River Interface Design Guidelines

March 2015

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 NationalPark to the east. The municipality is valued for its highenvironmental and landscape qualities associated with theKinglake National Park, Yarra and Plenty Rivers, Diamond Creekand Metropolitan water storages, such as Sugarloaf Reservoir.The Shire's high scenic quality and natural beauty, combinedwith its proximity to Melbourne, makes Nillumbik a popularplace to live and visit (Planisphere, 2009).

The significance of Green Wedge landscapes (or non-urbanareas) within the Nillumbik Shire has been assessed in theNillumbik Landscape Character Assessment, December 2009(Planisphere). This report found that ‘all parts of the GreenWedge area have a high degree of landscape significancewithin 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 densityof 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 characterand significance, and future character directions have beendeveloped to provide a basis from which to manage the rate andscale of landscape change across the area. Based on the level ofsignificance identified for each Character Area and the degree ofthreat to this significance posed by landscape changes that havealready occurred, or may occur in the future, 7 schedules to theSignificant Landscape Overlay (SLO) have been applied to theShire’s Green Wedge landscapes. The SLOs seek to achieve alevel of landscape protection and management that is warrantedfor the particular landscape character significance and sensitivityto development that has been identified for each Character Area.

Introduction

The integrity of Nillumbik's Green Wedge landscapes is oftenthreatened by developments that do not respond to the localcharacteristics of the area. It is therefore important to ensurethat new development within the Shire contributes positively tothe surrounding environment. Good site planning and buildingdesign are essential if new developments are to respect andreinforce the existing character of the Green Wedge landscapes.

Purpose

The purpose of the Landscape Management Design Guidelinesis to provide guidance in relation to the design, siting, styleand landscaping of new development so that the existinglandscape character and visual amenity of Nillumbik's GreenWedge landscapes is not compromised by new development,but is protected and strengthened for future generations. It isthe intention of these Guidelines that new development in theShire’s non-urban areas should fit into its existing setting andcomplement the established landscape character of the area.The Guidelines should be used by anyone involved in the planningand development process (i.e. landowners, designers, builders,Council etc) to better understand how to suitably respond to theplanning policies and design controls associated with the GreenWedge landscapes of the Nillumbik Shire.

Where the guidelines apply

The Guidelines generally apply to all land within the non-urbanareas of the Nillumbik Shire, covered by Schedules 6 to 12 of theSignificant Landscape Overlay (SLO) of the Nillumbik PlanningScheme.

How to use the guidelines

The SLO schedule which applies to each of the Character Areassets out objectives and development requirements to protect anenhance the landscape character of the area. These Guidelinesshould be used to better understand how to appropriatelyrespond to the design and development requirements of the SLO.How a proposed development responds to the objectives anddesign responses of these Guidelines is also a matter Councilmust consider in order to make a decision on any planning permitapplication affected by the SLO.

The non-urban areas of the Shire are also subject to a range ofother planning scheme provisions. The majority of non-urbanareas are either zoned Rural Conservation Zone or Green WedgeZone, which both have an emphasis on environmental andlandscape conservation values. Other zones which apply tonon-urban areas include Public Conservation and Resource Zone,Low Density Residential Zone, Public and Special Use Zonesand Public Park and Recreation Zone. In addition, there are anumber of other planning scheme overlays covering parts of theShire’s Green Wedge landscapes that include the EnvironmentalSignificance Overlay, Design and Development Overlay,Development Plan Overlay, Bushfire Management Overlay,Restructure Overlay and Heritage Overlay. Each of overlay hasspecific objectives and requirements relating to development.Together, these Guidelines, the Nillumbik Planning Schemeprovisions and the CFA ‘Landscaping for Bushfire’ guidelinesshould be used to assist in the design phases for all newdevelopment within the Shire’s Green Wedge landscapes. Therewill likely be a need to strike a balance between vegetationand landscaping objectives of the Design Guidelines and theBushfire Management Overlay requirements. As a result; itmay not always be possible to achieve all of the vegetation andlandscaping objectives of these Guidelines.

Guidelines structure

The Nillumbik Landscape Management Design Guidelines havebeen separated into two parts that include the following:

Part A: Character Area Description:

This section includes amap and brief description of the Character Area, its significance,attributes and pattern of viewing, as well as threats tosignificance. Each Character Area description also includes afuture character direction statement and a series of landscapecharacter objectives which describe how to achieve the futuredirection.

