Expert architects for Murrumbeena developments. Specialist navigation of Glen Eira's neighbourhood character framework and Murrumbeena station precinct.
Reviewed May 2026Murrumbeena sits between Carnegie and Hughesdale, characterised by interwar and Edwardian housing on consistent lot sizes. The Murrumbeena station precinct and the local Murrumbeena Road activity strip shape near-station built form. Glen Eira's neighbourhood character framework and selected Heritage Overlay coverage shape residential development outcomes.
Murrumbeena has specific planning requirements within Glen Eira 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 Murrumbeena falls within one of these zone families, each with materially different development outcomes.
Applies across the established residential streets — the most common designation in this suburb.
Applies in denser residential pockets and contemporary townhouse precincts where multi-unit development is most readily achievable.
Applies to selected main road frontages and apartment-scale residential sites.
Source: Glen Eira Planning Scheme, planning-schemes.app.planning.vic.gov.au. Latest amendment C220glen, last verified May 2026.
Selected residential precincts particularly older streets
Applied in selected precincts
Applies in activity centre fringes
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 Glen Eira Property Profile tool are useful starting points.
quality design, appropriate scale, considered streetscape integration
neighbourhood character, parking provisions, activity centre interface
detailed neighbourhood character statement
6–10 weeks for first Request for Information (RFI)
Per Feasibly council intelligence data, last verified May 2026.
For Murrumbeena specifically, the council pays particular attention to heritage overlay considerations.
Gazetted current
Established 13.5m mandatory height in RGZ1 Major Activity Centres across Glen Eira
View source →Gazetted earlier
Established MUZ schedules including site-specific 10.5m mandatory heights at 136-138 & 140-146 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick and 641-685 North Road, Ormond
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 →[2024] VCAT 42
Tribunal review of a residential application addressing overlooking, setbacks, and neighbourhood character — illustrates the application of ResCode standards in Glen Eira residential precincts.
Practical implication: Overlooking compliance, prevailing setback analysis, and neighbourhood character response should be documented at intake; Glen Eira applies rigorous Standard B22 and character assessment.
Across recent Murrumbeena 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.
Tribunal decisions on Glen Eira applications regularly address the council's neighbourhood character framework and the activity centre interface. Detailed neighbourhood character statements are a recurring assessment expectation across applications.
These patterns indicate typical successful pathways. Site-specific outcomes depend on the particular planning context, design response, and engagement strategy chosen.
Murrumbeena's near-station precinct and established residential streets reward careful character response. Amendment C220glen's 13.5m mandatory height shapes what's achievable on activity centre frontages.
Sammi Lian, Principal Architect, SQM Architects
— On developing in Murrumbeena
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Expert dual occupancy designs optimised for Murrumbeena's zoning and character requirements.
Learn more →Multi-unit townhouse developments designed to maximise your Murrumbeena site.
Learn more →Apartment developments where Glen Eira 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.
View Amendments
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 Murrumbeena, 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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