Araghi v Mosman Municipal Council

Case [2004] NSWLEC 478


Land and Environment Court


of New South Wales


CITATION: Araghi v Mosman Municipal Council [2004] NSWLEC 478
PARTIES:

APPLICANT
Mehrodkht Araghi

RESPONDENT
Mosman Municipal Council

FILE NUMBER(S): 10743 of 2004
CORAM: Hussey C
KEY ISSUES:

Appeal :- Section 96 Modification - roof height - view impacts

LEGISLATION CITED: Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Mosman LEP
CASES CITED:
DATES OF HEARING: 25 August 2004
EX TEMPORE
JUDGMENT DATE :
08/25/2004
LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES:


APPLICANT
Ms J Wauchope, solicitor

RESPONDENT
Ms J Walsh, solicitor
SOLICITOR
Abbott Tout




JUDGMENT:

      THE LAND AND
      ENVIRONMENT COURT
      OF NEW SOUTH WALES

      Hussey c

      25 August 2004

      10743 of 2004 Mehrodkht Araghi v Mosman Municipal Council

      JUDGMENT

1 This appeal relates to a s 96 modification application for a dwelling located at 16 Illawarra Street, Mosman.

2 The main issue relates to the height of the replacement roof, this arises mainly because a different interpretation with the base levels. However, I accept that the survey details provided by surveyors Mr Theo Mossel and Mr Russell are based on AHD. Consequently they have considered the roof structural elements and confirm that the combination of these, together with the metal roof profile (of woodland grey colour), will comply with a maximum height of RL 43 based on the AHD.

3 Coincidently I note the neighbour Mr Burns reference to the height covenant but his general agreement that the RL 43.00 generally complies with the intent of that covenant.

4 Notwithstanding this I further note Ms McLachlan’s dissatisfaction with the roof changes in height and profile primarily because of the intrusions into her view corridors. However, having observed this view impact from her balcony, I then accept the planner’s opinions that the impact from the new roof at RL 43.00 results in an insignificant intrusion into her primary view corridor. Whilst there is a very minor intrusion into a secondary or probably a tertiary view directions, I do not consider it sufficient to warrant rejection of the application.

5 Following the detailed amendments that have been made to the s 96 modification application, which includes clarification of the roofing specification and the provision for the vents to be painted to match the colour roofing, I am satisfied that the s 96 modification application relates to the same development. I am also satisfied that the relevant s 79(c) matters have been considered and in that regard I have made reference to the Statement of Basic Facts, which contains a control sheet that show compliance with the relevant controls and this application demonstrates compliance with those. Thirdly, the public interest consideration; which mainly relates to view intrusion and for the reasons previously mentioned, I consider this modified roof does not unreasonably impact on the panoramic views that are available.

6 Therefore I consider the consent orders are reasonable in this case, particularly taking into consideration the agreed conditions that there be a works as executed plan prepared and submitted to council on finalisation of the roof, which confirms that it complies with the maximum height of RL 43.00.

7 The Court orders by consent then are:


          1. That the applicant amend his Section 96 Application to include the following conditions:

              (i) The proposed ‘woodland grey’ roof will be constructed with non-reflective materials and finishes in accordance with Lysaght colour sample colorbond steel;

              (ii) The proposed roof will not exceed RL 43.00 relative to Australian Height Datum (subject to confirmation as provided in Condition (iii) below); and

              (iii) A survey certificate will be provided by the Applicant to the Council prior to the commencement of further building works. The survey certificate will be provided by Mr Theo Mossel of Theo Mossel & Associates Registered Consulting Surveyors, at the cost of the applicant, and will indicate:

                (a) what is the RL (AHD) of the improvements presently erected on the premises; and

                (b) what is the RL (AHD) of the proposed roof.
                  Theo Mossel shall be provided with the survey reports prepared by Rygate & Company Pty Limited dated 5 August 2004 and 6 August 2004.

            (iv) A further survey certificate by Theo Mossel will be provided by the Applicant to the Council (at the cost of the Applicant) at the completion of construction certifying that no part of the roof as constructed exceeds RL 43.00 (AHD).

            (v) That the vents in the kitchen and bathrooms on the upper level be painted the same colour as the roof.

          2. The amended application be approved and the appeal be upheld.

          3. Each party pay their own costs.
          ________________________
          R Hussey
          Commissioner of the Court
          Ljr/rjs
Details
AGLC
Araghi v Mosman Municipal Council [2004] NSWLEC 478
Case
[2004] NSWLEC 478
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Land and Environment Court of New South Wales heard an appeal brought by Mehrodkht Araghi against Mosman Municipal Council concerning a section 96 modification application for a dwelling located at 16 Illawarra Street, Mosman. The central issue in this case was the height of the replacement roof, which was primarily due to differing interpretations of the base levels. The court accepted the survey details provided by surveyors Mr Theo Mossel and Mr Russell, which were based on the Australian Height Datum (AHD). The court concluded that the combination of the roof's structural elements and the metal roof profile (woodland grey colour) would comply with a maximum height of RL 43 based on the AHD.

The court also considered the impact of the new roof on the neighbour's view corridors. Although there was a minor intrusion into a secondary or possibly a tertiary view direction, the court determined that it was not significant enough to warrant rejection of the application. The court was satisfied that the detailed amendments made to the section 96 modification application, including clarification of the roofing specification and the provision for the vents to be painted to match the colour of the roofing, complied with the relevant controls. The court also took into account the public interest consideration, mainly relating to view intrusion, and concluded that the modified roof did not unreasonably impact on the panoramic views that were available.

The court ordered by consent that the applicant amend his Section 96 Application to include specific conditions related to the proposed roof, such as the use of non-reflective materials and finishes, a maximum height of RL 43.00 relative to Australian Height Datum, and the provision of survey certificates before and after construction. The court also ordered that the vents in the kitchen and bathrooms on the upper level be painted the same colour as the roof. Finally, the court approved the amended application, upheld the appeal, and ordered that each party pay their own costs.

The decision in this case demonstrates the importance of accurate survey data and the need for careful consideration of the impact of proposed developments on neighbouring properties. The court's decision also highlights the importance of public interest considerations, such as the preservation of panoramic views, in the approval of development applications.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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