Eltham Gateway area - planning advice

The 1800s entrance to the Eltham township is significant for its historic buildings and notable canopy trees. 

To protect its special character, controls have been added to the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.

If you are proposing any building or works you will need to follow these controls as well as the zoning and overlay rules for your property.

Location and land use

The Eltham Gateway area follows Main Road, between Porter Street to the south-west and Dudley Street to the north-east. Land use is mixed - in the north there are modest scale offices, artisans, community uses and some medium density housing. In the south it is mainly residential.

Special qualities

The Eltham Gateway provides a sense of arrival into Eltham and showcases the natural and historical qualities of the township. Canopy trees and native vegetation have a significant presence. Buildings are sited and designed to integrate with the landscape setting and are sympathetic to the historical context.

Planning controls - development, signage, fences, external building alterations

When you apply for a permit application within the Eltham Gateway you will need to provide information about how your proposal meets the design guidelines described in Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 1) in the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.

Planning controls relate to:

• building appearance - scale, materials, style, external work such as painting, plastering, sand blasting etc will require a permit
• siting and setbacks - consistent landscaping in front of and between buildings
• landscaping and fencing - indigenous planting, no or low front fencing
• signage and lighting - unobtrusive, does not detract from the character of the area
• vehicle access and parking - minimise visual impact, minimise entry points, pave surfaces
• Environmentally Sustainable Development – best practice ESD for new development.

Talk to us before you start 

These planning controls are complex. Talk to us about your permit requirements before starting any construction works or removing vegetation. There are penalties for any illegal buildings and works.