Wyndham Creates a New Landscape


When building a new house, most people will spend their time considering what colour tiles to use or how big a bedroom should be - not what kind of shrubs to plant. But new guidelines released by Wyndham City aim to assist those residents who will need to submit landscape plans for their new homes.

The ‘Landscape Guidelines’ includes advice on how to submit a Landscape Plan for residential unit and medium density residential redevelopments.

The Guidelines aim to:

  • Encourage well designed and high quality landscaping
  • Clearly outline the information required by applicants to ensure efficient processing of Landscape Plans
  • Specify sustainable or eco-preferable landscape materials
  • Identify native Australian plants and trees that will help to sustain biodiversity and create habitat for the natural environment
  • Ensure landscape objectives and strategies contained within the Wyndham Planning Scheme are achieved
  • Ensure future functionality of buildings by referring to maintenance brochure from CSIRO (which is a common condition on permits, engineering designs and insurance policies)
  • Reduce the effect of drying and moisture changes on building foundations from plants and trees.

Chaffey Ward Councillor John Gibbons said the document explained the key benefits of high quality landscaping for homeowners and communities.

“People may need to submit a Landscape Plan when creating a new residential development to ensure landscaping is well-designed and consistent with other properties in the area,” Cr Gibbons said.

“These guidelines clarify the process for applying for a Landscape Plan, outlining what is expected, and giving specific details of what the Council considered to be suitable treatments and features. This will not only result in improved environments, but will also assist with the efficient processing of planning permit applications.”

“Good landscaping outcomes can improve the visual appearance of the area, and contribute positively to the existing neighbourhood character, amenity and liveability of the City. It can also provide a more sustainable environment for current and future residents and potentially have a positive impact on property values.”

“Putting guidelines in place around landscaping will help to create unique and distinct identities in neighbourhoods and will assist new developments to better integrate into existing communities.

“When going through the approvals process for anything, whether it’s for a business or landscaping your garden, Wyndham City aims to provide as much assistance as possible.  These landscaping guidelines aim to assist applicants, however Wyndham City also welcomes people contacting our staff for further information, where possible, for advice.”

For more information visit Wyndham City Council