NILLUMBIK PLANNING SCHEME
--/--/20-Proposed C81
SCHEDULE 14 TO THE SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE OVERLAY
Shown on the planning scheme map as SLO14
SUBURBAN RURAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA
1.0
Statement of nature and key elements of landscape
--/--/20-Proposed C81
The Suburban Rural Landscape Character Area consists of predominantly low density
residential land located to the west of Yan Yean Road and north of Greensborough,
including the local villages of Yarrambat and Plenty. Roads are typically lined by grassed
swales and native vegetation located in grassed verges. Remnant native vegetation is
scattered throughout this area. Dwellings on large allotments are generally set back from
road frontages on hillsides. Front gardens are landscaped and contain both native and/or
exotic plantings and rustic elements such as post and wire fencing. These factors help to
create a semi-rural landscape character. Gaps in vegetation, both within road reserves and
private properties, afford intermittent views across cleared undulating land. Other areas,
such as Vista Court, have a more formal character created by large, relatively new
dwellings set within predominantly cleared landscaped grounds featuring formal sealed
driveways and exotic plantings.
Future Character Statement
This Character Area will continue to provide low density residential living opportunities
within a semi-rural setting, in close proximity to the built-up areas of the Shire and nearby
Whittlesea. Residential land will continue to be developed with lot sizes that meet the
requirements of the Low Density Residential Zone. Small scale farming activities/hobby
farms will contribute to the rural character and amenity of the area.
Dwellings will be of low to medium scale and maintain a small building footprint, setback
from property boundaries, with landscaped surrounds. Storage areas, outbuildings and
other structures will be limited. Low open style fencing, native gardens and a lack of
formal kerbing and footpaths will contribute to the Area's semi-rural, informal and spacious
landscape character. Vegetation cover will continue to be strengthened over time, with the
establishment of additional landscaping of locally appropriate native species set amongst
pockets of remnant trees.
2.0
Landscape character objective to be achieved
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To maintain the open, rural character of the area.
To minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures in open, cleared areas and
visually prominent locations such as ridgelines.
To maintain a balance between natural and settled landscapes.
To protect clusters of remnant vegetation.
3.0
--/--/20-Proposed C81
Permit requirement
A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop a substantial tree. This does not apply:
 If the lopping of a tree is undertaken to assist its regeneration.
 If the tree is dead.
 To the partial removal or lopping of branches directly overhanging dwellings, garages
or outbuildings to the extent that they no longer overhang the building.
 To the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation specified in the Schedule of
Exemptions to Clause 52.17 as not requiring a permit.
 To the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation in accordance with Clause 52.48.
 To the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation specified in the Nillumbik Shire
Council Environmental Weeds List.
SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE OVERLAY – SCHEDULE 14
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NILLUMBIK PLANNING SCHEME
A permit is not required to construct a building or construct or carry out works for:
 An alteration or extension (including an outbuilding normal to a dwelling) to an
existing dwelling or building used for agriculture provided all of the following are met:

The height of the alteration or extension is less than 7 metres above the natural
ground level;

The alteration or extension is located at least 5 metres from the base of any
substantial native tree;

The floor area of the alteration or extension to an existing dwelling is less than
50 percent of the gross floor area of the existing building or 100 square metres,
whichever is the lesser;

The floor area of the alteration or extension to an existing outbuilding or building
used for agriculture is less than 10 percent of the gross floor area of the existing
building or 100 square metres, whichever is the lesser;

The external surfaces, including roofs and walls, of the alteration or extension are
clad and maintained in non-reflective materials coloured in muted tones;

The top of the roof line of the alteration or extension is lower than the top of the
ridgeline located directly behind the site of the extension or alteration.
 A new building used for agriculture provided all of the following are met:

The height of the building is no more than 7 metres above the natural ground level;

The building is located on land with a slope of no more than 1 in 5;

The floor area of the building is no more than 100 square metres;

The building is setback at least 5 metres from the base of any substantial tree;

The building is setback 100 metres from a Road Zone Category 1 or 20 metres from
any other road;

The top of the roof line of the alteration or extension is lower than the top of the
ridgeline located directly behind the site of the extension or alteration; and

The external surfaces, including roofs and walls, of the building are clad and
maintained in non-reflective materials coloured in muted tones.
 A horticultural structure provided all of the following are met:

The external surfaces, including roofs and walls of the horticultural structure are
clad and maintained in non-reflective materials coloured in muted tones;

The horticultural structure is located at least 5 metres from the base of any
substantial tree;

The horticultural structure is setback 100 metres from a Road Zone Category 1 or
20 metres from any other road; and

The top of the roof line of the horticultural structure is lower than the top of the
ridgeline located directly behind the site of the horticultural structure.
A permit is required to construct a fence. This does not apply to:
 Open post and wire fences of less than 1.2 metres in height.
 Post and mesh wire rabbit proof fences of less than 1.2 metres in height.
 Temporary fencing for construction sites.
 Transparent safety fence for a swimming pool located in the immediate vicinity of the
swimming pool.
A permit is required for earthworks that comprise more than 1 metre cut or fill.
Meaning of terms
For the purpose of this clause a ‘substantial tree’ means a tree that has a diameter at
breast height (DBH) greater than 0.16m at 1.4m above the ground.
For the purpose of this clause a ‘substantial tree’ means a tree hat has a diameter at breast
height (DBH) greater than 0.16m at 1.4m above the ground.
SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE OVERLAY – SCHEDULE 14
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NILLUMBIK PLANNING SCHEME
4.0
Application requirements
--/--/20-5.0
An application must be accompanied by a landscape plan showing proposed landscape
works and plantings.
Proposed C81
5.0
Decision guidelines
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Before deciding on an application, the responsible authority must consider as appropriate:
Vegetation and Landscaping
 The type, extent, quality and significance of any tree to be removed.
 The extent and type (species) of new planting.
 The extent to which any proposed landscaping screens buildings and structures viewed
from road corridors and public spaces.
 The extent to which the siting of the proposed buildings and works has minimised the
need for the removal of native vegetation.
Views and Vistas
 Whether the proposed development will maintain views from public land and road
reserves towards hill faces and ridgelines.
 Whether the proposed development will maintain views of Kinglake National Park.
 The cumulative impact of all buildings and works visible from road reserves and public
land on the landscape character of the area.
Buildings and Structures
 The extent to which the development follows the natural topography of the land and
minimises the need for earthworks.
 The prominence of the building along ridgelines, hill faces and elevated areas when
viewed from a road reserve or public land.
 The setback of the building from property boundaries, river and creek corridors and
roads.
 The scale, massing and roof form of the building.
 Whether the proposed development sits below the existing tree canopy.
 Whether the proposed development utilises non-reflective materials coloured and
maintained in muted tones that are consistent with the natural setting.
 The location and siting of tennis courts.
Rural Buildings and Structures
 The scale and siting of the proposed buildings and structures.
 Whether the proposed development utilises non-reflective materials coloured and
maintained in muted tones that are consistent with the natural setting.
Fencing, Access and Driveways
 The height and materials used to construct any proposed fencing.
 The extent to which roads, access tracks, driveways and car parking areas conform with
the topography and maintain vegetation as a screen.
 The materials used to construct the proposed road base, access track or driveway.
6.0
--/--/20-Proposed C81
Reference Documents
Nillumbik Landscape Character Assessment (Planisphere, 2009).
Suburban Rural Design Guidelines (Nillumbik Shire Council, March 2015).
SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE OVERLAY – SCHEDULE 14
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