Open Pastures Design Guidelines
March 2015
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
The Shire of Nillumbik includes a diverse range of landscapes, ranging from the open
rolling agricultural pastures in the west, to the dense bushland surrounding the Kinglake
National Park to the east. The municipality is valued for its high environmental and
landscape qualities associated with the Kinglake National Park, Yarra and Plenty Rivers,
Diamond Creek and Metropolitan water storages, such as Sugarloaf Reservoir. The
Shire's high scenic quality and natural beauty, combined with its proximity to Melbourne,
makes Nillumbik a popular place to live and visit (Planisphere, 2009).
The significance of Green Wedge landscapes (or non-urban areas) within the Nillumbik
Shire has been assessed in the Nillumbik Landscape Character Assessment, December
2009 (Planisphere). This report found that ‘all parts of the Green Wedge area have a high
degree of landscape significance within the context of the municipality and the broader
region’.
The Shire’s non-urban areas have been divided into seven ‘Landscape Character Areas’
based on common physical, environmental and cultural conditions; such as the density of
settlement, pattern of viewing, land use, vegetation, topography, or special landscape
features.

SLO8: Open Pastures

SLO9: Rolling Valleys

SLO10: Undulating Agricultural

SLO11: Bushy Slopes

SLO12: Agricultural Uplands

SLO13: River Interface

SLO14: Suburban Rural
Each Character Area has an established landscape character and significance, and future
character directions and objectives have been developed to provide a basis from which to
manage the rate and scale of landscape change across the area. Based on the level of
significance identified for each Character Area and the degree of threat to this significance
posed by landscape changes that have already occurred, or may occur in the future, 7
schedules to the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) have been applied to the Shire’s
Green Wedge landscapes. The SLOs seek to achieve a level of landscape protection and
management that is warranted for the particular landscape character significance and
sensitivity to development that has been identified for each Character Area.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Introduction
The integrity of Nillumbik's Green Wedge landscapes is often threatened by developments
that do not respond to the local characteristics of the area. It is therefore important to
ensure that new development within the Shire contributes positively to the surrounding
environment. Good site planning and building design are essential if new developments
are to respect and reinforce the existing character of the Green Wedge landscapes.
Purpose
The purpose of the Landscape Management Design Guidelines is to provide guidance in
relation to the design, siting, style and landscaping of new development so that the
existing landscape character and visual amenity of Nillumbik's Green Wedge landscapes
is not compromised by new development, but is protected and strengthened for future
generations. It is the intention of these Guidelines that new development in the Shire’s
non-urban areas should fit into its existing setting and complement the established
landscape character of the area. The Guidelines should be used by anyone involved in the
planning and development process (i.e. landowners, designers, builders, Council etc) to
better understand how to suitably respond to the planning policies and design controls
associated with the Green Wedge landscapes of the Nillumbik Shire.
Where the guidelines apply
The Guidelines generally apply to all land within the non-urban areas of the Nillumbik
Shire, covered by Schedules 6 to 12 of the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) of the
Nillumbik Planning Scheme.
How to use the guidelines
The SLO schedule which applies to each of the Character Areas sets out objectives and
development requirements to protect an enhance the landscape character of the area.
These Guidelines should be used to better understand how to appropriately respond to the
design and development requirements of the SLO. How a proposed development
responds to the objectives and design responses of these Guidelines is also a matter
Council must consider in order to make a decision on any planning permit application
affected by the SLO.
The non-urban areas of the Shire are also subject to a range of other planning scheme
provisions. The majority of non-urban areas are either zoned Rural Conservation Zone or
Green Wedge Zone, which both have an emphasis on environmental and landscape
conservation values. Other zones which apply to non-urban areas include Public
Conservation and Resource Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Public and Special Use
Zones and Public Park and Recreation Zone. In addition, there are a number of other
planning scheme overlays covering parts of the Shire’s Green Wedge landscapes that
include the Environmental Significance Overlay, Design and Development Overlay,
