Undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council

We are traffic engineers servicing Armadale, Glen Iris, Hawksburn, Kooyong, Malvern, Malvern East, Prahran, South Yarra, Toorak, Windsor.

Navigating the Development Application (DA) process within the City of Stonnington presents unique challenges, especially concerning traffic and parking compliance. The risk of a non-compliant report causing costly delays or outright rejection is a primary concern for developers, architects, and planners. Locating clear, consolidated information on the council’s specific policies can be a significant hurdle. This is why a meticulous, expert-led approach is essential when undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council. This professional guide is designed to eliminate that uncertainty and provide a direct pathway to compliance.

Here, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the entire process from start to finish. You will gain access to a detailed checklist of Stonnington Council’s specific requirements, learn to identify when a Traffic Impact Assessment is mandatory, and understand the technical standards your report must meet. Our objective is to equip you with the necessary information to prepare a robust, compliant DA submission that withstands scrutiny, ensuring a smoother and more predictable approval timeline for your project.

Key Takeaways

• A compliant traffic report must directly address Stonnington Council’s core objectives of managing congestion, ensuring road safety, and protecting local amenity.

• Discover the mandatory components and correct report structure that council planners expect to see to avoid unnecessary delays with your application.

• Successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council requires specific knowledge of the area’s unique policies, not just generic standards.

• Follow a proven, step-by-step process to ensure your Development Application’s traffic assessment is prepared efficiently and correctly from the outset.

Table of Contents

• Why Stonnington Council Requires a Traffic & Parking Impact Assessment

• Key Components of a Compliant Stonnington Traffic Report

• Navigating Stonnington’s Specific Policies and Local Context

• The TIA Process with ML Traffic Engineers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Stonnington Council Requires a Traffic & Parking Impact Assessment

Stonnington Council mandates a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment (TIA) for many Development Applications (DA) to uphold its core responsibilities. The primary objectives are to manage traffic congestion, ensure road safety for all users, and protect the local amenity, including the availability of on-street parking for existing residents. For developers, understanding the necessity of undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council is a critical first step towards a successful planning permit application.

A TIA is a specialised technical report that provides a detailed analysis of a proposed development’s effect on the local transport network. It uses established principles of Traffic engineering to quantify anticipated traffic generation, assess car parking demand, and evaluate the safety and efficiency of access points. Submitting a comprehensive report is not optional; it is a fundamental requirement to demonstrate that a project’s impact is acceptable and can be managed effectively.

The Purpose of a TIA in the Stonnington Planning Scheme

The requirement for a TIA is embedded within the Stonnington Planning Scheme. It serves as a crucial tool for the council’s planning department to make informed and evidence-based decisions. The report provides objective data on how a development aligns with strategic transport policies, ensuring that new projects contribute positively to the municipality without overburdening existing infrastructure or compromising public safety. It is the primary evidence used to assess traffic and parking compliance.

Common Development Triggers for a TIA in Stonnington

While council discretion plays a role, a TIA is typically required in specific scenarios where the potential for traffic or parking impact is significant. These triggers often include:

• Developments proposing 10 or more new car parking spaces.

• Land uses that generate high traffic volumes, such as childcare centres, medical facilities, or supermarkets.

• Applications for a ‘change of use’ that intensifies site activity (e.g., converting a retail shop into a restaurant or bar).

• Proposals seeking a reduction in the statutory car parking requirements.

Consequences of an Inadequate or Missing Report

Failing to provide a TIA, or submitting a report that is substandard, inevitably leads to significant project delays. The most common outcome is a Request for Further Information (RFI) from the council, which halts the assessment process. This extends timelines, increases holding costs, and can require expensive revisions. In cases where the traffic and parking impacts cannot be justified, the ultimate risk is the outright refusal of the planning permit.

Key Components of a Compliant Stonnington Traffic Report

A successful development application depends on a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) report that is clear, evidence-based, and structured in a way that Stonnington Council’s planners can efficiently assess. A compliant report follows a logical sequence, addressing all potential traffic and parking concerns methodically. This structure is not arbitrary; it is the professional standard required when Undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council.

The report must present a complete picture, from the current environment to the post-development scenario, ensuring all technical aspects are addressed with professional diligence. The following sections form the backbone of a robust TIA.

Existing Conditions Analysis

This foundational section establishes the baseline conditions of the site and its surrounding transport network. It requires a thorough on-site investigation and data collection exercise to accurately document the current environment. Key data points include:

• Traffic Surveys: Measuring current vehicle volumes, types, and speeds on adjacent roads.

