The Victorian Government has introduced Clause 53.25 Great Design Fast Track, under Amendment VC280 (gazetted 7 April 2025). This new planning pathway is designed to fast-track innovative, high-quality residential developments to meet Victoria’s growing housing needs.

Key requirements:

• Application must be submitted under Clause 53.25.
• Proposes at least 8 dwellings.
• Buildings must be 2–8 storeys.
• Achieve a minimum NatHERS rating:
• 8.0 stars avg (min 6.5 stars per apartment) for apartments.
• 7.5 stars for other dwellings.
• Provide effective natural ventilation (cross, single-side, or mechanical).
• Written confirmation from the Minister for Planning.
• Written advice from:
• Office of the Victorian Government Architect (design quality).
• Invest Victoria (feasibility).

A key benefit of this pathway is the ability for the Responsible Authority to waive or vary the following:

• Garden area.
• Height and setback requirements.
• A condition that forms part of a Section 2 use in a zone or schedule to a zone.
• Carparking and bicycle parking requirements.

Applications under this pathway are also exempt from third-party appeals despite advertising still being required, which is consistent with the operations of the newly released Low Rise Code (Clause 55). Proposals can include non-residential uses as part of the overall residential scheme.

The design and planning of proposals will be shaped by new Design Principles released by the Minister for Planning. These principles form the first section of the broader ‘State Design Book’, which defines what good housing design should look like in Victoria. They are intended as a flexible guide, offering suggested outcomes and examples rather than strict rules. Any waivers or variations to requirements will be assessed against the zone controls, the alignment of a proposal with the Design Principles, and the strategic and physical context of the site.

This pathway, alongside the new Low-Rise Code (Clause 55), opens the door to faster delivery of sustainable, well-designed housing across Victoria.

If you have any queries or want to know more, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on (03) 9596900 or email at info@keenplanning.com.au.