Development Plan Overlay, Bushfire Management Overlay, Restructure Overlay and
Heritage Overlay. Each of overlay has specific objectives and requirements relating to
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
development. Together, these Guidelines, the Nillumbik Planning Scheme provisions and
the CFA ‘Landscaping for Bushfire’ guidelines should be used to assist in the design
phases for all new development within the Shire’s Green Wedge landscapes. There will
likely be a need to strike a balance between vegetation and landscaping objectives of the
Design Guidelines and the Bushfire Management Overlay requirements. As a result; it may
not always be possible to achieve all of the vegetation and landscaping objectives of these
Guidelines.
Guidelines structure
The Nillumbik Landscape Management Design Guidelines have been separated into two
parts that include the following:
Part A: Character Area Description:
This section includes a map and brief description of the Character Area, its significance,
attributes and pattern of viewing, as well as threats to significance. Each Character Area
description also includes a future character direction statement and a series of landscape
character objectives which describe how to achieve the future direction.
Part B: Design Guidelines:
This section includes both general and specific objectives and design guidance that
responds to the landscape character assets and significance of each of the Character
Areas. The purpose of the Design Guidelines is to assist landowners in siting and
designing buildings, structures and other site works for new development within the Shire’s
Green Wedge landscapes that requires a planning permit under the provisions of the SLO
of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.
Application requirements
An application must be accompanied by the following information to the satisfaction of the
Nillumbik Shire Council:
Site Analysis Plan
Provides detailed analysis of the natural and manmade features of the site including
landform (contours at 1m intervals), drainage lines and waterways, existing exotic and
native vegetation, existing buildings, adjoining land uses, key views to and from the site
and climatic factors. The Site Analysis Plan also identifies opportunities and constraints
that affect future development of the land.
Overall Site Plan
Details the boundaries and dimensions of the site, adjoining roads, relevant ground levels,
the location and layout of existing and proposed buildings and works, driveways, services
and proposed landscape areas. The Overall Site Plan should respond to the site features,
and the constraints and opportunities identified in the Site Analysis.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Landscape Plan
Includes a description of native vegetation to be planted, the surfaces to be constructed,
screening of buildings and structures from main road/ key viewing corridors and within
open areas by native vegetation. The Landscape Plan should include a response to the
CFA ‘Landscaping for Bushfire’ guidelines and other relevant bushfire risk management
policies.
Significant Landscape Overlay 8: Open Pastures
The Open Pastures Character Area comprises flat to gently rolling agricultural pastures
adjoining the north-eastern fringe of the Metropolitan Urban Growth Boundary. The Area
has been substantially cleared for pasture, with occasional remnant native trees and
mature exotic shelter belts throughout. Within paddocks, scattered agricultural buildings
provide a contrast with the broad acres of open pasture. The rolling topography and
sparse vegetation affords excellent outviews, particularly towards the Kinglake National
Park, which forms a dominant landscape backdrop to the north. The Area is characterised
by an overall sense of openness, where the absence of buildings provides a sharp
contrast to the adjoining urban residential land to the west.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Key Attributes

Open rural landscape with gently rolling topography.

Long range views to the backdrop of the Kinglake NationalPark.

Scattered native vegetation/mature shelter belts.

Feeling of openness/spaciousness.
Pattern of Viewing
Views tend to be long distance, particularly from the elevated sections of Yan Yean Road
and Ridge Road, with extensive outviews across undulating pastures, terminating at the
vegetated hill slopes of the Kinglake National Park. Large open skies are a key feature of
viewing within this Character Area. Deep Creek Road provides a more intimate viewing
experience with outviews limited to the more immediate topography and roadside
vegetation. Key viewing corridors are highlighted in orange on the map opposite.
Threats to Character

Built form in prominent locations and along ridgelines/buildings and structures that
break the skyline

Conspicuous buildings and structures located in views towards the Kinglake National
Park.

Dominance of horticultural/agricultural structures in the landscape.

