Neighbourhood Character Study Broadford

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CLOSED: This round of consultation has now closed. For more information on this project please contact Council's Strategic Planning team on 5734 6200.

Illustration of different types of houses and people and an icon with a motorbike, a ball and a frog in front of a mountain r

Mitchell Shire Council notes Strategic Planning has been advised to put the Kilmore Neighbourhood Character Study on hold whilst we await ministerial direction from The Department of Transport and Planning as to how to proceed with the studies due to recent changes in the guidelines. Please find a copy of the Minutes from 24 November 2025 Council meeting here.

About the Character Study

The Broadford Neighbourhood Character Study (NCS) looks at all residential zoned areas of Broadford, and aims to guide new development, making sure it fits in the area’s existing or preferred character. Using planning rules set by the State Government, site visits and background analysis, we have identified six Neighbourhood Character Areas in Broadford. These have been further broken down into eight precincts to more accurately describe the character of each area.

More information

Please contact our Strategic Planning Team on 5734 6200 or email strategic.planning@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

Mitchell Shire Council notes Strategic Planning has been advised to put the Kilmore Neighbourhood Character Study on hold whilst we await ministerial direction from The Department of Transport and Planning as to how to proceed with the studies due to recent changes in the guidelines. Please find a copy of the Minutes from 24 November 2025 Council meeting here.

About the Character Study

The Broadford Neighbourhood Character Study (NCS) looks at all residential zoned areas of Broadford, and aims to guide new development, making sure it fits in the area’s existing or preferred character. Using planning rules set by the State Government, site visits and background analysis, we have identified six Neighbourhood Character Areas in Broadford. These have been further broken down into eight precincts to more accurately describe the character of each area.

More information

Please contact our Strategic Planning Team on 5734 6200 or email strategic.planning@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

CLOSED: This round of consultation has now closed. For more information on this project please contact Council's Strategic Planning team on 5734 6200.

  • What is Neighbourhood Character

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    Neighbourhood character is a combination of distinct visual and physical features of a residential area and how they interact with each other. These features include:

    • Subdivision pattern – includes elements such as topography, lot sizes, street width and street types such as boulevards or court bowls.
    • Buildings and surroundings – Siting of buildings play a role including site coverage, depth and consistency of front and side setbacks, separation between dwellings, extent of rear gardens and whether carports and garages are prominent.
    • Built form – includes architecture and roof style, age of buildings, dwelling typology, building materials and building height.
    • Landscaping – includes elements such as landscaping of front gardens, mature or bush style vegetation (native or exotic), retaining walls and extent of hard paved areas such as private driveways.
    • Front and side fences: the location, height, style, visual permeability and materials.
    • Public realm – nature strip, sense of openness and views, street trees, footpath, vehicle crossings, presence of power poles and other utilities.


    These elements collectively shape the distinctive character of a neighbourhood and help define its identity.

  • Preferred Character Areas

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    This page provide links to individual Preferred Character Area Precinct sheets with details about corresponding pages in the draft NCS.

  • Upcoming State Policy Reforms

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    On 20 September 2023 the State government released Victoria’s Housing Statement 2024-2034.

    The Statement has a target of building 800,000 new homes over the next decade and is supported by a range of actions across the housing system, including planning system reforms.

    Planning reforms are progressively being rolled out and may have an impact on the proposed direction in Mitchell's draft Studies. This may necessitate the need for updates to the Studies, or any future planning scheme provisions to take account of any significant reforms.

    In the context of these planning reforms, progressing Mitchell’s local character work is important. It will position Council, and the community to better advocate and protect the future look and feel of Mitchell's residential areas.