Neighbourhood Character

Neighbourhood character is the way buildings, vegetation and the topography relate to each other to produce a visual sense of place. It’s what makes one place different from another. Some characteristics are more important than others in creating this distinctive character.

Planning schemes require that new residential development must respect the existing neighbourhood character or contribute to the preferred neighbourhood character of an area.

Current planning scheme requirements for neighbourhood character

Our Residential Neighbourhood Character Policy includes residential design guidelines in Clause 22.02 of the Banyule Planning Scheme.

These locally prepared guidelines are used by developers to prepare their residential development proposals and by Council to consider received proposals.