Loss of native shelterbelts/native vegetation.

Built form lining road corridors/ribbon development.

Loss of productive agricultural land.

Subdivision of large lots for hobby farming and residential purposes.

Urban and suburban styles of residential development (e.g. large scale buildings with
large areas of hard surfaces, long driveways and formal exotic garden design and
fencing).

Development of utility installations (e.g. telecommunications towers, electricity supply
lines).

Excessive lighting on private property (e.g. lighting of driveways, pathways and
vegetation etc).

Weeds/pest plants and animals e.g. rabbits.

Land degradation-drought, overgrazing.

Bushfires.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Indicators of Significance/Key Sites

The Open Pastures Character Area is recognised as a scenic non-urban landscape
with strong agricultural and landscape values under the Green Wedge Zone in the
Nillumbik Planning Scheme.

A number of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites occur in the Character Area.

Many parts of the Character Area are subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay
in recognition of sites of Faunal and Habitat significance.
Future Character Direction
The character and diversity of the Open Pastures Character Area will be maintained by
encouraging the continuation of agricultural and grazing activities, while improving the
native vegetation linkages through plantings in paddocks and along watercourses
Character Area 1 will retain its scenic, rural aspect with views to distant ranges a key
feature when viewed from roads and other publicly accessible vantage points. The
pastures will continue to be characterised by a sense of openness, maintained by siting
built form back from roads or integrating with existing vegetation where it occurs. Ribbon
development of residences along roads will be avoided. Visible hill faces and ridgelines,
particularly those visible from main road corridors, will be protected from intrusive
development in order to maintain views to the mountain backdrop.
Landscape Character Objectives

To maintain the character of an open rural landscape with gently rolling topography.

To protect views to the Kinglake National Park which forms a backdrop to this Area.

To maintain remnant vegetation.

To minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures within this open landscape.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
1
Vegetation & Landscaping
1.1
Objectives

To protect and enhance indigenous vegetation as a key character element of the
Green Wedge areas, particularly at roadsides, along river and creek corridors.

To ensure vegetation continues to positively contribute to the landscapes of the Green
Wedge.
1.2
Design Response
a. Protect and, where necessary, rehabilitate significant stands of vegetation,
particularly on prominent hill faces/ridgelines, at roadsides, along river and creek
corridors, subject to considerations such as fire protection, safety and bushfire
recovery.
b. Minimise vegetation removal in new development. Development which requires
removal of any vegetation should aim to replace or rehabilitate an equivalent
vegetation cover using locally appropriate species.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
c. Screen buildings, structures and large areas of hard surfaces with appropriately
scaled informal landscaping, suitable to the landscape character of the area.
d. Remove environmental weeds and replace with local native and indigenous
species, particularly those that are drought- resistant and have fire retardant
properties.
e. 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.
f. Landscaping and vegetation retention should maintain an area of defendable space
around habitable buildings. Refer to the CFA 'Landscaping for Bushfire' guidelines
for specific measurements and vegetation types.
g. Reinforce vegetative linkages to natural features such as creek environs and public
recreation locations.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Refer also to the Native Vegetation Clauses of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme (Clauses
12.01 and 52.17), and the State Government’s Native Vegetation Management: A
Framework for Action.
Avoid

Loss of significant stands of vegetation, particularly on prominent hill faces/ridgelines,
at roadsides, along river and creek corridors.

Ad-hoc clearing and removal of vegetation.