• Parking Surveys: Assessing the existing on-street and off-street parking supply and occupancy rates.

• Crash Data Analysis: Reviewing historical crash records from VicRoads to identify any existing safety issues.

• Local Infrastructure: Documenting the availability and quality of public transport, pedestrian footpaths, and cyclist facilities.

Parking Demand and Supply Assessment

This component directly addresses whether the proposed car parking provision is adequate and appropriate. The assessment begins with the statutory requirements outlined in Clause 52.06 of the Stonnington Planning Scheme. Where a development proposes a parking provision that differs from these rates, a detailed Car Parking Demand Assessment is required to justify the variation based on first principles. The proposed supply must also be evaluated against the strategic objectives of documents like the Stonnington Integrated Transport Plan, which may support reduced parking in areas well-serviced by public transport.

Traffic Generation, Distribution, and Impact

Here, the report quantifies the traffic impact of the proposed development. The methodology involves estimating the number of vehicle trips the new land use will generate, typically using VicRoads-accepted rates. These new trips are then distributed onto the local road network. The subsequent impact on key intersections is analysed for performance metrics like delays and queuing, following established technical procedures detailed in sources like the VicRoads’ Guide to Traffic Management. This analysis is critical to demonstrating that the local network can safely accommodate the additional traffic.

Access, Internal Layout, and Swept Path Analysis

This final technical section focuses on the safety and functionality of the development’s design. It assesses vehicle access points for safe sight lines and compliant gradients. The internal car park layout, including aisle widths, bay dimensions, and ramp grades, must strictly adhere to Australian Standard AS 2890.1. Critically, a Swept Path Analysis is performed using software to verify that design vehicles-from standard cars to waste collection trucks-can manoeuvre safely and efficiently throughout the site without conflict.

Navigating Stonnington’s Specific Policies and Local Context

A generic traffic report is insufficient for a development application within the City of Stonnington. A successful outcome requires a deep understanding of the local context, from congested corridors like Chapel Street and Toorak Road to significant residential parking pressures. Effectively undertaking traffic and car parking impact assessments in Stonnington Council means moving beyond standard state guidelines and addressing the specific, nuanced requirements of the municipality.

This requires a detailed, localised approach that considers Council’s strategic objectives and on-the-ground realities.

Alignment with the Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS)

Stonnington Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy prioritises a shift away from private vehicle dependency towards sustainable transport modes. Your Traffic Impact Assessment must demonstrate clear alignment with these goals. This involves more than just calculating vehicle trips; it requires a detailed analysis of how the development supports or enhances:

• Pedestrian network connectivity and safety.

• Cycling infrastructure and provision of end-of-trip facilities (e.g., secure bike parking).

• Integration with nearby public transport services, including trams and trains.

Addressing these elements proactively demonstrates a commitment to Council’s vision, improving the likelihood of a favourable outcome.

Addressing Parking Precinct Plans & On-Street Parking

On-street parking is a highly contested resource in many parts of Stonnington, particularly in commercial and high-density residential areas like South Yarra and Prahran. In response, Council has implemented specific Parking Precinct Plans. These policies, detailed within the Stonnington Planning Scheme, often impose unique car parking rates that differ from the standard statutory requirements. A robust on-street parking occupancy survey is therefore frequently essential to justify the proposed parking provision and prove the development will not exacerbate existing local parking shortfalls.

Liaising with Council’s Traffic Engineers

Proactive engagement with Council’s traffic engineering department is a critical, yet often overlooked, step. A pre-application meeting can clarify specific assessment requirements, identify potential issues early, and de-risk the entire planning permit process. This collaborative approach avoids costly redesigns and delays. The senior consultants at ML Traffic have extensive experience in these negotiations, leveraging decades of local knowledge to achieve practical and compliant outcomes. You can review our credentials and direct experience working with councils across Melbourne.

The TIA Process with ML Traffic Engineers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding council requirements is the first step; the next is executing the assessment efficiently and correctly. At ML Traffic Engineers, we have refined a structured, four-step process designed to deliver comprehensive reports that meet council expectations and support your development application. Our approach demystifies the engagement by providing clarity, efficiency, and a clear path to compliance when undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council.

Step 1: Project Briefing and Fee Proposal

The process begins when you provide our team with your project plans and relevant development details. Based on this information, we prepare a detailed, fixed-fee proposal. This document clearly outlines the full scope of work, methodology, and deliverables, ensuring complete transparency with no hidden costs. You will know exactly what to expect from the outset.

