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Consistent dwelling setbacks and roof forms, use of low front fencing and setting garages back to reduce their visual dominance in the streetscape will preserve the sense of spaciousness that exists in suburban precincts. Planting of native and exotic vegetation in front gardens adds to the quality of the streetscape. Planting of large canopy street trees creates visual ties to existing areas in Castlemaine, Chewton and Campbells Creek while also providing shading and cooling benefits.

Buildings are designed to reflect the context in form, proportion and materiality. Buildings do not attempt to replicate existing areas or historic architectural styles, instead reflecting a contemporary and unique response to the region’s history and context, further adding to the local identity. While a mix of modified grid and cul-de-sac street patterns exist, future street patterns will reflect a modified grid pattern with good connectivity and links to local services and facilities to support efficient walking access to public transport and services.

Site consolidation will be promoted to enable improved development outcomes. This will enable the predominance of front and side gardens to be maintained and retain the valued character of these areas.

Managed housing change areas (Suburban 1) will provide increased diversity of housing types such as dual occupancies, town houses and multi dwellings while retaining the character of the Suburban area into the future.

In minimal housing change areas (Suburban 2) dwellings will need to be designed to address the particular hazard through building design and materials, fencing materials and design, and building height which will be different to the managed housing change area. Housing change will be limited to dual occupancies and replacement housing in these areas.