Expert architects for Kew's heritage-rich streetscapes. Maximising development potential while respecting established character.
Reviewed May 2026Kew is among Boroondara's most heritage-rich and lower-density suburbs, with a substantial proportion of land subject to Heritage Overlay controls. The interface between heritage residential streets and the Yarra River corridor shapes much of the development environment here. Successful dual occupancy and townhouse projects in Kew almost invariably involve careful heritage response and a clear understanding of the council's character-protection framework.
Kew has specific planning requirements within Boroondara Council. With numerous projects approved across the suburb, we have built relationships with council planners and understand exactly what they look for in applications.
Most residential land in Kew falls within one of these zone families, each with materially different development outcomes.
The most common designation across this suburb's residential streets, including Boroondara's Low Scale, Low Density Residential precincts (NRZ3) where character protection is the dominant assessment criterion.
Applies to denser residential pockets. GRZ2 (Contemporary Town House) and GRZ3 (Eclectic Inner Urban) support multi-unit townhouse development.
Applies to selected main road frontages and apartment-scale residential sites.
Source: Boroondara Planning Scheme, planning-schemes.app.planning.vic.gov.au. Latest amendment C284boro Part 1, last verified May 2026.
Extensive coverage particularly in central Kew and adjacent to the Yarra River corridor
Applies in selected precincts
Protects ridgeline and Yarra River escarpment areas
Applies to flood-prone areas near the Yarra
Applies to individual significant trees
Overlay status should be confirmed for any specific site before contract exchange. The planning scheme is the authoritative source — Vicmap Property and the Boroondara Property Profile tool are useful starting points.
high-quality design, considered landscape plans, retention of mature trees, sympathetic heritage responses
heritage character, tree retention, neighbourhood character interface
detailed neighbourhood character assessment with photographic context
6–8 weeks for first Request for Information (RFI)
Per Feasibly council intelligence data, last verified May 2026.
For Kew specifically, the council pays particular attention to heritage overlay considerations.
Gazetted 23 December 2020
Multi-council ministerial amendment (Boroondara among 9 councils) that increased the maximum building height in GRZ1, GRZ2 and GRZ3 schedules from 9 or 10.5 metres to 11 metres and three storeys, aligning local schedules with VC110.
View source →Gazetted 6 March 2025
Statewide reform introducing a deemed-to-comply pathway under Clause 55 for multi-dwelling developments of three storeys or less. Where every standard is met, no third-party appeal applies. Operative for applications lodged from 31 March 2025.
View source →[2022] VCAT 928
restrictive covenant interpretation in a Boroondara residential context.
Practical implication: thorough title and covenant analysis must precede contract exchange, not follow it.
Across recent Kew dual occupancy and townhouse outcomes, a recognisable pattern of successful applications emerges. While every site differs, the following observations apply to most viable approval pathways in the suburb.
The principles applied in Mirams v Boroondara CC [2022] VCAT 928 illustrate the Tribunal's approach to the kinds of issues that recur in Kew site assessment. The broader principle informs practice across Boroondara: title status, overlay verification, and council-framework alignment should be completed comprehensively before binding commitment to a site, not after.
These patterns indicate typical successful pathways. Site-specific outcomes depend on the particular planning context, design response, and engagement strategy chosen.
Kew has extensive heritage controls affecting many properties, but development is absolutely possible. We specialise in sensitive heritage additions and rear developments that unlock significant value while respecting heritage frontages.
Sammi Lian, Principal Architect, SQM Architects
— On developing in Kew
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Expert dual occupancy designs optimised for Kew's zoning and character requirements.
Learn more →Apartment developments where Boroondara Council zoning permits higher density.
Learn more →Official planning and building information, permit requirements, and lodgement details.
Visit Council WebsiteFull planning scheme ordinance including zones, overlays, and local policies.
View Planning SchemeState government planning guides including ResCode, heritage guidelines, and application requirements.
View Planning GuidesLatest Victorian planning scheme amendments and reform updates affecting residential development.
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Written by Sammi Lian, Principal Architect.
SQM Architects | ABN 32 600 928 390 | Architects Registration Board of Victoria, Reg. No. 51498.
210+ projects delivered across Melbourne’s east. 98% planning approval rate.
This page provides general information about engaging architects for property development in Kew, Victoria. It is not architectural, planning, or financial advice. Site-specific outcomes vary and should be confirmed by qualified professionals after a site-specific assessment. Planning scheme provisions and council practices are subject to change; references on this page were verified May 2026.
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