Ms Charlotte Sheridan:

When one looks at the conventional model that everyone is familiar with, that is, the standardised suburban type development, the type of densities that are achieved there are in and around 30 dwellings per hectare. This model we are talking about can potentially achieve 50 to 80 dwellings per hectare. As Ms Meghen said, it is very much focused on a neighbourhood-based approach and is design-led. The type of things we are talking about is starting to reduce the reliance on the car to promote behavioural change. We are suggesting a reduction in the number of car parking spaces to one. That in itself then frees up space and that then goes towards the public amenities space. We are also talking about looking at the design manual for urban roads and streets as integral to that and that is a good case in point where we have had guidelines that had really positive results but were not necessarily implemented throughout the country due to lack of awareness of it. Those types of quality spaces are absolutely essential. In terms of the dwellings themselves, we are suggesting there is absolutely no diminution in terms of amenity or privacy and the buildings are designed in such a way that this can be achieved. We have very good examples of them from other jurisdictions where there can be reduced separation distances between dwellings while still ensuring privacy is maintained. That there are no overlooking windows is a bespoke design response to a particular context. The private open space is readily accessible to the dwelling and it is really valuable open space and well used.