Riddells Creek
Neighbourhood Character
Precinct Profiles
July 2015
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Introduction
These neighbourhood character precinct profiles were developed as background material for the
Residential Neighbourhood Character Precincts section of Clause 21.13-5 of the Macedon Ranges
Planning Scheme, including Objectives 8 to 13 of that clause and the related implementation strategies.
The profiles build on preliminary neighbourhood character research that was developed in preparing the
Riddells Creek Structure Plan 2013. This research proposed urban design guidelines for three precincts
which included general residential, low density residential and commercial land.
The neighbourhood character work conducted as part of the Riddells Creek Structure Plan was prepared
based on the residential zones available at the time. Since then, new residential zones have been
introduced into the Victoria Planning Provisions – i.e. the Neighbourhood Residential Zone, the General
Residential Zone and the Residential Growth Zone.
Additional research has been undertaken in 2015 to determine appropriate neighbourhood character
precincts that can be translated into the new suite of zones. The new proposed precincts exclude low
density residential and commercial zoned land which cannot be managed using the new residential
zones.
As a result of this research, some modifications have been made to the areas described in the design
guidelines within the structure plan. A small Town Centre Residential Precinct has been identified as a
discrete area adjacent to the commercial core and the railway station. Other residential areas have been
identified as having an established garden setting character, a more recent modern residential character,
or a rural bushland character on larger lots. The latter area has been divided into three precincts on the
basis of some important defining characteristics, particularly lot size, shape and road frontage.
Methodology
Measurable data regarding lot sizes, site coverage (buildings as % of total lot area) and setbacks of
dwellings from front boundaries was collected and assessed.
Lot size data was collected for each General Residential zoned property. Site coverage and front setback
data was collected for one in every five General Residential Zoned properties.
Data on side and rear setbacks was also tabulated and lot frontage widths assessed based on GIS
mapping and aerial photography. Observable data regarding dwelling eras, forms, building materials,
front fencing and landscaping/vegetation characteristics were gathered from street level observation and
aerial photography. This data is presented in the form of a description and table of key features for each
precinct.
In developing a preferred future character for each precinct, attention has been given to the elements
that most clearly differentiate the character of the precinct from other areas and the degree to which it
can accommodate infill development without detracting from key elements of character.
Implementation
The outcomes of this neighbourhood character review are proposed to be implemented via Amendment
C100. Those elements that can be most effectively managed under provisions of the planning scheme
have been translated into the Objectives and Strategies at Clause 21.13-5 and proposed Schedules to
the General Residential and Neighbourhood Residential Zones.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Map: Riddells Creek Neighbourhood Character Precincts
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct 1: Garden Setting
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct description: Garden Setting
This precinct covers two older residential areas close to Main Road. Wide road reserves in a grid-based
layout mostly lack kerb and channel edges and are characterised by narrow sealed surfaces with swale
drains and informal plantings of medium height street trees.
Lot sizes and depths vary considerably but a large average size, traditional front setbacks and relatively
low levels of site coverage allow for generous garden settings that help define the precinct. 20 metre
frontages are standard apart from some wider lots in the Richardson Street area. Where fences exist
they are generally below 1.2 metres in height and vegetation is often used instead, allowing front gardens
to merge with the road reserve.
Dwellings exhibit varied styles, materials and eras with 1970s to 1990s brick veneer being the most
common style represented. They are almost uniformly single storey and generally detached in form.
Older dwellings generally have a narrow setback on one side and a wider setback on the other,
containing a driveway, with a garage or car port at the side or rear. Newer dwellings mostly include
narrower side setbacks, attached double garages and more surface paving.
Some larger lots remain vacant. Single storey multi-dwelling development has occurred in places and
some of this integrates well with the streetscape in terms of scale and front and side setbacks. Some
multi-dwelling developments exhibit shallow front setbacks with minimal garden landscaping, which is
notably atypical for the precinct.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Key features: Garden Setting
Lot Size
Average 1,300m2 with considerable variation including large undeveloped lots and
smaller lots (below 500m2) in multi-dwelling developments.
Lot Frontage
20m is standard, up to 45m on some lots in Richardson Street.
Site coverage
Mostly 20-40%. Greater than 40% is uncommon except for multi-dwelling sites, some
of which exceed 60% coverage.
