Benchmarking for more walkable neighbourhoods? Yes please.
Early this month the Queensland Government released Mandatory Planning controls to establish 'Walkable Neighbourhoods' controls, which will better inform local Councils to ensure the following measures are implemented in new residential developments. A breakdown of the enhancements are:
From 28 September 2020, new residential subdivisions in Queensland will be assessed against benchmarks relating to:
connectivity
block lengths
footpaths
park or open space
street trees
The inclusion of such measures from a State Government level provide critical guidance for developers, and Local Councils to ensure they enhance the health and wellbeing benefits of walkable communities that are inclusive, provide access to parks or open space and help reduce urban heat affects through the requirements of street trees. We all can name many communities across Queensland where the provision of walking paths was not required, creating a range of safety and accessibility challenges, as people are forced to walk on the road, or in turn default to the use of the car for short trips. The provision of walkable access to parks or open space within 400m is critical for health and wellbeing of all ages in our communities, ensuring people are drawn back to active recreation and commuting.
Urbankind looks forward to the launch of these new controls as we continually strive to provide more playful and connected communities that put people at the heart of the design and development phase.
For details on this important Amendment can be found here
If you have any questions as to how Urbankind can help you plan for these new controls please reach out via out contact page and we will be more than happy to talk through your design challenge.
