Nillumbik Planning Scheme
Schedule 13 To The Significant Landscape Overlay
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Shown on the planning scheme map as SLO13
River Interface Landscape Character Area
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Statement of nature and key elements of landscape
The Yarra and Plenty Rivers form the edges of the southern and western
Nillumbik Shire boundary, respectively. Although geographically separate,
these areas are both characterised by steep, highly vegetated hill slopes that
form the interface between the major river corridors and the more settled areas
of the Shire. Built form is generally sporadic and interspersed, often set high up
on steep topography, immersed in the natural surroundings. Remnant native
vegetation is a key feature of the area, particularly dominant at roadsides and
along the immediate river and creek valleys. Scenic views from the river
corridors themselves, and from main roads and other public recreation locations
capture the surrounding forested gullies and vegetated hill slopes, where
inconspicuous built form is subsidiary to the natural landscape.
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Future character statement
The natural character of waterways will continue to be protected and enhanced.
This area will continue to present a highly vegetated interface between the
major river corridors and the more settled areas of the Shire. Settlement will be
contained within existing built-up areas of the Shire, and development will
continue in a manner, which protects the scenic, vegetated setting and views
from roads, townships and public recreation areas.
Buildings and structures will be screened by vegetation and / or sited away from
prominent hill faces and hilltops. Remnant native vegetation will be maintained
as a dominant feature, particularly at roadsides and along the immediate river
and creek valleys. Expansion of the native vegetation cover will be encouraged
with linkages forming across cleared hill faces towards the river environs.
Protection and rehabilitation of waterways for environmental and scenic values
will be encouraged.
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Landscape character objective to be achieved
To protect the strong presence of native vegetation along the edge of the river
corridors.
To design and site buildings and structures to blend into the surrounding
bushland setting and complement the steep topography.
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 13
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To preserve scenic views from the river corridors to surrounding waterways,
hills and gullies.
To minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures within open areas of
the landscape.
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Permit requirement
A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop a substantial native 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.
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;
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 13
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Nillumbik Planning Scheme

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 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 ‘horticultural structure’ means a structure,
which provides a controlled growing environment for horticulture or plant
nursery use, including plastic igloos, shade houses and glasshouses.
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Application requirements
An application must be accompanied by a landscape plan showing proposed
landscape works and plantings.
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Decision guidelines
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
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Nillumbik Planning Scheme

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.
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Reference Documents
Nillumbik Landscape Character Assessment (Planisphere, 2009).
River Interface Design Guidelines (Nillumbik Shire Council, March 2015)
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 13
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