Front Setback
Generally 6-9m; less than 3m in some multi-dwelling developments.
Side
Setbacks
Older dwellings: 1-3 metres on one side and 3-5m (accommodating a driveway) on
the other. Newer dwellings 1-3m with no side drive. Building to boundary is rare.
Building
materials
Various; commonly face brick, rendered brick and weatherboard. Pitched roof of tile or
corrugated steel.
Front fences
Absent or lower than 1.2m. Where present, generally open in style - post and wire or
post and rail.
Vegetation
Mature exotic and native trees and shrubs feature in landscaped front gardens. Street
tree plantings not common apart from avenue of exotic trees in Main Street.
Preferred future character
The precinct will maintain a streetscape rhythm of detached single storey dwellings set behind
landscaped front gardens. Building to side boundaries will generally be avoided and garages, carports
and second storey development will not visually dominate dwellings or streetscapes.
The garden setting character of the precinct will be maintained through site coverage and setback
requirements that enable generous private open space and garden planting, and low or absent front
fences that allow views from the street into front gardens.
Infill development will read from the street as single detached dwellings set behind front gardens
characteristic of the precinct. Multi-dwelling development can be accommodated on deeper lots; where
there is an existing front dwelling this should be retained with new dwellings located behind it.
Road reserves will retain wide verges and swale drains. Informal plantings of street trees will increase
over time while the avenue of exotic trees in Main Street will be retained.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct 2: Modern Residential
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct description: Modern Residential
This precinct comprises two newer residential areas east and northeast of the town centre. The precinct
is characterised by post-1980 development in a mostly curvilinear street layout. Some recent
subdivisions have adopted a grid layout and there are examples of very narrow common roadway access
to private cul-de-sacs.
Concrete kerb and channel edging is used extensively, as well as footpaths in the more recent
subdivisions. Front setbacks are conventional, while front fences are rarely used and gardens are
generally formal and sparse. Street tree plantings are yet to reach maturity and canopy cover is low. This
contributes to an open, suburban feel.
The predominant building style is single storey brick dwellings in contemporary or reproduction styles.
Integrated double garages are the norm, with a few examples of rear laneway access to garages.
Dwellings are generally built to the boundary on at least one side.
Lot sizes vary considerably. Some large lots have relatively low site coverage, allowing for large back
yards. In places, larger dwellings on smaller lots have less open space. There is a small number of multidwelling developments in the precinct, in the form of single storey detached or semi-detached units,
compact detached houses on narrow private cul-de-sacs, and semi-detached cottages with rear lane
access.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Key features: Modern Residential
Lot Size
Highly variable; average 1,400m2. Below 300m2 in some multi-dwelling
subdivisions; above 2,000m2 in some areas east of Racecourse Road.
Lot Frontage
Variable: 20-30m is common; 12m on some small lots with rear access.
Site coverage
Mostly 20-40%, increasing to 40-60% on smaller lots. Less than 20% on some
larger sites.
Front Setback
Average 6.9m; generally 3-9m with considerable variation.
Side Setbacks
0-3m is common; some boundary to boundary construction is evident.
Building materials
Typically face brick or rendered brick; weatherboard used in some older dwellings
and newer reproduction styles. Pitched roofs of tile or corrugated steel.
Front fences
Mostly absent; if present, lower than 1.2m.
Vegetation
Intermittent plantings of street trees, still immature. Front yard plantings generally
minimal – open lawns or small shrub plantings. Some use of indigenous canopy
trees.
Preferred future character
The precinct will maintain a streetscape rhythm of detached single storey dwellings set behind
landscaped front gardens. Boundary to boundary development will be avoided and second storey
development will not visually dominate.
Open front gardens will merge into the nature strip, with no or minimal front fencing. Site coverage will be
low enough to enable generous private open space and garden planting. Increasing canopy tree cover
will enhance the garden character of the precinct and hard surface coverage will not increase.
Multi-dwelling development will read from the street as single detached dwellings and 2-3 lot subdivisions
will generally retain the existing front dwelling and locate new dwellings behind it.
