to mounding. • A Wildlife Lake and associated landscape is proposed between these two properties exist. However the palm trees of Landers Inn are visible and from an elevated position, such as • High potential for view to be with its associated landbridge/weir access. This would signiﬁ cantly interrupt views the top of the mound on the boundary of Hadley Park, the Landers Inn property and buildings lost as a result of wildlife area, between the two properties as the landbridge/weir is level with Hadley Park and 2 are very clear. landbridge/weir and associated metres above Landers Inn allowing tenuous views only of the vegetation canopy. vegetation. Mitigation Measures • Consider creating a view corridor between the two properties in line with Biodiversity Masterplan principles.

40 Between Landers Inn General Description • General visual connection Development Impact and Howells House • A clear view is had between these two properties over a 950m distance. exists. • A Wildlife Lake and associated landscape is proposed between these two • Howells House is elevated at the north western corner of the site. • High potential for view to be properties. lost as a result of wildlife area, Mitigation Measures landbridge/weir and associated • Consider creating a view corridor between the two properties in line with Biodiversity vegetation. Masterplan principles. 41 Between Hadley Park General Description • General visual connection does Development Impact and Puddledock • Over a distance of 1100m the view of the properties from Hadley Park to Puddledock does not not exist due to mounding. • The Puddledock property will be demolished as a result of mining operations. exist. • The view will be lost as a result of Mitigation Measures the proposed Wildlife Lake. • Consider creating an interpretive connection (in conjunction with the interpretation strategy) between the two properties. 42 Between Landers Inn General Description • General visual connection exists Development Impact and Puddledock • A clear view is had between these two properties over a 500m distance. to rear of both properties. • The property will be demolished as a result of mining operations. • The view will be lost as the Mitigation Measures Puddledock property will be • Consider creating an interpretive connection (in conjunction with the interpretation demolished as a result of mining strategy) between the two properties. operations. 43 Between Howell’s General Description • Generally the view exists between Development Impact House and Hadley • The direct 1600m long view between the two houses does not exist. both properties. View will be • A Wildlife Lake will be constructed between the two properties. Vegetation associated Park • Howells House is visible from the northern garden boundary of Hadley Park. altered as a result of proposed with the lake may block the views. • The vegetation surrounding Hadley Park is visible from Howells House but the house is not. lake and vegetation. Mitigation Measures • Consider creating a view corridor between the two properties in line with Biodiversity Masterplan principles.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY DA4= DA4 Planing Application; LM= PLDC Landscape Manual; LS= Landscan report; B&M= Britton and Morris study; AUGUST 2008 28 GML & ST = Godden Mackay Logan and Stedinger Associates reports; CA= CLOUSTON Associates 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG

HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

40 Landers Inn vicinity LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK 43 42 LOOKOUT Howell’s House PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA 39 STAND 41

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST CHURCH NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS rea gh CHURCH LANE Ro ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD (DOWLINGS Figure 62: View 39 from Hadley Park to Landers Inn. The view is obstructed from the Figure 63: View 40 from the Landers Inn property to Howell’s House YELLOWROCK PROPERTY) landscape mound

FULTONS PARSONAGE

NEPEAN RIV

Old Castlereagh Road

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON RUINS GORGE CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL JACKSON’S FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST ST THOMAS’ CHURCH WHITEWATER CHURCH UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE

ACI GLASS FACTORY Figure 64: View 42 from Landers Inn to Puddledock Figure 65: View 43 from Hadley Park to Howells House PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

Figure 61: View 39-43 PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 29 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