Part B: Design Guidelines:

This section includes both generaland specific objectives and design guidance that responds tothe landscape character assets and significance of each of theCharacter Areas. The purpose of the Design Guidelines is toassist landowners in siting and designing buildings, structuresand other site works for new development within the Shire’sGreen Wedge landscapes that requires a planning permit underthe provisions of the SLO of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.

Application requirements

An application must be accompanied by the following informationto the satisfaction of the Nillumbik Shire Council:

Site Analysis Plan

Provides detailed analysis of the naturaland manmade features of the site including landform (contoursat 1m intervals), drainage lines and waterways, existing exoticand native vegetation, existing buildings, adjoining land uses, keyviews to and from the site and climatic factors. The Site AnalysisPlan also identifies opportunities and constraints that affect futuredevelopment of the land.

Overall Site Plan

Details the boundaries and dimensions ofthe site, adjoining roads, relevant ground levels, the locationand layout of existing and proposed buildings and works,driveways, services and proposed landscape areas. TheOverall Site Plan should respond to the site features, and theconstraints and opportunities identified in the Site Analysis.

Landscape Plan

Includes a description of native vegetationto be planted, the surfaces to be constructed, screening ofbuildings and structures from main road/ key viewing corridorsand within open areas by native vegetation. The Landscape Planshould include a response to the CFA ‘Landscaping for Bushfire’guidelines and other relevant bushfire risk management policies.

Significant Landscape Overlay 13: River Interface

The Yarra and Plenty Rivers form the edges of the southernand western Nillumbik Shire boundary, respectively. Althoughgeographically separate, these Areas are both characterisedby steep, highly vegetated hill slopes that form the interfacebetween the major river corridors and the more settled areasof the Shire. Built form is generally sporadic and interspersed,often set high up on steep topography, immersed in thenatural surroundings. Remnant native vegetation is a keyfeature of the Area, particularly dominant at roadsides andalong the immediate river and creek valleys.

Scenic views from the river corridors themselves, and frommain roads and other public recreation locations capturethe surrounding forested gullies and vegetated hill slopes,where inconspicuous built form is subsidiary to the naturallandscape. Skyline Road provides a scenic unsealed routealong the the high ridges above the Yarra River and throughthe Bend of Islands Environmental Living Zone, offeringexpansive views to the east and south. The character of theRiver Interface Area links to similar landscapes outside of theShire to the south and west.

Key Attributes

  • Highly vegetated hill slopes alongthe river’s edge.
  • Steep topography.
  • Buildings and structures that blend in with the surrounding landscape.
  • Scenic views from the river corridors to surrounding waterways, hills and gullies.
  • Occasional patches of cleared land.

Pattern of Viewing

The Yarra and Plenty River corridors and numerous recreational sites on public land are important locations fromwhich to view the character of this Area. Furthermore, thesteep, vegetated slopes of this Character Area are highlyvisible from public and private land outside of the Shire’sGreen Wedge landscapes. Warrandyte is a picturesquetown located just south of the Shire along the Yarra River,attracting tourists year round. Views from walking tracksalong the Yarra and Plenty Rivers are particularly important.Skyline Road - an unsealed route beginning at a junction inthe Bend of Islands - traverses the high ridges above theYarra River's broadest flood plain and offers expansive viewsacross the Yarra Ranges to the east and Manningham to thesouth. Key viewing corridors are highlighted in orange on themaps below.

Threats to Character

  • Built form/structures in prominent locations and alongridgelines.
  • Buildings and structures which are not compatible with the surrounding landscape and bushland character.
  • Subdivision of larger lots for hobby faming and residential purposes.
  • Elements such as formal exotic gardens, fencing, and large paved or cleared areas which break the dominanceof native vegetation across the landscape.
  • Non-site responsive design.
  • Dominance of horticultural/agricultural structures in the landscape.
  • Loss of native vegetation.
  • Degraded vegetation, particularly on roadsides and along river/creek corridors.
  • Noise proliferation from traffic along main touring routes.
  • Weeds/pest plants and animals e.g. rabbits.
  • Bushfires.

Indicators of Significance/Key Sites

  • The significance of this Character Area is associatedwith the scenic amenity of the Yarra and Plenty Rivercorridors and their surrounding topography and vegetation.The Yarra and Plenty Rivers are important landscape,environmental and recreational resources within theNillumbik Shire and the wider region.
  • Walking tracks alongside the Yarra and Plenty Rivers are valued by the local community and visitors alike, for theirhigh scenic and environmental values.
  • Warrandyte State Park provides opportunities for recreational activities such as walking and picnicking.
  • Set along six kilometres of the Yarra River as it winds though Warrandyte Gorge, the Bend of IslandsEnvironmental Living Zone is a residential area ofapproximately 60 households that work in harmony withnature. This area exists in the Nillumbik planning schemeunder an individual schedule to the Special Use Zone.
  • A number of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites occur in the Character Area, particularly near waterways.
  • Skyline Road and Sugarloaf Reservoir attract some tourist visitation, and are important landscape resources for thelocal community.
  • Many parts of the Character Area are subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay in recognition of sitesof Faunal and Habitat significance.
  • The Yarra and Plenty River environs are subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay in recognition of theirimportant landscape, environmental and recreationalvalues.

