vegetation continues to positively contribute to the landscapes of the Green Wedge. vegetation cover using locally appropriate species. (A landscape plan is required to accompany development applications for buildings and structures, particularly in highly visible locations such as prominent hill faces/ ridgelines). Maintain the continuity and dominance of tall vegetation along the Yarra and Plenty River corridors, particularly in locations that are visible from areas of high public access. Screen buildings, structures and large areas of hard surfaces with appropriately scaled informal landscaping, suitable to the landscape character of the area. Consider the existing landscape character of the area as a guide to the selection of vegetation and the layout of private gardens and public spaces, extending the existing character into private and public domain landscaping. Reinforce vegetative linkages to natural features such as the Kinglake National Park, Yarra and Plenty Rivers, creek environs and other public recreation locations. Encourage the removal of environmental weeds and their replacement with local native and indigenous species, particularly those that are vegetation. Development which requires permanent clearing of vegetation. Lack of landscaping and substantial vegetation in new development. Reduction in the overall vegetation coverage of the area. Landscaping that provides little connection to the surrounding natural environment and existing landscape character. Formal landscape design (e.g. geometrically aligned tree avenues/ large areas of lawn/ formal garden beds). Hard surfaces and hard edges in landscaping. Continuous
drought- resistant and have fire retardant properties. Refer also to the Native Vegetation Clauses of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme (Clauses 15.09 and 52.17), and the State Government’s Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. spreading/ planting of environmental weeds. Views & Vistas To preserve and enhance scenic views of the Kinglake National Park, the Yarra and Plenty River corridors and their surrounding environs, as viewed from main roads and other publicly accessible locations. To maintain the visual prominence of highly vegetated hillslopes and riverbanks, which form an important part of the amenity and character of the Green Wedge. Site buildings, structures and other infrastructure away from prominent views available from main roads/ key viewing corridors and other publicly accessible locations. Design and site buildings, structures and other infrastructure which occurs in the foreground (up to 1 kilometre) of views of the Kinglake National Park, so as to not adversely affect the character and quality of these views, unless it can be shown that equivalent publicly accessible vistas are available nearby. Design and site buildings, structures and other infrastructure which occurs in the immediate foreground (up to 1 kilometre) of the Yarra and Plenty River corridors, so as to not adversely affect the character and quality of views of the vegetated hillslopes and riverbanks. Consider the cumulative impact of developments visible from main roads/ key viewing Unsympathetic/ intrusive buildings and structures that obscure prominent views. Conspicuous or incongruous (out of place) buildings, structures or infrastructure visible in the foreground of views of the Kinglake National Park. Loss of publicly accessible views of the highly vegetated hillslopes and riverbanks along river corridors. Loss of the current balance between natural and cultivated/ settled landscapes.
corridors on the character of the roadside environment and surrounding landscapes. Consider the impact of developments on immediate views within the area, as well as back into the Shire as viewed from the Kinglake National Park and adjoining municipalities (e.g. Whittlesea, Manningham and Yarra Ranges). Design vegetation planting and regeneration works to retain views towards the Kinglake National Park where possible. Conspicuous or incongruous (out of place) buildings, structures or infrastructure which are highly visible from surrounding municipalities. Vegetation that disrupts prominent views towards the Kinglake National Park. Buildings & Structures: Siting To site buildings and structures to reflect the natural topography and complement the landscape character of the area. To ensure that buildings and structures are sited so that they do not visually dominate the landscape. Site buildings and structures: away from visually prominent locations such as ridge lines, hill faces and elevated areas; to minimise the area of exposed batter/ embankment and avoid excessive disturbance to existing topography; to be set back from property boundaries, river and creek corridors and roads; outside of areas that are significantly cleared of vegetation, unless substantial landscaping is proposed; to be set amongst existing vegetation and/ or developed with substantial landscaping of locally appropriate species. Refer also to Clause 22.04 Siting and Design Policy for Buildings and Works in Non-Urban Areas Loss of the existing landscape character where the spacious nature and absence of buildings are key characteristics of the area. Buildings and structures which are highly visible or located in prominent locations. Buildings and structures which break the ridgeline silhouette. Buildings that