Study View DA4 LM LS B&M GML CA View General Description Views status Possible Development Impact and Mitigation Measures No. & ST 44 Between Hadley Park General Description • The visual connection between Development Impact and the Poplars • A long view of 3300m where the tops of the trees at The Poplars are visible from Hadley Park. both properties does not exist. • New housing developed in accordance with the urban development concept shown However this visual link is tenuous and not obvious. • The connection probably would be in the plan on page 14 (if any is carried out) would be located in front of The Poplars • Due to mounding surrounding The Poplars the site is located within a low point making views lost as a result of development (if and a new lake and vegetation will surround Hadley Park. from it to other heritage sites difﬁ cult. Thus the view from The Poplars to Hadley Park does any is carried out) in accordance Mitigation Measures not exist. with the urban development • N/A concept shown in the plan on page 14. 45 Views from and to General Description • Views to the stadium are poor. Development Impact Whitewater Stadium • The Whitewater Stadium is not highly visible. It is located at the north eastern end of the training • Views from the stadium to the • The proposed PLDC site development in accordance with the urban development lake and is therefore hidden from the other end of the lake and the Sydney International Regatta Escarpment will be retained. concept shown in the plan on page 14 (if any is carried out) will have little impact on Centre (SIRC). The land form and planting surrounding it has been designed to disguise current views to or from this site. mining operations to the north. Mitigation Measures • Likewise the views from the building and the grounds are limited to short views across the • N/A training lake and long views to the escarpment. 46 Between SIRC and General Description • Views exist but are not direct. Development Impact Methodist Church and • Over a distance of 600m the Methodist Church site is viewed from several positions within SIRC. • Views to be enhanced as part of • NA. Upper Castlereagh The most distinctive views are from the road bridge over the regatta lakes and from the jettys the overall heritage strategy. Mitigation Measures School and residence near the car park. However existing vegetation to the east of the Methodist Church signiﬁ cantly • Selective removal of existing trees on the eastern boundary of the Methodist Church inhibits views from it and to it. would open up views from and to the site. • There is no visual connection between the Methodist Church and SIRC buildings. Vegetation • Selective removal and pruning of vegetation along side of Old Castlereagh Road in and land form augment the connection. the south of the site, would open up views to Castlereagh Escarpment and the Upper • The Upper Castlereagh School and Residence is located to the west of the Methodist Church on Castlereagh School and Residence. the western side of Old Castlereagh Road. It is hidden from view by surrounding buildings and vegetation but has open views to the Castlereagh Escarpment from the rear of the buildings. 47 Along Nepean River General Description • River corridor views exist and will Development Impact corridor • Views along the Nepean Corridor whilst on the river are varied. be retained and enhanced. • N/A • A strong north south vista is experienced from Jackson’s ford to the Smith Road area. The vista is framed by the Castlereagh Escarpment on the west and the 15 to 20m high embankment to Mitigation Measures the east (on the PLDC site) and it’s riparian vegetation. • Ongoing landscape maintenance of the river corridor to improve the overall landscape • From Jackson’s Ford to the south eastern boundary the vistas are shorter and the river is wider, quality and experience. making the views less enclosed.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 30 6.0 SITE VIEWS ANALYSIS

TO KURRAJONG

HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT Smith Road

HOWELL’S HOUSE

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT PUDDLEDOCK

ANGOPHORA STAND

HADLEY PARK

CHRIST CHURCH NEPEAN PARK

C MASS CONCRETE as tle RUINS 47 rea gh CHURCH LANE Ro ad

MINNAVILLE HOMESTEAD (DOWLINGS YELLOWROCK PROPERTY)

FULTONS PARSONAGE Figure 67: View 45 from Sydney Internaional Regatta Centre Bridge to Methodist Church

NEPEA N RIV

Old Castlereagh Road

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON RUINS GORGE CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK SCHOOL JACKSON’S FORD

CRANEBROOK

McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST ST THOMAS’ CHURCH WHITEWATER 45 CHURCH UPPER CASTLEREAGH STADIUM SCHOOL & RESIDENCE CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

46 SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE 47

ACI GLASS FACTORY 47 47 47 PENRITH EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL AREA

