Residential Projects
Residential development planning is one of the most common project types we manage in Melbourne, spanning everything from apartment buildings to multi-dwelling developments, particularly in locations close to facilities and services.
Residential development takes many forms, particularly in locations that are proximate to facilities and services. We are highly experienced with managing the range of issues associated with planning permit applications and below are a range of successful applications.
Below is a selection of our residential development planning projects. If you have any questions relating to these projects or would like to discuss your proposal with us please call 03 9596 9000.
Mixed use, Bentleigh
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We are excited to announce that we have just obtained a planning permit for a six storey mixed use building in the heart of Bentleigh. The building contains a commercial space at ground floor level with 11 apartments above.
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Significant redevelopment is occurring in the area and this building will be one of the most distinctive: designed by Peng Peng Architecture, the front facade features battern shading devices in the form of arches. Aside from the practical aspect, these shading devices will add privacy to the apartments and let vegetation grow around them.
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The site is tight and the project team worked through some innovative strategies to obtain the result.
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Watch this space for updates on the build!
Carrington, Box Hill
Four storeys, 50 apartments, basement car parking
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This contemporary style building is designed by Plus Architecture and includes a unique internal courtyard, a mix of materials and finishes, a striking entry foyer and a highly articulated modular form that creates an interesting a varied facade. As it was the first application to be considered for a four storey apartment development in Carrington Road, there were a number of challenging aspects relating to the scale of the proposed built form compared to the existing lower scale surrounds. Agreement was reached with Council at a VCAT compulsory conference and we look forward to seeing this building completed.
Carpenter Street, Brighton
Three storeys, eight apartments, basement car parking
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Located in one of Brighton’s most convenient locations where you are literally metres from the vibrant Bay Street, this elegant apartment building will be a standout for the area once the development is completed.
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The application was well received by Council and whilst it attracted some objections, it was unanimously supported by Councillors with the permit issuing without the need for VCAT.
Crisp Street, Hampton
Three storeys, 20 apartments, basement car parking
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Sited on the corner of Crisp Street and Gillies Street in Hampton, this high quality contemporary style apartment building will soon define the eastern edge of the Hampton Street Activity Centre. Each elevation incorporates a range of architectural features to provide articulation and visual interest and there are also large balconies and windows overlooking the street frontages offering a connection between the apartments and the public realm.
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The application received 22 objections from local residents, however the quality of the development was recognised and supported by Council with no VCAT hearing required.
Lila, Mordialloc
Three storeys, 30 apartments, basement car parking
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Designed by Roger Brayshaw, Lila was created to accommodate for the strong demand for luxury apartments in Mordialloc.
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Keen Planning was appointed to provide initial planning advice in relation to the built form and then manage the project through the complexities of the planning process.
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As there are only a few examples of apartments located to the north-east of the Mordialloc Train Station, we understood that there would be strong resistance from locals and Councillors to this development and this resulted in the refusal of the application by Council, despite Council Officer’s support. This refusal was then successfully appealed to VCAT.
Aria, Hawthorn
Three storeys, 12 apartments, basement car parking
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This contemporary style building is designed by Martin Friedrich Architecture and is considered to be their statement piece for the Boroondara area.
Some of the key challenges for this proposal were the utilisation of a shared driveway with the adjoining property, the extent of change within the streetscape with smaller dwellings either side and the potential amenity impacts on the adjoining properties given the scale of the proposed built form.
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Keen Planning worked closely with our client and the Architect to influence the planning process and achieve the planning permit without the need for VCAT.
Central Avenue, Moorabbin
Six storey mixed use
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This development consists of 2 shops and a food and drink premises at ground floor level, 8 offices at first floor level and 30 apartments above. A planning permit was also granted for a reduction in car parking, with a 40 car stacker system provided at the rear of the ground floor accessed via the adjoining laneway.
Keen Planning managed the planning permit application process through Council. The main issues that we resolved were the height / scale of the development (being 2 storeys above the preferred maximum height), the use of the laneway for access and the potential for shadows to be cast on the street.
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Council was supportive of the proposal and recognised that it will improve the economic viability and vitality of the Moorabbin Activity Centre. No objections were received and the Councillors voted unanimously in support of the proposal.
Watton Street, Werribee
Five storeys, 11 shops, 36 apartments
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This proposal is one of Werribee City Centre’s first substantial, mixed use developments and is located in an excellent location, overlooking the Werribee River and associated parklands.
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The project was originally approved in 2010, however, several Planning Scheme Amendments and the evolving Werribee City Centre Structure Plan encouraged a more intense development for the site. We were successful in obtaining Council support for an additional level of apartments, which involved improving the light wells to provide a better level of daylight to all dwellings.