materials and finishes which reduce distant visibility (e.g. darker colours on hill slopes, and lighter colours on skylines); Design buildings to incorporate principles of environmental sustainability: maximise energy efficiency principles with regard to solar access, heat loss, cross ventilation, and the thermal capacity of materials; orient buildings to optimise thermal performance, utilise natural light and protect solar access for future development; Refer also to the Building Code of Australia, ResCode and Council’s Environmental Sustainability Policies. materials such as masonry or brick detailing. Highly reflective glazing and roofing materials. Building design that has little or no regard to environmentally sustainable design practices, such as buildings with excessive western or southern orientation. Rural dependant land uses & structures To accommodate agricultural/ horticultural land uses without detracting from the natural landscape character and environmental qualities of the area. Design new buildings and structures for agricultural/ rural activities to harmomise with existing landscape setting of the area. Shade materials, hail netting, glasshouses and large machinery or equipment sheds should be sited and designed so that they do not dominate the surrounding landscape. Where possible, locate agricultural infrastructure within existing clusters of buildings and screen with vegetation of locally appropriate species. (Refer to Buildings and Conspicuous agricultural/ rural land uses and structures that dominate the landscape. Agricultural/ rural land uses and structures (e.g. horse ménages, orchards, agricultural machinery) located in areas where they do
the landscape, particularly when visible from main road corridors and other publicly accessible locations. Design tall or dominant structures to minimise the need for vegetation removal on prominent hill faces and along skylines, particularly in areas which are highly visible to the public. Where vegetation removal cannot be avoided, dominant structures should be appropriately screened. Minimise the intensity, size and extent of both public and private signage and advertising: consolidate signage and advertising into a single location or locate on a building in a manner that complements the architecture, where possible; visually coordinate signage in both the public and private realm use colours that harmonise with the surrounding landscape; signage illumination, if any, should be appropriate to its function and the need for its visibility after dark. Illumination should be by external means, such as baffled floodlights, rather than internal illumination; limit public realm roadside signage to safety and directional signage, as far as reasonably possible; limit private signage to business identification signs only, as far as reasonably possible. Refer also to Clause 52.05 scenic character of the area. Landscape ‘scarring’ resulting from the removal of vegetation for infrastructure. Signage that lacks visual coordination and/ or has a negative impact on the surrounding landscape/ built form. Large, visually dominant or brightly coloured infrastructure and signage, particularly internally illuminated signs. Continuous strips of roadside signage and advertising. Signage clutter/ non-essential signage.
area. Excessive use of lighting at property frontages. Car Parking, Formed Driveways & Roads To minimise the visual impact of car parking, formed driveways, access tracks and roads on the landscape, particularly when visible from main road corridors and other publicly accessible locations. Site and design roads, access tracks, driveways and car parking areas to reduce visual intrusion by conforming to topography and maintaining vegetation as a screen. In highly visible locations, use dark, locally sourced material for gravel roads and driveways where possible. Site buildings and structures to utilise existing access roads and car parks where possible. Protect unsealed roads, access tracks and driveways as an important character element, as far as reasonably possible. Limit the extent of large hard/ paved surfaces, including driveways, yards, car parks, footpaths, and roads, in both the private and public domain. Locate on site parking for vehicles at the rear of buildings. Prominent roads, access tracks, driveways and car parking areas which cause visual ‘scarring’ of the landscape. Straight roads that do not reflect the natural contour of the slope. Roads, access tracks and driveways which require the removal of substantial vegetation or constructed of bright and/ or highly contrasting materials. Construction of additional roads and car parking areas, where existing infrastructure is adequate. Sealing or ‘urbanising’ of
removal. Negative impacts on nearby properties. Edges & Interfaces To manage development at the edge of urban residential areas, green wedge townships and rural settlements, so that the landscape character of the Green Wedge is maintained. Define clear boundaries for the extent of growth of the existing urban residential areas, green wedge townships and rural settlements, based on the protection of the surrounding natural landscape character of the Green Wedge. Existing urban residential areas, green wedge townships and rural settlements should not extend beyond current boundaries, and continue to be set back from watercourses. Encourage buildings at the edges of urban residential areas, green wedge townships and rural settlements, to create a (softened with vegetation) and an identifiable boundary to the adjoining spacious landscape. No new townships or settlements should be developed in the Green Wedge. Expansion of existing urban residential areas, green wedge townships and rural settlements beyond current boundaries. Ribbon development along roads. Buildings and structures encroaching on the natural river and creek environs. Unclear edges to urban residential areas, green wedge townships and rural settlements. The establishment of new townships or settlements within the Green Wedge.