Figure 68: View 47 along Nepean River corridor

Figure 66 : View 44-47 PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 31 7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 CONCLUSIONS Major Views A signifi cant number of sight lines, views and viewpoints identifi ed in the view analysis Major considerations for development • Enhance the landscape quality of the Nepean River corridor through weed removal tables in Section 6 have been lost due to building demolition, establishment of The creation of large lakes and landscape regeneration in the Penrith area will and replanting of native vegetation. However consideration should be given to the vegetated areas and temporary land form associated with mining operations. provide the district with a unique and interesting landscape. Key visual management mature canopy height of trees and shrubs to create and maintain a variety of view considerations for the new development include: experiences (ie. fi ltered, hidden, revealed) of the Cranebrook Escarpment. The key sight lines and major views that exist are: • Reveal the dramatic landscape of the Castlereagh and Cranebrook Heritage Sites • A variety of views of the Castlereagh Escarpment experienced from within Escarpments from key points within the urban development (if any is • The design of, layout and future maintenance of vegetation within proposed view the site and from Castlereagh Road. carried out). corridors should be in line with biodiversity principles relating to vegetation types and canopy cover. The key visual connections to be enhanced/interpreted include: • A variety of views of Cranebrook Escarpment experienced from within the • Maximise views to the new lakes from Castlereagh Road and from vehicular site and from Castlereagh Road. entrances into the site. – Hadley Park and Landers Inn (interpreted) – Nepean Park and Landers Inn (interpreted) • Key views from within the site and at key points along Castlereagh Road to • Maximise views to the new lakes through view corridors within the Nepean Gorge. – Landers Inn and Howells House (enhanced) development. – Howells House and Hadley Park (enhanced) • The strong focal point of Fitzgerald Gorge when viewed at key points from • Create and/or enhance view corridors along and/or between heritage and – Howells House and Christ Church (enhanced) the east. cultural sites. – Hadley Park and Christ Church (enhanced) – Nepean Park and Christ Church (enhanced) • A variety of views to heritage properties from the western boundary of the • Consider single storey houses (if any urban development occurs) Christ Church site. adjacent to Castlereagh Road in order to maximise views to Castlereagh • Selective removal of vegetation surrounding the Methodist Church and the Upper • The Old Castlereagh Road vista and views whilst travelling along it of Hertiage Escarpment. Castlereagh School and Residence to open up views of the two properties and properties, the Escarpments etc. increase their profi le in the local area. Impact on Visual Receptors The impact of the new development (including urban development if any occurs) • Selective removal of vegetation on the southern boundary of Christ Church to provide The key sight lines that exist but are not clear or easily determined are: on visual receptors needs to be judged on the basis of the current activities on a lookout point over the site and a visual connection to the Nepean Gorge. • Views of the Methodist Church and the Upper Castlereagh School and site. Overall the PLDC site will be improved through the introduction of new lakes, Residence • Selective removal of vegetation between Hadley Park and Nepean Park to reveal landscape and urban form (if any urban form occurs) which will provide a setting the homesteads. • Views between Hadley Park and Landers Inn and focus for visual connections and view corridors across the site. • Restoration of The Poplars in such a way to retain the vertical element in the • Views between The Poplars and McCarthy’s Cemetery and views of 7.2 KEY RECOMMENDATIONS landscape which will provide a visual marker within the urban development. McCarthy’s Cemetery in general due to access restrictions. The following key recommendations relate to the detailed mitigation measures in • Interpretation and re-representation of the lost view between McCarthy’s Cemetery Section 6 of this report. and The Poplars. Key sight lines that do not exist and should be considered for reinstatement include: Lookouts and Viewpoints • A visual interpretation of the alignment of Old Castlereagh Road should be considered • Views between Hadley Park and Nepean Park main farm houses. • Maximise views from Christ Church over the PLDC site and to the Nepean as part of the overall interpretation of the PLDC site. Retention of the northern and Gorge by removing vegetation on the PLDC site boundary to the immediate southern sections of the road should be a priority for design in the northern and Critical visual experiences south of the church. southern parts of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. A series of visual experiences are important to retain and enhance as part of the • Consider the creation of view corridors from the Wedmore Road area in Emu Penrith Lakes scheme. These could be considered as: • Retention of key pieces of mining equipment in the landscape should be considered Plains into the site to raise the profi le of the site and to improve visual connections • The Castlereagh Road experience and the sense of enclosure and openness as part of the interpretation strategy in order to express the mining and industrial across the river. and the connections with the Nepean Gorge and the escarpments as dominant past of the site. • At the Cranebrook Escarpment trig point viewpoint consider removal of or pruning landscape features of the district. of trees to improve views to the northern part of the site. Castlereagh Road experience • The strength of the Old Castlereagh Road vista from north to south where The visual experience along Castlereagh Road is described conceptually in Figure 70 on the rural qualities of the locality are expressed through other linear features Views of Natural Features the opposite page. The two main aims of the visual experience along this important corridor such as telegraph poles, fence lines and avenues of trees. • Maintain views of the Nepean Gorge from Castlereagh Road and within are to create and also emphasize the sense of ‘hide and reveal’ of natural and man made the site. features within the Penrith Lakes site. • The Hawkesbury and Yellowrock lookouts provide an excellent overall view of the site. The elevated position allows for views up and down the river • Maximise views of the Fitzgerald Creek/Jamieson Gorge from the proposed Key Vista Points refer to key locations along the road where views to important natural and corridor and across to the Cranebrook Escarpment. An appreciation of the town centre within the urban area (if any urban development occurs and constructed features such as the Blue Mountains Escarpment, existing heritage properties sites history and vastness is had from both of these lookouts. if any urban development includes a town centre). This will require careful and the proposed lakes are experienced. These Key Vista Points are in contrast to the design of lakeside and river corridor vegetation. • A unique experience of enclosed views and the strong north south vista is experience along the majority of Castlereagh Road where the views are Enclosed (indicated had when on the river bank or the actual water surface of the Nepean River. • Maintain views of Castlereagh and Cranebrook Escarpments. In some by the Visual Enclosure graphic on Figure 70) due to landform, existing vegetation and A close connection with nature and wilderness is also experienced. instances panoramic views will be lost due to the elevated urban area (if potential urban development. any urban area is developed) blocking views in both directions.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 32 7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

