We have a range of planning strategies, policies, and controls to help us effectively manage our major activity centres, commercial corridors and neighbourhood centres.
Boroondara-wide guidelines
The Neighbourhood Centres and Commercial Corridor Guidelines (PDF 22.07 MB) (2014) detail mandatory maximum building heights, mandatory street wall heights, and preferred minimum upper-storey building setbacks to protect character and guide appropriate development in our retail and commercial precincts.
These guidelines have been translated into the Boroondara Planning Scheme through Design and Development Overlay 16, Design and Development Overlay 17 and Neighbourhood Centres and Commercial Corridors Urban Design Policy (Clause 22.06).
Camberwell
The Camberwell Junction Structure Plan (PDF 3.69 MB) (updated 2011) guides building, land use, access and public space development in the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre – one of Boroondara’s most popular shopping, employment and transport hubs. You can find out more on our Camberwell Junction page.
Council has prepared a new Structure and Place Plan for Camberwell which was adopted on 4 March 2024. Council is now progressing to implement the Plan including planning controls into the Boroondara Planning Scheme.
Canterbury
The Maling Road Built Form Guidelines (PDF 2.75 MB) (2015) mandate maximum building heights and setbacks, and outline measures for protecting streetscapes and character and to improve pedestrian safety and amenity in Maling Road Shopping Village (between Canterbury Road and Scott Street, Canterbury). The village is valued for its historic atmosphere, specialist shops and eateries. You can find out more on our Maling Road page.
These guidelines have been translated into the Boroondara Planning Scheme through the Design and Development Overlay 23.
Hawthorn
The Glenferrie Structure Plan (PDF 8.21 MB) (updated 2011) sets out guidelines for built form, height, land use, character, heritage, traffic, parking, and access along the retail and commercial areas of Glenferrie and Burwood roads. This encompasses Hawthorn Library, Swinburne University campus, Glenferrie Oval and several Council car parks. The land use and design guidelines have been translated into the Boroondara Planning Scheme through Design and Development Overlay 15.
The West Hawthorn Urban Design Framework (PDF 4.2 MB) (2006) sets out objectives and strategies for developing the Burwood Road Corridor (Glenferrie Road to St James Park), providing guidelines on building heights, setbacks, and preferred land use outcomes. It has been translated into the Boroondara Planning Scheme through the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 12 and various Clauses in the Municipal Strategic Statement, including Clause 21.02 and Clause 21.04 .
Kew
The Kew Junction Structure Plan (PDF 9.2 MB) (updated 2011) sets out guidelines for built form, height, land use, character, heritage, traffic, parking, and access in the Kew Junction Activity Centre. The Plan aims to enhance Kew Junction's character and image through street and building design, by preserving heritage, and by improving pedestrian safety, amenity, and enjoyment. You can find out more on our Kew Junction page.
The land use and design guidelines have been translated into the Boroondara Planning Scheme through the Kew Junction Activity Centre Policy and Design and Development Overlay Schedule 14.
Further information
More information about the Boroondara Planning Scheme is available on the Department of Transport and Planning website.
For more information, email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4815.