(LDRZ and TZ only) animals. A permit is required for the removal of native vegetation. Areas covered by a Significant Landscape Overlay require a permit for the removal of any native vegetation. current scheme. Note that some exceptions to permit requirements are currently in place to aid the bushfire recovery process (refer to clause 52.38). Shelter belts There is no specific clause/s relating to shelter belts within the current planning scheme. Under clause 52.17 a permit is required for the removal of native vegetation. Generally native shelterbelts are preferred over exotic, however most farm owners use exotic species given the flexibility to remove without obtaining a permit. If native vegetation is preferred, there should be an exception to the current controls to allow the removal of native vegetation if planted as a shelterbelt. Views & Vistas There is no specific clause/s relating to views and vistas within the current planning scheme. Protection of ‘key views’ is addressed through objectives within a range of different clauses. ‘Key views’ are addressed throughout the scheme without any specifics on what ‘key views’ are, and where they occur. More specific guidance is needed within the current scheme. ‘Key views’ need to be better defined and locations need to be recognised. Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO.
Buildings & Structures* Siting Design All Zones have some level of control over the siting and design of buildings and structures. Clause 22.04- Siting and Design Policy for Buildings and Works in Non-Urban Areas Clause 21.05-3 Environment, Conservation and Landscape Clause 22.12 Neighbourhood Character (LDRZ and TZ only) Clause 22.13 Wildfire Management Policy Current local policy encourages ‘the appropriate and respectful siting and design of dwellings and structures’ and discourages ‘the use of bright, contrasting and reflective materials’. Emphasis is given to the protection of ridgelines and hilltops. Clause 22.13 lists specific design and siting considerations for areas covered by the Wildfire Management Overlay. Objectives within current local policy provide very general guidance regarding siting and design. Controls need to be ‘tightened’ in order to avoid the sorts of issues that are still occurring. E.g. buildings on hilltops/ ridgelines, reflective materials and finishes, numerous outbuildings etc. Landscape Management Guidelines will provide guidance in response to siting and design issues that are occurring across the Shire. Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO. Rural Rural sheds Clause 21.03-2 Rural Land Use Clause 21.03-2 aims to protect Rural sheds, horse Implement Landscape
Land Uses & Structures Clause 22.03 Residential Use and Development on Small lots in Green Wedge Areas Clause 57 Metropolitan Green Wedge Land agricultural land for its productive potential and environmental value. Clause 22.03 seeks to restrict residential use and development to that which clearly contributes to the defined values of the Rural Conservation Zone and the Green Wedge Zone. Clause 57 aims to protect productive agricultural land/ green wedge land from uses and development that are incompatible with the non-urban character of the area. ménages, orchard netting/ sheeting and dams are all part of a working agricultural environment and are therefore generally accepted as an element that adds to the character of the landscape. These land uses and structures have the potential to become a threat to the valued characteristics of the landscape where they begin to dominate the landscape and destroy the existing ‘balance’. Dams pose a particular threat to the environmental Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO.
values of the area and local fauna populations. Horse ménages Clause 21.03-2 Rural Land Use Clause 57 Metropolitan Green Wedge Land There is no specific clause/s relating to horse ménages within the current planning scheme. Clause 21.03-2 (as above) Clause 57 (as above) A permit is not required to construct a horse ménage. The permit application process would be triggered under removal of vegetation or earthworks, if required by an Overlay controls. Horse ménages can be an attribute to the agricultural landscape character of particular areas. However, ménages can become a threat to the character of the area where they dominate the surrounding landscape particularly in areas that have a natural bushland character. Rural sheds, horse ménages, orchard netting/ sheeting, dams and other rural dependant land uses and structures will be encouraged in locations where they contribute to the character of the area. Where this is not possible (ie Bushy Slopes Character Area), Landscape Management Guidelines will aim to reduce any negative impacts that these land uses and structures may have on the landscape. The area of land used for horticultural Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO.