TO KURRAJONG LEGEND HAWKESBURY LOOKOUT This plan shows a possible urban concept. PLDC may not Smith Road proceed with this or any other urban development concept Key Vista Points HOWELL’S HOUSE

Site wide views from elevated Visual Enclosure vantage points

LANDERS INN

YELLOWROCK LOOKOUT PUDDLEDOCK

Views between ANGOPHORA heritage sites STAND retained and enhanced

C HADLEY PARK R A View between Nepean N

T E Park and Hadley Park CHRIST B N houses reinstated CHURCH R

E O O M NEPEAN PARK K

P E

R astlereagh Road S

A C a MASS CONCRETE C s A C t RUINS Old C le re R S ag h R CHURC P E o ad M H L E

H ANE N

G MINNAVILLE T HOMESTEAD A YELLOWROCK (DOWLINGS E PROPERTY) R

A AN RIVER FULTONS C PARSONAGE

NEPE

Castlereagh Road

Old

Fleeting view from Castlereagh Road to the lake, islands and escarpment

SAMUEL TERRY & ROSETTA MARSH OLIVE FARM PARKERS ‘MOUNT PLEASANT’ GRAVEL PLANT SLAUGHTERYARD THE POPLARS JAMIESON RUINS CRANEBROOK FITZGERALD CREEK GORGE SCHOOL JACKSON’S FORD

URBAN CRANEBROOK TOWN CENTRE McCARTHY’S CEMETERY METHODIST CHURCH WHITEWATER ST THOMAS’ STADIUM CHURCH

UPPER CASTLEREAGH CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE SCHOOL & RESIDENCE SIRC MT. RIVERVIEW

VINE COTTAGE & AVENUE MINING EQUIPMENT LONG’S COTTAGE LEGEND: Maximise views to Nepean Gorge wherever possible

Views to natural features

Old Castlereagh Road vista GLASS Old Castlereagh Road FACTORY vista interpretation

Retained and enhanced PENRITH heritage views EMU HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL Interpretive heritage link AREA Potential site wide views

Lake views from Castlereagh Road

GE Site boundary

Heritage sites This plan shows a possible urban concept. PLDC may not GORGE AN GORGE Former heritage sites proceed with this or any other urban development concept NEPEAN GOR NEPE RIVER CORRIDOR O O T O NEPEAN T T

Figure 69: Recommendations Plan Figure 70: Castlereagh Road visual experience plan

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 33 8.0 REFERENCES

In order to further emphasize the ‘hide and reveal’ effect the following works could be Britton, Geoffrey & Morris, Colleen. 1999. Castlereagh Cultural undertaken: Landscape Study. Assessment and Recommendations Final Report

• Removal of existing vegetation near the new bus entrance to the urban scheme (if Comber Consultants Pty Ltd, September 2008. Brief Darug History: developed) to reveal the roadside lakes. Prepared as part of an Interpretation Strategy for Discussion at Aboriginal Focus Meetings. Discussion Paper prepared for Penrith • Removal of roadside vegetation near Nepean Street to allow views of roadside Lakes Development Corporation. lakesand the proposed bridge. Godden Mackay Logan P/L. 2008. Conservation Management Plan for Penrith Lakes Scheme (Draft) • Creation of a clear view corridor at the new bridged entrance to the site and maximise views to the main lake and Castlereagh Escarpment. Landscan Pty Ltd. 1981 Landscape Report.

• Allow for a variety of views of the Castlereagh Escarpment at the northern end of Stedinger Associates 2006. European Heritage within the Penrith the urban development (if developed). Lakes Scheme, a Conservation Management Plan (Masterplan)

Penrith Lakes Development Corporation 1987. Landscape Manual • Maximise views from new intersections with Castlereagh Road.

• Maximise views from Castlereagh Road to heritage properties.