New subdivision areas will integrate a greater diversity of housing with public open space within a
permeable network of streets, footpaths and bicycle paths. Crossovers and the visual impact of garages
and hard surfaces will be reduced, creating a softer streetscape that encourages active modes of
transport.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct 3: Town Centre Residential
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct description: Town Centre Residential
This precinct comprises a small residential area close to the town centre shops and station. Dwellings
are mostly detached and single storey and date from diverse eras, although some newer multi-dwelling
development has occurred. There is considerable variation in lot size and frontage, site coverage,
setbacks, orientation to the street and front fencing. Single vehicle crossings are typical and street tree
plantings are minimal.
The proximity of this precinct to the railway station and retail core of the town, along with the lack of a
consistent neighbourhood character, gives this precinct potential to accommodate a greater range of
housing choice. Development above two storeys or sheer two-storey development fronting the street,
however, would be inconsistent with the low-scale character of the precinct and the township as a whole.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Key features: Town Centre Residential
Lot Size
Variable; average 850m2. Below 300m2 in some multi-dwelling subdivisions; up to
1,100m2 on larger house lots.
Lot Frontage
20m is standard.
Site coverage
Average 33%, with variation from 15% on larger lots to 75% on smaller multidwelling sites.
Front Setback
Average 8m; generally 3-9m.
Side Setbacks
Average 3m with variation from 0-10m.
Building materials
Various: face brick, rendered brick and weatherboard. Pitched roofs of tile or
corrugated steel.
Front fences
Mostly lower than 1.2m or absent; some use of 1.5m paling fences at front
boundary.
Vegetation
Minimal plantings of street trees. Front yard plantings variable, including lawn
only, small shrub plantings and some more extensively planted with mature
canopy trees.
Preferred future character
The precinct will allow for increased housing choice over time, while maintaining a low-scale character in
keeping with that of the township as a whole.
Site coverage will be low enough to enable adequate private open space and garden planting. Front
setbacks will be sufficient to allow for enhancement of front garden character, including increased canopy
tree cover. Front fences will be low or absent, allowing for views into front gardens.
Multi-dwelling development will minimise the need for additional crossovers to the street.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precincts 4 to 6: Rural Bushland A, B and C
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct description: Rural Bushland A
This precinct is characterised by very large lots with frontages of at least 30 metres and low site
coverage. Front, side and rear setbacks are deep, creating a sense of rural spaciousness and dwellings
that recede visually behind vegetation. Front gardens are commonly planted informally with indigenous
trees or low shrubs. These blend into similar roadside plantings, as front fences are either absent or
made of unobtrusive post and wire. Roads generally have swale drains rather than kerb and channel
edging.
Low, wide dwellings are universally detached and single storey in form, apart from isolated examples of
second storeys contained in the roof form with attic or dormer windows. Dwellings mostly date from post
1970 and vary in character and materials, with the most common being brick with tile or corrugated steel
roofs. Some dwellings are orientated obliquely to the road frontage.
Lot sizes enable large, open back yards which create a distinctive rural feel. Views of the Macedon
Ranges are a feature of many parts of this precinct.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Key features: Rural Bushland A
Lot Size
Generally between 3,000 and 5,000m2, with a smaller number being 2,0003,000m2
Lot Frontage
30m is standard; 25m on lots facing Gap Road. A small number of wider lots.
Site coverage
Below 30%; below 20% on larger lots.
Front Setback
Mostly over 15m; rarely less than 12m.
Side Setbacks
Generally 3-10m, with examples of 1m; building to boundary is rare.
Building materials
Commonly brick, with pitched roofs of corrugated steel (Colourbond). Rendered
brick, mud brick and weatherboard also used.
Front fences
Absent or post and wire; formal fencing less common. Vegetation often used
instead.
Vegetation
Roadsides: informal planting of indigenous trees, more sparse in the western end
of the precinct. Garden vegetation mostly indigenous.
Preferred future character
The precinct will maintain its characteristic pattern of large lots with wide frontages and substantial
setbacks around dwellings. Detached, low rise dwellings will largely recede within extensive gardens with
minimal or rural-style fencing allowing front gardens to merge with the road reserve. Canopy coverage of
mostly indigenous trees will be retained where it exists and increase over time in more sparsely planted
areas.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct description: Rural Bushland B
This precinct is characterised by very large lots that are wider (commonly 40 metres) and shallower than
those in the other two Rural Bushland precincts. Site coverage is low. Front, side and rear setbacks are
deep, allowing dwellings to recede visually from the road and neighbouring properties.
