Nillumbik Planning Scheme
--/--/20--
Schedule 10 To The Significant Landscape Overlay
Proposed
C81
Shown on the planning scheme map as SLO10
Undulating Agricultural Character Area
1
--/--/20--
Proposed
C81
Statement of nature and key elements of landscape
The Undulating Agricultural Character Area provides a scenic transition
between the open rural pastures to the north, the heavily vegetated areas to the
east and the built up urban residential areas to the south of the Shire.
Comparatively open and predominantly agricultural, the area is characterised
by farms and residences set on gently undulating topography with occasional
shelterbelts and patches of remnant indigenous vegetation. Large areas of
dense native vegetation occur throughout, particularly along roadsides and
creek corridors towards the north east. Two creek lines run through the north of
the area, where small rural settlements are nestled amongst the vegetated
creek corridors. A dominant rural character is evident across the mosaic of
agricultural, natural and settled landscapes that occupy this area.
Future Character Statement
The Undulating Agricultural Character Area will continue to provide an open
and rural aspect of medium scale cultivation interspersed with occasional
shelterbelts and patches of dense vegetation. The rural landscape character
will be maintained by limiting development and non-agricultural land uses that
detract from this character. Gradual evolution of the agricultural character will
be encouraged including new farming practices and crops (e.g. orchards and
vineyards), and revegetation of less productive agricultural land and areas of
environmental degradation.
The pattern of agricultural, natural and settled landscapes will be maintained by
protecting remnant native vegetation and the openness of hillsides and carefully
integrating buildings, settlements and infrastructure. Vegetation patterns will be
maintained with a mix of established exotic vegetation and native remnants
2
Landscape character objective to be achieved
To maintain the rural, agricultural character of the area.
--/--/20-Proposed
C81
To protect clusters of remnant vegetation.
To minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures within this open
landscape.
To maintain a balance between natural and settled landscapes.
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 10
PAGE 1 OF 3
Nillumbik Planning Scheme
3
--/--/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 unless it forms part of a
shelter belt.

If the tree is not indigenous to Victoria unless it forms part of a shelter belt.
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;
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 10
PAGE 2 OF 3
Nillumbik Planning Scheme



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.
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 10
PAGE 3 OF 3
Nillumbik Planning Scheme
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 0.16 m at 1.4m above the ground.
For the purpose of this clause a ‘shelter belt’ is a line of trees that provides
protection from wind.
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.
--/--/20-Proposed
C81
4
Application requirements
An application must be accompanied by a landscape plan showing proposed
landscape works and plantings.
5
Decision guidelines
--/--/20-Proposed
C81
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 the proposed landscaping screens buildings and
structures viewed from road corridors and public land.

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 toward hill faces and ridgelines.

Whether the proposed development will maintain views of Kinglake National
Park.

Whether the proposed development will maintain views of the Yarra and
Plenty River corridors.

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.
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 10
PAGE 4 OF 3
Nillumbik Planning Scheme

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
confirm with the topography and maintain vegetation as a screen.

The materials used to construct the proposed road base, access track or
driveway.
6
--/--/20-Proposed
C81
Reference Documents
Nillumbik Landscape Character Assessment (Planisphere, 2009).
Undulating Agricultural Design Guidelines (Nillumbik Shire Council, March
2015).
Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 10
PAGE 5 OF 3