Warragul and Drouin Design Guidelines

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Council is developing guidelines that will define the preferred neighbourhood character of all residential land in Drouin and Warragul. 

The draft guidelines prepared by Tract Consultants aim to:

  • Identify the residential areas where the design guidelines can influence future housing outcomes.
  • Define the preferred neighbourhood character of key residential areas.
  • Provide design guidance to ensure new residential neighbourhoods are designed and developed to reflect the preferred local character, without compromising development capacity.
  • Encourage new multi dwelling residential development that respect the existing neighbourhood character and/or contributes to the preferred neighbourhood character of an area.
  • Provide detailed advice around preserving the natural environment and picturesque landscape that positively contribute to Warragul and Drouin’s valued rural character, supporting the ambitions of the Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs).
  • Provide recommendations to Council on the most effective implementation methods and tools. 

You can download a copy of the Draft Warragul and Drouin Design Guidelines here.(PDF, 16MB)

Background

Council recently adopted a review of the Baw Baw Shire Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs), and as part of this review identified the need for guidelines that would define the preferred neighbourhood character of residential growth areas. The scope of these guidelines has been expanded to include all general residential land in Warragul and Drouin. 

Council invited community members to review the draft guidelines, and provide any thoughts, feedback, and suggestions they may have.

About the Guidelines - Part B: Design Guidelines for New Communities

The Guidelines are broken into two sections.

Design Guidelines for New Communities

The Design Guidelines have been prepared to ensure a more considered approach to the development of Warragul and Drouin’s future residential areas. They aim to build on the identified valued characteristics of Warragul and Drouin by embedding these elements in the design of future residential neighbourhoods. 

The Guidelines provide clear direction around how to achieve site specific design outcomes that complement Warragul and Drouin’s valued local character without compromising the development capacity of the Urban Growth Zone.

About the Guidelines: Part C - Design Guidelines for Infill Residential Development

The Guidelines are broken into two sections.

Design Guidelines for Infill Residential Development  

These Guidelines are proposed to apply to land in the General Residential Zone (GRZ) in Drouin and Warragul. Guidance is provided in relation to achieving best practice design outcomes for infill development, which is the development of more than one dwelling(house) on a lot. The likely types of housing that would be delivered in this zone are dual occupancy where the second dwelling is located at the rear of an existing dwelling, townhouses or units.
 
Covering areas such as site layout, building design, and landscaping, Part C provides overarching guidance on achieving best practice design outcomes for infill residential development. Part C also includes preferred character statements of significant character areas identified in Drouin and Warragul. 

Project phases - what's involved?

Phase 1 - closed

In March and April 2021, we asked you "how do you want our neighbourhoods to look in the future?" to begin the groundwork for the Draft Warragul and Drouin Preferred Neighbourhood Design Guidelines.

Phase 2 - now closed

Community consultation (closed 8 December 2021)

During phase two, Council is collecting feedback from community members and developers about the draft guidelines. All feedback received will be considered and taken into account during the development of the final document before it is presented to Council for adoption.

Consultation opportunities in phase two included:

  • Two drop in sessions hosted by external consultants. 
  • A consultant facilitated developers workshop.
  • Online and hard copy community surveys.

Phase 3 - 2022

Adoption of final guidelines 

Following phase one, all feedback will be collated by Council Officers and Tract Consultants and used to refine the guidelines before they are presented to Council for adoption.

Phase 4 - 2022

Preparation of a planning scheme amendment

Following the adoption of the final Guidelines, a planning scheme amendment will be prepared to formalise and implement the Warragul and Drouin Design Guidelines as part of the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.

 

What happens next?

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. Your thoughts and ideas are highly valued and will ultimately form part of Council's decision making.

Council Officers and Tract Consultants will consolidate comments and feedback and consider all submissions to assist in making further recommendations to Council.

Once the final guidelines are adopted by Council, a planning scheme amendment will be prepared to formalise, and implement the guidelines. 

Contact us

We're here to help! For more information about this project, please contact Council's Strategic Planning team by email or by phone on 1300 229 229.

 

 

      

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