Development which requires 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 spreading/planting of environmental weeds.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
2
Views & Vistas
2.1
Objectives
To preserve and enhance scenic views of the Kinglake National Park and surrounding
environs, as viewed from main roads and other publicly accessible locations.
To maintain the visual prominence of highly vegetated hill slopes and riverbanks, which
form an important part of the amenity and character of the Green Wedge.
2.2
Design Response
a. Site buildings, structures and other infrastructure away from prominent views
available from main roads/key viewing corridors and other publicly accessible
locations.
b. Design and site buildings, structures and other infrastructure which occurs in the
foreground (up to 1 kilometre) of views of the Kinglake National Park, to not
adversely affect the character and quality of these views, unless it can be shown
that equivalent publicly accessible vistas are available nearby.
c. Consider the cumulative impact of developments visible from main roads/ key
viewing corridors on the character of the roadside environment and surrounding
landscapes.
d. 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 the adjoining
Whittlesea municipality.
e. Design vegetation planting and regeneration works to retain views towards the
Kinglake National Park where possible.
Avoid

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 hill slopes and riverbanks
along river corridors.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines

Loss of the current balance between natural and cultivated/settled landscapes.

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.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
3
Buildings & Structures: Siting
3.1
Objectives

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.
3.2
Design Response
a. Site buildings and structures:

in groups/clusters to consolidate building footprints.

away from visually prominent locations such as ridgelines, hill faces and elevated
areas;

below the alignment of ridgelines to ensure silhouetting against the skyline does not
occur.

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; and

amongst existing vegetation and/or in areas where substantial landscaping of locally
appropriate species is proposed.
b. If the site is in an area that is cleared of vegetation ensure substantial landscaping
is proposed.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Avoid

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 do not follow the natural contours of the site, and require excessive cut
and fill.

Buildings and structures set close to property boundaries and roads.

Buildings and structures which impact on the character and environmental quality of
watercourses.

Buildings and structures that do not have sufficient vegetative screening.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
4
Buildings & Structures: Design
4.1
Objectives

To design buildings and structures to reflect the natural topography and complement
the landscape character of the area.

To ensure that buildings and structures are designed so that they do not visually
dominate the landscape.

To ensure buildings and structures demonstrate a high standard of contemporary
design and respond to the principles of environmental sustainability.
4.2
Design Response
a. Design new development to respond to the character of its surrounds, and not
derive from urban building forms and styles.
b. Building height and massing should:

be of a scale and design, which does not dominate the surrounding environment;

achieve a minimal building footprint, ensuring that adequate space is available on the
site for the retention of existing vegetation and /or new landscaping;
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines

disaggregate the massing of larger buildings and avoid excessive symmetry in plan or
elevation;

recess and articulate upper level(s) to reduce the dominance of the upper level and
impacts in terms of overlooking and visual bulk;

flow with and emphasise the topography by adapting building footprints and including
level changes to follow the natural form of the landscape; and

use building forms and heights which sit beneath the dominant tree height.
c. Building materials and design detail should:

use simple detailing;

have visible roofs, eaves and verandahs;

use external materials that are appropriate to their natural setting (e.g. timber, stone,
corrugated iron, mud brick render). Bricks and other rendered surfaces should be used
only as minor elements of a building’s exterior; and
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines

be constructed of non-reflective materials and finishes in muted tones which reduce
distant visibility (e.g. darker colours on hill slopes, within vegetated areas and lighter
colours on skylines).
d. Design buildings to incorporate principles of environmental sustainability:

maximise energy efficiency with regard to solar access, heat loss, cross ventilation,
and the thermal capacity of materials; and

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.
Avoid

Buildings or structures that do not harmonise with the character of the surrounding
environment.

Large, bulky building masses/footprints that are conspicuous elements within the
spacious setting of the site.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines

Buildings or structures which require substantial vegetation removal.

Bland, boxy, unarticulated building forms.

Sheer, visually dominant elevations.

Buildings that do not follow the natural contours of the site, and require excessive cut
and fill.

Buildings and structures that protrude above the dominant tree height of the vegetated
(or proposed vegetated) backdrop.

Mock historical style housing, poorly proportioned, with excessive use of ‘reproduction’
or decorative detailing.

Overuse of heavy looking materials such as masonry or brick detailing.