Future Character Direction

Waterways are an important landscape feature within the Shireand their natural character will continue to be protected andenhanced. This Character Area will continue to present a highlyvegetated interface between the major river corridors and themore settled areas of the Shire. Settlement will be containedwithin existing built-up areas of the Shire, and developmentwill continue in a manner, which protects the scenic, vegetatedsetting and views from roads, townships and public recreationareas.

Buildings and structures will be screened by vegetation and / orsited away from prominent hill faces and hilltops. Remnant nativevegetation will be maintained as a dominant feature, particularlyat roadsides and along the immediate river and creek valleys.Expansion of the native vegetation cover will be encouragedwith linkages forming across cleared hill faces towards theriver environs. Protection and rehabilitation of waterways forenvironmental and scenic values will be encouraged.

Landscape Character Objectives

  • 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 steeptopography.
  • 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.

1Vegetation & Landscaping

1.1Objectives

  • To protect and enhance indigenous vegetation as a key character element of the Green Wedge areas, particularlyat roadsides, along river and creek corridors.
  • To ensure vegetation continues to positively contribute to the landscapes of the Green Wedge.

1.2Design Response

  1. 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, safetyand bushfire recovery.

  1. Minimise vegetation removal in new development.Development which requires removal of any vegetationshould aim to replace or rehabilitate an equivalentvegetation cover using locally appropriate species.

  1. Maintain the continuity and dominance of tall vegetationalong the Yarra and Plenty River corridors, particularlyin locations that are visible from areas of high publicaccess.
  1. Screen buildings, structures and large areas of hardsurfaces with appropriately scaled informal landscaping,suitable to the landscape character of the area.
  1. Remove environmental weeds and replace with localnative and indigenous species, particularly those that aredrought- resistant and have fire retardant properties.
  2. Consider the existing landscape character of the area asa guide to the selection of vegetation and the layout ofprivate gardens and public spaces, extending the existingcharacter into private and public domain landscaping.
  1. Landscaping and vegetation retention should maintain anarea of defendable space around habitable buildings. Referto the CFA 'Landscaping for Bushfire' guidelines for specificmeasurements and vegetation types.
  2. Reinforce vegetative linkages to natural features such as the Yarra and Plenty Rivers, creek environs and other publicrecreation locations.

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/formalgarden beds).
  • Hard surfaces and hard edges in landscaping.
  • Continuous spreading/planting of environmental weeds.

2Views & Vistas

2.1Objectives

  • To preserve and enhance scenic views of the Yarra and Plenty River corridors and their surrounding environs, asviewed from main roads and other publicly accessiblelocations.
  • To maintain the visual prominence of highly vegetated hill slopes and riverbanks, which form an important partof the amenity and character of the Green Wedge.

2.2Design Response

Site buildings, structures and other infrastructure away from prominent views available from main road/keyviewing corridors and other publicly accessible locations.

  1. Design and site buildings, structures and otherinfrastructure which occurs in the immediate foreground(up to 1 kilometre) of views of the Yarra and Plenty Rivercorridors, to not adversely affect the character and qualityof views of the vegetated hill slopes and riverbanks.
  2. Consider the cumulative impact of developments visible from main road/ key viewing corridors on the characterof the roadside environment and surrounding landscapes.
  3. Consider the impact of developments on immediate views within the area, as well as back into the Shire asviewed from adjoining municipalities (e.g. Whittlesea,Manningham and Yarra Ranges).

Avoid

  • Unsympathetic/intrusive buildings and structures that obscure prominent views.
  • Loss of publicly accessible views of the highly vegetated hill slopes and riverbanks along rivercorridors.
  • 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 fromsurrounding municipalities.

3Buildings & Structures: Siting

3.1Objectives

To site buildings and structures to reflect the natural topography and complement the landscape characterof the area.

To ensure that buildings and structures are sited so that they do not visually dominate the landscape.

3.2Design Response

  1. Site buildings and structures:
  • in groups/clusters to consolidate building footprints.
  • away from visually prominent locations such as ridgelines, hill faces and elevated areas;