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 34 PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 35 APPENDICES APPENDIX A - JWP SITE LINE MAP (DA 4 CONDITIONS SIGHT LINES)

This plan shows a possible urban concept. PLDC may not proceed with this or any other urban development concept

36 APPENDICES APPENDIX B - ANNOTATED SITE LINE SECTIONS

EMU PLAINS NON ACCESSIBLE LAND CORE CONSERVATION/ LAKE REGATTA CENTRE LAKE RECREATION LAKE HOUSING WILDLIFE CORRIDOR PARK LAND NEPEAN RIVER CHURCH LANE CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH OLD BATHURST RD OLD BATHURST EAST WILCHARD RD EAST WILCHARD

NEPEAN RIVER MINING WORKS SIRC REGATA REGATA HOUSING LAKE HOUSING HOUSING WETLAND LAKE LAKE PARK PARK BEACH HOUSING FORESHORE FORESHORE CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH

NEPEAN RIVER CORRDIDOR TAILING PONDS SIRC SIRC HOUSINGHILL TOP PARK HOUSING HOUSING WETLAND CRANEBROOK SUBURB PARK AREA REGATA LAKE REGATA LAKE REGATA CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH WETLAND PARK AREA WETLAND PARK WHITE WATER STADIUM WHITE WATER

NEPEAN RIVER REGATTA SIRC HOUSING HOUSING WETLAND PARK CASTLEREAGH LAKE REAGH RD REAGH E

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 37 APPENDICES APPENDIX B - ANNOTATED SITE LINE SECTIONS

NEPEAN RIVER LAKE HOUSINGHILL TOP HOUSINGWETLAND AREA CRANEBROOK SUBURB CORE CONSERVATION PARK AREA CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH

JAMESON GORGE

NEPEAN NEW LAKE PLDC SITE WATERSIDE DEVELOPMENT CRANEBROOK RIVER (STOCKLANDS) CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH METHODIST CHURCH SOUTH TO WHITE WATER STADIUM STADIUM WHITE WATER NORTH TO

PENRITH SUBURBS WATERSIDE DEVELOPMENT (STOCKLANDS) PLDC SITE CRANEBROOK SUBURB GREEN SPACE + WETLAND CORRIDOR COREEN AVE COREEN CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH

WILDLIFE LAKE AREA

EMU PLAINS NEPEAN RIVER PLDC SITE SMITH RD WELLS HOUSE EAST MESON GORGE O O A

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 38 APPENDICES APPENDIX B - ANNOTATED SITE LINE SECTIONS

POPLARS CHRIST CHURCH

HOWELL’S HOUSE / HOWELL’S HOUSE / CHRIST CHURCH? WHITE HOUSE INDIGENOUS BEACH ARTEFACTS?

NEPEAN PARK CORE CONSERVATION WILDLIFE LAKE SURROUNDED BY C.C. / WL MAIN WE2 + HOUSING B2 PARK + LAKE HOUSING WE5 HOUSING EXISTING LAKE WE3 WETLAND CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH

TALLER TOWN NEAR HILL CENTRE BUILDINGS TOP PARK CHRIST CHURCH HOWELL’S HOUSE / INDIGENOUS ARTEFACTS?

CORE CONSERVATION CORE CONSERVATION HOUSING AND CMA LAKE TOWN CENTRE LAKE WILDLIFE WILDLIFE WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CORRIDOR

LAKE SIRC HOUSING REGATTA LAKE SIRC HOUSING FORE- HOUSING LAKE F1 HOUSING RECREATION AREA LAKE HOUSING HILL TOP B3 BEACH HOUSING SHORE PARK FORESHORE FORESHORE EX REGATTA LAKE EX REGATTA CASTLEREAGH RD CASTLEREAGH

NEPEAN RIVER PASSIVE LAKE HOUSING POPLARS HOUSING WETLAND AREA 2 CRANEBROOK ESTATE RECREATION FORESHORE REAGH RD REAGH E

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 39 APPENDICES APPENDIX C - PLDC LANDSCAPE MANUAL: VIEWS TO SIGNIFICANT LAND FEATURES

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 40 APPENDICES APPENDIX D - LANDSCAN: MAJOR VIEWPOINTS

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2008 41 APPENDICES APPENDIX E - BRITTON AND MORRIS: VIEW SURVEY APPENDIX F - GML VIEWS: GRADINGS OF SENSITIVITY

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2009 42 APPENDICES APPENDIX G - TCM: NATURAL HERITAGE ZONES

This plan shows a possible urban concept. PLDC may not proceed with this or any other urban development concept

PENRITH LAKES VISUAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AUGUST 2008 43