Step 2: Data Collection and Site Investigation

A robust report is built on accurate, real-world data. Our traffic engineering team conducts on-site investigations to gather essential information. This typically includes performing traffic counts on surrounding roads, undertaking parking occupancy surveys, and thoroughly documenting the existing conditions of the local transport network. This evidence-based foundation is crucial for a credible and defensible assessment.

Step 3: Technical Analysis and Report Preparation

With the data collected, our senior engineers apply rigorous technical analysis and modelling. We assess traffic generation, parking demand, access arrangements, and the operational impact of your development on the road network. The final report is drafted to the highest professional standard, specifically addressing all relevant requirements and clauses within the Stonnington Planning Scheme to ensure a compliant and robust submission.

Step 4: Submission Support and Council Liaison

Upon completion, we deliver the final Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment report in a PDF format, ready for submission with your Development Application. Our engagement does not end there. We remain available to liaise with the council’s traffic engineers and respond to any questions or requests for further information, ensuring a smooth assessment process. Explore our full range of traffic engineering services to see how we can support your project from start to finish.

Secure Your Stonnington Development Approval

Successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council is a critical step that demands specialist expertise. A compliant report is not a formality; it must precisely address the council’s unique planning policies and local traffic context to avoid costly delays. The success of your development application hinges on the quality and authority of this technical documentation.

With over 30 years of experience and a proven track record within the City of Stonnington, ML Traffic Engineers provides the expert guidance required. Our reports are prepared exclusively by senior, registered traffic engineers, ensuring your submission meets council’s stringent standards from the outset.

To secure a compliant, professional assessment for your development, contact us for an obligation-free fee proposal for your Stonnington project. Let our expertise clear the way for your approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a traffic assessment for a Stonnington project typically take?

A standard traffic impact assessment for a development application in Stonnington typically requires 1 to 2 weeks for completion. This timeline allows for a thorough site inspection, necessary data collection, and detailed analysis of traffic generation and parking demand. More complex projects, such as those requiring on-street parking surveys or detailed intersection analysis, may extend this timeframe to 3 weeks. We provide a clear project schedule upon engagement to ensure transparency and meet your submission deadlines.

What is the average cost of a traffic and parking report for a DA in Stonnington?

The cost for a professional traffic and parking report for a Development Application (DA) in Stonnington varies based on the scale and complexity of the proposal. For a straightforward residential or small commercial development, costs typically range from A$1,800 to A$3,500 plus GST. Larger, more complex projects that require extensive data collection, swept path diagrams for large vehicles, or detailed intersection modelling will incur higher fees. We provide a fixed-fee proposal detailing all inclusions upfront.

Can a negative traffic impact assessment be overcome with mitigation measures?

Yes, a potentially negative traffic impact finding can often be addressed through effective mitigation measures. Our role as experienced consultants is to identify these impacts early and propose viable solutions. These can include physical works like intersection upgrades or line marking changes, or implementing a Travel Demand Management (TDM) plan to encourage sustainable transport use. The key is to demonstrate to Council that the net impact of the development, with mitigation, is acceptable and manageable.

Does my small-scale renovation or extension require a traffic report?

Generally, minor internal renovations or small extensions that do not alter car parking arrangements or add a new dwelling do not require a traffic report. However, a report becomes necessary if your project involves changes to a driveway or crossover, alters the number of car parking spaces provided, or intensifies the land use, such as adding a second dwelling on the lot. It is always best to confirm requirements with Council or a qualified traffic consultant.

How does Stonnington Council assess developments that propose a reduction in car parking?

Stonnington Council assesses proposals with a car parking reduction against the specific requirements of Clause 52.06 of the Stonnington Planning Scheme. To justify a reduction, a comprehensive Car Parking Demand Assessment must be prepared. This report analyses factors such as proximity to high-quality public transport, availability of on-street parking, and the specific trip-generating characteristics of the proposed land use. The goal is to demonstrate that the proposed parking supply is sufficient for the development’s needs.

What are the key differences between Stonnington’s requirements and those of neighbouring councils?

While neighbouring councils like Boroondara or Glen Eira also follow the Victorian Planning Provisions, Stonnington has unique local policies reflecting its high-density, inner-urban context. Key differences often relate to stricter assessments of on-street parking impacts, specific design standards for vehicle crossovers, and a more rigorous justification process for car parking reductions. Undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Stonnington Council therefore requires a deep understanding of these specific local policies and precedents.