B5.4.2 Separation distances

Code: C5.12

Proposals must show how minimum separation distances set out in Lists 4 and 5 are accommodated. This is to protect residential amenity, privacy, ensure minimum garden depth and prevent overbearing and terracing effects. Details must be provided clearly showing the location of main, secondary and site aspect windows:

main aspect windows: are main windows to living and dining rooms. All windows in through lounge/dining areas will be classed as main windows if they are diametrically opposite each other. In dining kitchens, the window lighting the dining area will be classed as the main window
secondary aspect windows: are bedrooms and secondary windows to living/dining rooms and kitchens
side aspect windows: are windows to non-habitable rooms (such as halls, utility rooms) and blank walls
all windows in lounge/dining areas will be classed as main windows if they are diametrically opposite each other. In dining kitchens, the window lighting the dining area will be classed as the main window

List 4 sets out the minimum separation distances for 2 storey dwellings or between dwellings and boundaries. List 5 sets out the minimum separation distances for 2 storey dwellings depending on what aspect windows the wall contains. These distances help to ensure good privacy, daylight and access for maintenance. For proposals above 2 storeys, additional distance or stepping back of upper floors may be required to maintain privacy and amenity, with the intended approach to be agreed with the Council.

Exception: A reduction in the recommended separation distances may be acceptable to achieve higher densities required within the Suburban Area Type (40+dph), Urban Area Type (50+dph) and Highly Urban Area Type (80+dph)) or to accommodate site constraints. Proposals must demonstrate that residential amenity is maintained, specifically in relation to privacy for habitable rooms, daylight, overshadowing and microclimate (see code C2.19 and guidance G5.12).

List 4:

Identifies the minimum separation distances between dwellings or boundary

from the side of a dwelling to the boundary line, the minimum separation distance must be 1 metre
from the side of one dwelling to the side of another dwelling, where only one driveway is present the minimum distance must be 4 metres
from the side of one dwelling to the side of another dwelling, where two driveways are next to each other the minimum distance must be 6 metres
from the back of a dwelling to the boundary, the minimum distance must be 10.5 metres

List 5:

Identifies the minimum separation distance between aspects of 2-storey dwellings

from a Main Aspect to another Main Aspect, the distance must be at least 21 metres
from a Main Aspect to a Secondary Aspect, the distance must be at least 18 metres
from a Secondary Aspect to another Secondary Aspect, the distance must be at least 15 metres
from a Main Aspect to a Side Aspect, the distance must be at least 12 metres
from a Secondary Aspect to a Side Aspect, the distance must be at least 9 metres