Design principles
Privacy and the neighbours
The location and design of dwellings should not unreasonably impair the privacy of neighbouring properties.
For example, while ground floor apartments can desirably open towards side or rear boundaries (and have private courtyards), the balconies or principal living spaces of upper level apartments should not be close to or designed to take their aspect from an adjoining property’s backyard.
Reasons:
- The housing project should try to be a 'good neighbour'.
- Existing landscaping may help, but the tree next door that now screens the view may die. Next door may in time be redeveloped. What is now a nice green back yard to look down on may turn into a bland or reflective wall of a new building. The project should be designed 'defensively' with an eye to the future.
Last updated 25 February 2009
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