DG03

Site Factors

Title

Compliance Level

03.01

Site Selection

Mandatory

The suitability of any site for new or extended school infrastructure needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the requirements of the school development can be met appropriately.

The School Site Selection and Development guide is provided to assist with the appropriate selection of sites for new schools, that considers suitability of context and site constraints.

Planning for new schools should be undertaken in consultation with key stakeholders including the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment, Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime Services and the relevant local council and community, as appropriate.

Refer to DG / L ANDSCAPE DESIGN / GROUND WORKS

03.02

Site Investigations

Mandatory

Prior to design and development, the following is required for each site.

Obtain surveys of pre-development conditions, including existing site, existing buildings and surrounding conditions, surrounding noise sources and local context.
Review local council development information, including future development plans for the local area.

The following detailed reports/ surveys/ information should be considered in developing the business case:

Education brief
Regional / district location
Local environment/ character
Climate and microclimate
Slope, drainage and erosion issues including flood risks (if any)
Site & local flora / fauna survey
Heritage significance/ impact
Geotechnical and soil conditions
Toxic residues / hazardous substances
Airborne pollutants
Bushfire risks
Land resources
Site development guidelines
Appraisal of available services infrastructure
Available transport/ road infrastructure servicing the site
Appraisal of physical and visual factors affecting site development
Geo-technical and Soil reports will be required for each site to:
- Describe the engineering capabilities and limitations encountered under the soil surface.
- Investigate the suitability of the topsoil and anticipated sub-grade materials for horticultural purposes.
- This will determine appropriate techniques for treatment of landscape sub-grades and topsoil materials to enhance horticultural performance and provide guidance in planning future development and plant species selection.
An environmental risk report will be required for developments proposed within sensitive natural environments or sites subject to natural risks (i.e. flood prone sites, bush fire areas).
Testing for toxic residues must be undertaken in all areas identified as being a possible risk - i.e. filled or dumped ground.

Following these surveys the following activities need to be undertaken:

Detailed analysis of surveys and information available
An evaluation of relative importance of factors that affect each site.
Conduct an assessment to determine impact on and interaction with site development.
Climate change risk assessment must be undertaken considering at least two different climate change scenarios

03.03

Master Planning Guideliness

Mandatory

The Master Planning Guideline for Schools provides a framework for efficient project planning and school design.

It includes:

Requirements for site analysis to ensure projects begin with a comprehensive base of information, and a clear understanding of constraints, opportunities and potential project risks,
An overview of the requirements and importance of transport planning in the master planning phase
Guidelines for the development of options and recommended content and layout of the master plan report,
Guidance on the development of standardised design solutions at the master planning phase, and construction via Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA).

This document is to be read in conjunction with the existing Educational Facilities Standards and Guidelines (EFSG) as well as the Better Placed : Design Guide for Schools and Better Placed : Environmental Design in Schools by the Government Architect NSW.

03.04

Demountable Schools

Recommended

Demountable school sites are often developed as a first stage to the development of a full school.

The siting and construction of a demountable school has design implications for overall long term site planning and development as well as the short term:-

It may be sited on land acquired for the permanent school or on a separate site acquired for other purposes.
It is recommended to not position interim demountable buildings on space required for permanent school buildings.
Positions of buildings should be determined based on the building regulation requirements, including separation from other buildings.
Ensure that adequate access for fire fighting purposes is maintained through the site and between buildings. Avoid blocking fire brigade access to fire hydrants.
Although Demountable schools are often of a temporary nature they must still be able to function adequately as a school appropriate to its size, complete with road access, internal relationship, connections, paths and site facilities. Occasionally a demountable schools may operate without all the appropriate site facilities as an interim measure (eg. Assembly Area and Games Court may be combined).
Due to development and site area restrictions, the temporary demountable school is often positioned on the eventual playing fields or free play area: any bulk earthworks required should contribute towards the eventual long term development plan proposed for the site.
Minimise opportunities for students to gain access to roofs.
- Position buildings and site works at least 2 metres from retaining walls, planter boxes, fences and mounds, to reduce access between structures.
- Locate sufficiently far from trees and ensure overhanging branches are removed. (Council approval may be required for trimming or removal of trees).

Refer to DG / SAFETY (ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE) & GENERAL SECURITY

Once a permanent school is constructed, there may be a time lapse before the demountable buildings are removed. The following three stages of development are usualy followed. For site development :

Stage 1 Erect demountables
Stage 2 Construct permanent core school and develop building precinct
Stage 3 Remove demountable school

Design Constraints for Demountables:

Allow construction access (min. 3.0 metres wide), free of obstructions such as trees, for erection and removal of demountables.
Allow maintenance access minimum 900mm wide between buildings.
Ensure ground surfaces under demountables are shaped to prevent ponding (provide positive drainage)
Floor levels must be of sufficient height above ground level to accommodate services.
Consider surface finish under demountables, especially at edges.
Covered access is generally to be provided to demountable buildings, with disabled accessible paths, ramps and landings at entrances.
Covered ways are generally centred within long spaces between demountables, set out from demountable walls approximately 1.5 metres to avoid obstructing windows and to accommodate entrance access.
The resultant spaces on either side of the covered access path are generally unpaved, and unsuitable for grassing because of limited access and mowing restrictions. Applying mulch over compacted sub- grade may be appropriate.
Where site area allows, it may be possible to adjust the set out of demountables, to create grassed areas on at least one side of the covered access way to improve the general ambience of the demountable precinct.