Use of reflective building materials, such as zincalume, in visually exposed areas.
The following palette provides a summary illustration of the external materials, colours and
finishes that are considered to complement the natural setting of Nillumbik's Green Wedge
Areas and those materials, colours and finishes that should be avoided.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
5
Rural Buildings & Structures
5.1
Objectives

To accommodate agricultural/horticultural land uses without detracting from the natural
landscape character and environmental qualities of the area.
5.2
Design Response
a. Design new buildings and structures for agricultural/rural activities to harmonise
with the existing landscape setting of the area;
b. Shade materials, hail netting, glasshouses and large machinery or equipment sheds
should be sited and designed to minimise visual impacts on the surrounding
landscape. Where possible, locate agricultural buildings and structures within
existing clusters of buildings, and screen with vegetation of locally appropriate
species.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Refer to Buildings and Structures: Siting above.
c. Encourage the use of temporary netting/sheeting, in preference to permanent
structures, where possible. Where netting/sheeting must be erected as a permanent
structure, encourage open sides.
d. Encourage the use of dark, muted colours and materials (e.g. green, black or grey)
for structures, ground surfaces and netting/sheeting of orchards, which blend in
visually with the surrounding landscape, unless it can be demonstrated that
particular colours are necessary to enhance function.
e. Limit site coverage of structures that cover cultivated land (e.g. greenhouses,
igloos, hail, shade and pest netting).
f. Minimise storage areas/outbuildings.
Avoid

Agricultural/rural buildings and structures (e.g. horse ménages, agricultural machinery
sheds) located in areas where they do not complement the existing landscape
character.

Permanent netting/sheeting structures, where possible.

Lightly coloured or reflective materials and colours being used for all structures, ground
surfaces and netting/orchard sheeting.

Loss of the current balance between the natural landscape character of the area and
agricultural land use/activities and structures.

Scattering of structures across a site and visual clutter.

Numerous storage areas/outbuildings on a site.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
6
Infrastructure & Signage
6.1
Objectives
To minimise the visual impact of infrastructure and signage on the landscape, particularly
when visible from main road/ key viewing corridors and other publicly accessible locations.
6.2
Design Response
a. Locate infrastructure, such as powerlines and other utility services, underground
wherever possible.
b. 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.
c. Minimise the intensity, size and extent of both public and private signage and
advertising:
d. consolidate signage and advertising into a single location or locate on a building in
a manner that complements the architecture, where possible;
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
e. visually coordinate signage in both the public and private realm through use of
colours that harmonise with the surrounding landscape;
f. 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;
g. limit public realm roadside signage to safety and directional signage, as far as
reasonably possible; and
h. limit private signage to business identification signs only, as far as reasonably
possible.
Refer also to Clause 52.05 Advertising Signs of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.
Avoid

Large scale or linear landscape changes which disrupt the 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.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
7
Property Entrances, Front Boundary Fencing & Gates
7.1
Objectives
To minimise the visual impact of property entrances, front boundary fencing and gates on
the landscape, particularly when visible from main road/ key viewing corridors and other
publicly accessible locations.
7.2
Design Response
a. Construct front boundary fencing and entry gateways to a low height and/or use
traditional materials (e.g. timber, post and wire) or materials that harmonise with the
surrounding landscape character and allow a view to the property frontage.
b. Use landscaping with locally appropriate species to screen unsightly materials or
equipment along property frontages.
c. Formal avenues of trees should not detract from the landscape character of the
area.
d. Minimise the use of lighting at property frontages, as per guidelines in Section 9.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
Avoid

Property entrances, front boundary fencing and gates that dominate the landscape.

Front boundary treatments that include urban or suburban-style fences and
landscaping.

Large entry features, particularly in heavy materials such as brick, wrought iron, cast
iron or concrete.

High front boundary fences that enclose and conceal the property frontage, where the
property frontage adds to the landscape character of the area.

Tree avenues that are not consistent with the landscape character of the area.

