Hume council has adopted a new Medium Density Housing Design Guide – but it can’t be enforced.
Adopted at the 23 February council meeting, the new guide is council’s response to the state government’s Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, released February 2025.
Council’s almost 30-page document seeks to encourage a higher standard of residential development that can meet the social, economic and environmental needs of Hume’s diverse and growing population.
It gives detailed examples, including pictures and mock-ups, of what Cr Naim Kurt said council would like to see.
However, according to a report from council officers, the biggest risk of the guide is that it cannot be enforced, and instead relies on proactive conversations between planners and applicants.
Officers stated that following the introduction of the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code by the government, council has limited ability to direct the design of townhouses and other new homes.
Cr Steve Gagen said council wasn’t happy with the government’s new codes.
“The standards set in the new codes are in some cases lower than council would prefer,” he said.
“They could result in designs that lack site context, don’t always make the most of nearby communities, and may not always meet our community’s expectations.”
The government code fast-tracks the approval of more duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments, bypassing the planning process as long as the development meets the code.
If the code is met, no further assessment is required, with no third-party appeals at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, according to the state government.
“This can reduce planning permit assessment times by at least 60 per cent, in addition to the time saved at VCAT,” Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said.
Council officers said the guide will serve as a proactive approach.
Engagement on the guide started in 2024 before the government released its code, under the name The Good Design Guide. One submission was received, according to officers.
Officers said it was updated to its new name and revised to reflect the new state government code.
