Changing greenspace in residential developments in an inner suburb of Brisbane, Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The benefits of urban greenspace have been well researched and acknowledged in a strategic planning vision for Brisbane, Australia. As the world implements social distancing and home isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to quality greenspace close to where people live may become more critical. This research investigated residential zoning code assessment benchmarks and development outcomes in terms of changing greenspace but found that the planning assessment process made analysis fraught and inaccurate. Nonetheless, the findings indicated that impact assessable development applications and approvals were not consistent with the stated policy objectives. Closer adherence to stated assessment benchmarks providing more generous setbacks, building separation and greenspace, could achieve the policy intent of higher-density development in a clean, green, sustainable city. The significance and implications of such findings has relevance for broader policy development, implementation and evaluation to improve governance through effective, efficient evaluation of policy outcomes. This study highlighted the imperative for demonstrable compliance with assessment benchmarks; and identified the need for future research into evaluation of planning policy implementation, to ensure outcomes comply with stated objectives. Further research is also required to understand the impact of, and future planning requirements for, residential greenspace. Highlights: Brisbane’s planning vision recognises the importance of greenspace provision. Development applications and approvals were not consistent with the stated policy intent. New development approvals had significantly reduced greenspace around sites. Public submissions had minimal impact on development approval outcomes. Planning policy evaluation requires consistent, measurable, enforceable assessment benchmarks.