FAQs

Based upon the characteristics of each residential area, the study divides Seymour into five (5) distinct character precincts. Each precinct has its own character objectives which define the preferred character and may influence the built form or development outcome on your property. You are encouraged to use the interactive map to find your precinct and read the corresponding information sheet and/or Draft Study. 

Neighbourhood Character is dynamic and keeps evolving over time. Some areas will experience new development and will undergo change. While accurate description of the existing characteristics is important to identify the “starting point”, it is equally important to evaluate and consider the desired character within the broader context. The preferred neighbourhood character will serve as a guide for future development, design and decision-making process to ensure that the change is managed to align with the desired character.

After the closing date, Council Officers will review and consolidate all community responses and amend the draft Neighbourhood Character Study, if necessary. The study, along with a summary of submissions, will then be presented to Council for consideration for adoption. To implement the study, a future Planning Scheme Amendment is required which may result in changes to planning controls such as zoning and overlay changes. 

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Committed residential areas refer to the existing General Residential Zoned areas identified by the Seymour Structure Plan 2018 (SSP) for residential growth of the town. 

Future Residential areas, on the other hand, are growth areas identified by the SSP for future residential expansion. These areas are currently located in the Farming Zone which will require rezoning to enable residential development.     

The State Government has set planning rules that guide how Councils should prepare Neighbourhood Character Studies. Of particular importance are the rules found in Planning Practice Note:43 Understanding Neighbourhood Character.

Neighbourhood Character Studies in Mitchell aim to guide new development in residential areas, seeking to ensure that development respects and responds to the existing or preferred valued features of an area. Whilst importantly still meeting housing needs and recognising locations that are well-placed for additional growth particularly closer to town centres.

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

• 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.

The protection of heritage and cultural significance involves protection based on specific heritage criteria. Protection of heritage places is addressed in a Heritage Study or formal controls such as a Heritage Overlay. 

A neighbourhood character study, on the other hand, focuses on how buildings interact with their surroundings in public and private spaces considering their age and architectural style where relevant.

General amenity considerations like overlooking, access to sunlight, private open space, noise and so on apply to all residential developments. Therefore, amenity is not a character consideration and is also treated separately.

No, the Study is not intended to prevent new development from occurring. Moreover, the neighbourhood character does not seek the replication of existing buildings or stop change.