Generally there are no minimum block sizes (in Melbourne) and I have seen plenty of 2 unit developments on sites of less than 600sqm, including in Greater Dandenong.  What the councils do is have differing requirements for setbacks, open space, site coverage etc which basically dictate  how much development can go on the land.  Greater Da…[Read more]

There have been some fairly big changes to Greater Dandenongs planning policy and zoning recently.  For example, they generally discourage double storey at the rear of the land now.  So, you might not get approval for a development  like on your neighbours property. Just something to be aware of.  Best to give them a call and see what you can do.

To get a planning permit the majority of the costs will go to the drafting/town planning services rather than the council.  There will be a list of the fees on the Casey website.  All up with advertising fees (which you pay part way through the process) the council fees would probably be in the order of $800-$900.  Typically the unit projects I&…[Read more]

I would start by having a look at the Section 32 which you can get from the agent.  This should contain a full recent copy of the title and plan of subdivision.  This should show if there are any covenants on the title or restrictions/easements on the plan of subdivision.Regards,

Hi Radracer,From a town planning perspective it shouldn't be harder to subdivide in the time frame you gave.  The only negative I can think of is that when it comes time to subdivide the council will expect the development to look like the approved plans and if there are changes that the council want fixed up it may be more costly to do further…[Read more]

Hi Roman,I worked with Felicity Maxwell from Conwell Property Management on a project in Cheltenham.  The website is http://www.comwellproperty.com.au/ .  Not sure if they handle what you need, but they are in the right area of Melbourne.

Hi Paullie,While I also don't work in WA I have seen a council in VIC that has rules around both the battleaxe and the site area.  My thought on the difference between the site area and lot area is that the site area is where the house can be built,  and the lot area includes the driveway which can't be built on, hence the reason that the b…[Read more]

Hi Matt,You've certainly got lots of people wanting to help!  If you are still looking for someone, I work with a number of draftspeople who are based in the bayside area.  I'm happy to pass on contact details if you want to get in touch.Best of luck with the project,

Monty,The "rule" around overlooking is that bedroom and living area windows shouldn't have views into neighbouring windows or backyards.  If you have windows that will look towards your neighbours then as Hrub suggested there are treatments such as opaque glass, high windows or fixed screens that limit the views. Also there is a separate "rule"…[Read more]

I worked for Moreland (planning department) for a short while a couple of years ago and agree that as a Council a lot of what they are doing is very exciting and innovative.  Also when I was there the planners were working hard to get consistent decisions which I think helps.As for Coburg, to me it seems like the equivalent of Surrey Hills. In…[Read more]

Hi Monty,I can't help you with the costs, but I did think of a couple of other things:1. When you are talking of subdividing a property of that size (in Melbourne) you need to start with development plans.  The council will have to approve a design of the unit (and original house) before any subdivision will occur.  As a rule any subdivided lot l…[Read more]

Hi Property Rookie,I work with several architects/draftspeople in the southern suburbs around Melbourne, it depends on which area as they often focus on a couple of suburbs.  If you want to contact me I would be happy to give you some further advice.Regards,

Hi Danny,I would suggest that you have a look at the zoning and overlays for your site as a starting point.  You can get that online from land.vic.gov.au (planning maps online).  Then have a chat to someone as v8ghia suggested.Regards,

Hi Dougaldog,"It depends" somes it up pretty well!  As a first step I would have a look at the Neighbourhood Character Policy, this is one of the local policies for Bayside CC found here: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/PlanningSchemes/bayside/home.htmlOnce you know your area and what is envisaged then you may have a better feel for what density would…[Read more]

Most of the local councils have a planning register on their website, which will contain some details of all new applications received, so you could try having a look at that.  If they don't have one on the website then you can always view one at the council office (they have to provide it).A council planner will generally only search for…[Read more]

I agree  with christianb.  In my experience some designers, builders etc do not understand the planning process, therefore struggle to manage it effectively.  Having said that, I am also aware that many Councils planners have too much on, so delays can occur just due to workload issues.  If this is the main issue then if you try to organise a mee…[Read more]

Seeing other multiple dwelling developments in the area is no indication because A. they may not have the covenantB. it used to be the case that a council was not required to check if there were any covenants on the land before issuing a permit, therefore they could issue something that was in breach of a covenant and it could then be…[Read more]

jcso99 wrote:
Hi all, I am looking to develop 4 unit townhouses in Bayswater, Victoria. My initial thought is to engage a draftsman/architect who would help me with drawing up initial plans to secure the town planning permit. Once that is done, the same draftsman/architect will get the detailed construction drawings and other necessary…[Read more]

I thought it might be worth noting a couple of things, this applies to Victoria (each state has it's own rules).  I'm not sure where you are:A subdivision or dual occupancy will require a planning permitDifferent councils have rules around if they will accept a subdivision only application or if they will require house plans too.Once you get a…[Read more]

My experience in Melbourne, having worked at a number of councils is that generally they don't like the car parking in front of the house – enough to refuse it.  Usually the options with car parking with an existing house is either separate access for each house (only really works for corners or wide sites) or putting it behind the existing…[Read more]