Front gardens are commonly planted informally with indigenous vegetation including canopy trees,
blending into similar roadside plantings due to front fences being either absent or made of unobtrusive
post and wire. This creates a bushland setting in most of the precinct. Plantation Road has a distinctive
avenue of mature pine trees along the roadside verge, while Edward Street and Main Road are more
open and rural in character. Roads mostly have swale drains rather than kerb and channel edging.
Low, wide dwellings are detached and single storey in form, apart from isolated examples of second
storeys contained in the roof form with attic or dormer windows. Dwellings vary in era and character and
materials, with the most common being brick with tile or corrugated steel roofs. Some dwellings are
orientated obliquely to the road frontage.
Lot sizes and shapes enable large spaces to the side and rear of dwellings which either continue the
bushland vegetation or are more open and rural in nature. Views of the Macedon Ranges are gained
where vegetation allows.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Key features: Rural Bushland B
Lot Size
Generally between 4,000 and 5,000m2, with a smaller number being 2,000-4,000m2
Lot Frontage
40m is standard; a small number of narrower lots (approx. 20m) in Edwards St /
Main Rd area.
Site coverage
Mostly below 20%; 20-30% on isolated smaller lots.
Front Setback
Mostly over 15m; rarely less than 12m.
Side Setbacks
Generally 5-15m, with less than 3m rare. Building to boundary almost non-existent.
Building
materials
Various, most commonly brick, with pitched roofs of corrugated steel (Colourbond).
Front fences
Absent or post and wire; formal fencing less common. Vegetation often used instead.
Vegetation
Roadsides: informal planting of indigenous trees apart from pines in Plantation Road
and exotic avenue along Main Road. Garden vegetation mostly indigenous.
Preferred future character
The precinct will maintain its characteristic pattern of very large lots with a consistent pattern of very wide
frontages and substantial setbacks around dwellings. Detached, low rise dwellings will largely recede
within extensive gardens with minimal or rural-style fencing allowing front gardens to merge with the road
reserve. Canopy coverage of mostly indigenous trees will be retained where it exists and increase over
time in more sparsely planted areas.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Precinct description: Rural Bushland C
This precinct is characterised by very large, very deep lots with frontages of at least 30 metres and low
site coverage. Extensive front, side and rear setbacks create a sense of rural spaciousness and
dwellings recede visually behind vegetation, some to the point of being invisible from the road. Front
gardens are mostly planted informally with indigenous vegetation, while some are landscaped in a rural
homestead style. Front fences are either absent or made of unobtrusive post and wire or post and rail.
Roads have swale drains rather than kerb and channel edging and some are unpaved.
Low, wide dwellings are almost universally detached and single storey in form. Dwellings mostly date
from post 1970 and vary in character and materials, with the most common being brick with tile or
corrugated steel roofs. Some dwellings are orientated obliquely to the road frontage.
Lot sizes enable very deep, open back yards which create a distinctive rural feel, with many lots backing
onto Sandy Creek with a well vegetated riparian zone. Views of the Macedon Ranges are a feature of
many parts of this precinct.
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
Character Precinct Profiles
Key features: Rural Bushland C
Lot Size
Generally between 4,000 and 10,000m2.
Lot Frontage
Mostly 30-40m.
Site coverage
Below 20%; below 10% on larger lots.
Front Setback
Mostly over 20m; over 50m in places. Less than 15m on only a few sites.
Side Setbacks
Generally 3-15m, with 1- 3m in places. Building to boundary almost non-existent.
Building
materials
Various, most commonly brick, with pitched roofs of corrugated steel (Colourbond).
Front fences
Absent or post and wire; formal fencing uncommon. Vegetation often used instead.
Vegetation
Roadsides: informal planting of indigenous trees. Garden vegetation mostly
indigenous; some examples of ‘rural homestead’ style open exotic, plantings.
Preferred future character
The precinct will maintain its characteristic pattern of very large lots with wide frontages and substantial
setbacks around dwellings. Detached, low rise dwellings will largely recede within extensive gardens with
minimal or rural-style fencing allowing front gardens to merge with the road reserve. Canopy coverage of
mostly indigenous trees, the riparian zone along Sandy Creek and the pine trees in Plantation Road will
be retained.