Blog - Change of Plan

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November 12, 2025

A Tale of Two Residential Zones in Melbourne

Posted at 08:47h in Housing, Planning Controls 0 Comments

What are the differences and similarities between the Housing Choice and Transport Zone and the Residential Growth Zone? At a broad level the intent of both zones is to support/encourage increased residential development, so why are they both applied? Purpose of the Zone The HCTZ has had...

May 02, 2024

What to Consider When Buying Land With an Approved Planning Permit

Posted at 15:34h in Housing, Property Information

I thought I would share a couple of things to considering when purchasing a property with an approved planning permit already on it. This post is especially relevant when you are considering a site for a multi unit development. Of course there are many checks and...

April 23, 2024

What is an Activity Centre Zone?

Posted at 10:04h in Commercial/Industrial, Planning Controls, Property Information

The Activity Centre Zone is a zone that has been created to facilitate development and land use planning within an activity centre. Unlike most other zones, the types of uses allowed are determined by the Council, which allows for a bespoke planning control, unique for the...

March 27, 2024

Case Study: Parkdale Townhouse Development

Posted at 10:46h in Case Study

Using Strategic Direction For a Favourable Outcome The Proposal The project was for the construction of four townhouses, with a mixture of double and triple storey townhouses. The site is located on busy Nepean Highway, within a residential area, but close to nearby shops and commercial...

February 26, 2024

Bushfire Management Overlay Explained

Posted at 14:15h in Planning Controls, Planning Process

What Is A Bushfire Management Overlay? A Bushfire Management Overlay or BMO is an Overlay that identifies an area where there is a bushfire hazard. The purpose of the BMO is to ensure that future development is only permitted where the risk to life and property...

February 07, 2024

Transport Zones Explained

Posted at 14:11h in Planning Controls, Property Information

Is your property adjacent to a Transport Zone? Not sure what that means? Read on for information on how it might affect you. When looking at a Planning Certificate or Zoning Map of your property, you might see that the land is adjacent to a different...