and agricultural purposes will be monitored so that the elements listed do not become a threat to the valued characteristics of the area. Orchard Clause 21.03-2 Rural Land Use Clause 57 Metropolitan Green Wedge Land There is no specific clause/s relating to orchard netting within the current planning scheme. Clause 21.03-2 (as above) Clause 57 (as above) Netting/ sheeting that requires a permanent structure constitutes buildings or works therefore requires a permit. No controls exist for netting that ‘drapes’ over orchards. Dams Clause 21.03-2 Rural Land Use Clause 57 Metropolitan Green Wedge Land There is no specific clause/s relating to dams within the current planning scheme. There is concern that further subdivision or development of land for purposes may encourage the construction of more dams for individual water sources. This
could have implications on downstream waterways and kangaroo numbers. & Signage Public and private realm signage Clause 22.09 Signage Policy Clause 52.05 Advertising Signs Current policy applies ‘sensitivity’ categories to particular zones. Within these zones (which include all of the study area) there is a high level of statutory control over advertising signs. Signage is currently not a major issue within Nillumbik. However, with the likelihood of future economic development occurring, potential threats regarding signage need to be predetermined. Signage will be addressed as an element within the Landscape Management Guidelines to provide further direction. No additional statutory planning controls are required. Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO. Large scale services (e.g electrical pylons) Clause 22.04- Siting and Design Policy for Buildings and Works in Non-Urban Areas Clause 52.19 Facility Current controls state that proposed infrastructure services should be screened wherever possible. Infrastructure is encouraged to be sited in locations General objectives within an SLO schedule could further emphasise options to mitigate the impact of infrastructure Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s
to avoid the sorts of issues that are still occurring. E.g. ‘Grand’ entrance gates in rural areas, solid impermeable fencing etc. Car Parking, Formed Driveways & Roads Clause 22.04- Siting and Design Policy for Buildings and Works in Non-Urban Areas. Clause 22.12 Neighbourhood Character (LDRZ and TZ only) Clause 52.06 Car Parking There is no specific clause/s relating to driveways within the current planning scheme. Clause 52.06 Car Parking generally applies to the built up areas within the shire. There is no specific policy relating to private areas of car parking, driveways and internal roads in the current planning scheme, however Neighbourhood Character objectives apply to the areas of land zoned LDRZ and TZ. Objectives relating to car parking, driveways and internal roads within the current Neighbourhood Character policy need to be applied to a wider area within the Shire. Specific guidelines relating to car parking, formed driveways and roads will be introduced as an element within the Landscape Management Guidelines. Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO. Lighting Lighting There are no Lighting is Lighting will be Implement
within the public and private realms specific clause/s relating to lighting within the current planning scheme. generally not addressed within the planning scheme. addressed as an element within the Landscape Management Guidelines to provide further direction in regards to the impact that lighting can have on landscape character. Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO. Tennis Courts Clause 52.21 Private Tennis Court Clause 57 Metropolitan Green Wedge Land Overlay provisions regarding buildings and works or vegetation removal A permit is not required to construct or illuminate a private tennis court if the Code of Practice is met. This specifies the maximum extent of earthworks and vegetation removal without a permit. A permit is required to construct or illuminate a private tennis court if the land falls within an ESO, VPO, SLO, HO, UFZ, FO or LSIO and the overlay includes buildings and works or vegetation removal Under the current clause, a permit is required to construct a tennis court within an SLO area. A shire wide SLO will ensure that any proposal for a tennis court can be tested against the objectives of the relevant Character Area. Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO.
provisions. The purpose of clause 52.21 is to ensure that tennis courts used in association with a dwelling are sited and constructed to minimise the effect of the development on nearby properties. Clause 57 aims to protect productive agricultural land/ Green Wedge land from uses and development that are incompatible with the non-urban character of the area. Edges & Interfaces Edges to Townships & There is no specific clause/s relating to ribbon development/ township sprawl within the current planning scheme. However, a number of State policies aim to prevent issues such as township sprawl from occurring. Ribbon development and township sprawl is a potential issue within the Shire but should be well covered through existing planning scheme/ state policies. The current Urban Growth Boundary wraps around the three Green Wedge Townships within the Shire The option to apply the Urban Growth Boundary around the low density residential area between Plenty and Yarrambat is currently being discussed and should be seriously considered. Edges & Interfaces will Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO.
be addressed as part of the Landscape Management Guidelines. Other Issues of Large Lots Clause 21.05-2 Rural Land Use Clause 21.05-3 Environment, Conservation and Landscape Clause 22.02 Subdivision in Green Wedge Areas Clause 56 Residential Subdivision (TZ only) Clause 57 Metropolitan Green Wedge Land A permit is required to subdivide land. Controls apply to large sites (particularly in rural areas) to prevent subdivision into smaller lots for residential purposes. Lots within the GWZ must be at least 40 hectares. A permit may be granted for smaller lots based on certain conditions held in the planning scheme. Lot size requirements with the RCZ vary based on 5 schedules and range from 1 to 40 hectares. While subdivision was mentioned as an issue, it was determined that lot size was not the issue, rather it was the inappropriate siting and design of buildings and Landscape Management Guidelines will assist with the assessment of subdivision applications in terms of building siting and design, eg. siting of buildings away from areas of sensitivity such as ridgelines. An outline development plan needs to be submitted with applications. Implement Landscape Objectives and Guidelines through new schedule/s to the SLO. Require the of an outline plan with any application for subdivision through the zone schedule.