Excessive use of lighting at property frontages.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
8
Car Parking, Formed Driveways & Roads
8.1
Objectives

To minimise the visual impact of car parking, formed driveways, access tracks and
roads on the landscape, particularly when visible from main road/ key viewing corridors
and other publicly accessible locations.
8.2
Design Response
a. Site and design roads, access tracks, driveways and car parking areas to reduce
visual intrusion by following the topography and maintaining vegetation as a screen.
b. In highly visible locations, use dark, locally sourced material for gravel roads and
driveways where possible.
c. Site buildings and structures to utilise existing access roads and car parks where
possible.
d. Retain unsealed roads, access tracks and driveways as an important character
element, as far as reasonably possible.
e. Limit the extent of large hard/paved surfaces, including driveways, yards, car parks,
footpaths, and roads, in both the private and public domain.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
f. Locate on site parking for vehicles at the rear of buildings.
Avoid

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 are 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 roads, access tracks and driveways where it may not be
absolutely essential. (e.g. use of concrete kerb, channel, footpath and roundabouts).

Car parking areas located between the road frontage and buildings on the site.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
9
Lighting
9.1
Objectives
To reduce the intrusive effects of lighting on the natural environment.
9.2
Design Response
a. Consider the cumulative visual impact of interior and exterior lighting visible from all
publicly accessible locations, on the landscape character of the area.
b. Restrict permanently installed exterior lighting (including advertising signs,
driveways, ménages and tennis courts) to areas necessary for safety and security
purposes.
c. Lighting should be functional, not purely decorative, and a modest element within
the overall landscape.
d. Contain light spillage from exterior lighting on private property to within property
boundaries. Use landscaping to prevent spillage into adjoining properties.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
e. Prioritise interior lighting systems that emit minimal light on the outdoor
environment.
f. Consider the environmental effects of interior and exterior artificial night lighting on
local ecological communities.
g. Restrict lighting for advertising to business operating hours, as far as reasonably
possible.
Avoid

Interior and exterior lighting that has a negative impact on the landscape character of
the area.

Large areas of non-essential lighting.

Obtrusive lighting that contributes to distraction, discomfort, or reduces the ability of a
person to see essential information such as road signs and signal lights.

Lighting for purely decorative purposes (e.g. highlighting of vegetation and property
entrances).

Excessive spill of exterior lighting (including advertising signs, driveways, ménages and
tennis courts).

Interior and exterior lighting systems which have a negative effect on the surrounding
outdoor environment, including local wildlife.

Advertising lighting that extends beyond business operating hours.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines
10
Tennis Courts and Ménages
10.1
Objectives
To minimise the visual impact of private tennis courts and ménages on the landscape,
particularly when visible from main road/ key viewing corridors and other publicly
accessible locations.
10.2
Design Response
a. Tennis courts and ménages should be appropriately sited to maintain the sense of
spaciousness in the landscape and minimise visibility, particularly when visible from
main road corridors and other publicly accessible locations. Tennis courts and
ménages should:

be sited with existing clusters of buildings/structures;

be set back from watercourses and roads;

be sited as to minimise the area of exposed batter/embankment and avoid excessive
disturbance to existing topography;

utilise surface colours that harmonise with the surrounding landscape;

be set amongst existing vegetation, and/or landscaping of locally appropriate species;

be sited in a location that requires minimal vegetation removal; and
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines

be sited and constructed to minimise the effects of the tennis courts and ménages on
nearby properties.
Refer to Clause 52.21 Private Tennis Courts of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.
Avoid

Tennis Courts and ménages which are highly visible and/or located in prominent
locations.

Tennis Courts and ménages that are set close to watercourses or roads.

Excessive disturbance to existing topography.

Tennis Courts and ménages which have a negative impact on the spacious landscape
character of the area.

Tennis Courts and ménages located in rural/agricultural areas where they detract from
the prominent land use characteristics of the area.

Visually dominant elevations as a result of excessive cut and fill.

Lack of sufficient vegetative screening/landscaping.

Tennis Courts and ménages sited in locations which require substantial vegetation
removal.

Negative impacts on nearby properties.
Nillumbik Shire Council - Open Pastures Design Guidelines