Local Planning Expertise

Manningham Council Architects

Our home council. Based in Doncaster East with unmatched local expertise across Manningham's diverse planning zones and environmental sensitivities.

98% Approval Rate
210+ Projects Delivered
67% Repeat Client Rate
15+ Years Experience
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MANNINGHAM PLANNING AT A GLANCE Reviewed July 2026
Planning scheme
Manningham Planning Scheme
Most mapped residential zones
RGZ2 (43), GRZ3 (30), GRZ1 (29), GRZ2 (19)
Distinct overlays in force
271 overlay schedules across 1,187 mapped areas
Most mapped overlay types
Design and Development Overlay (DDO, 379); Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO, 263); Heritage Overlay (HO, 219); Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO, 64); Special Building Overlay (SBO, 60)

Counts are of mapped planning areas in the Manningham Planning Scheme, from Victorian Government spatial data. They show which controls are most widely mapped, not how much land each covers — one large overlay may cover more ground than hundreds of small ones. Your own site's controls are what govern it.

Sammi Lian, Principal Architect
Sammi Lian Principal Architect · ARBV Reg. 18578
Key Facts

SQM Architects has delivered over 210 residential development projects across Melbourne's suburbs with a 98% planning approval rate. Our team has 15+ years of experience navigating Manningham Council's steep terrain, bushfire overlays, and environmental sensitivities, with a 67% repeat client rate.

Local Knowledge

Why Manningham Council Expertise Matters

As Manningham locals ourselves, we understand this council better than anyone. From the hillside development challenges of Templestowe to the activity centre opportunities in Doncaster, we know what works.

Our approved Manningham projects span dual occupancies, townhouses, and apartments across every zone type in the municipality.

Manningham-Specific Challenges We Navigate:

  • Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) requirements
  • Environmental Significance Overlay areas
  • Significant Landscape Overlay zones
  • Doncaster Hill precinct requirements
  • Steep site and retaining wall considerations
"
As Manningham locals ourselves, we understand this council's unique challenges better than anyone. From the hillside developments of Templestowe to the activity centre opportunities in Doncaster Hill, we know exactly what works—and what doesn't.
Sammi Lian, Principal Architect
Sammi Lian Principal Architect, ARBV Reg. 18578 — on developing in Manningham
Service Areas

Manningham Suburbs We Service

Our Services

Development Services for Manningham

Dual Occupancy

Environmentally sensitive dual occupancy designs for Manningham's hillside and bushland suburbs.

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Townhouses

Multi-unit townhouse developments designed for Manningham's varied topography.

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Apartments

Doncaster Hill apartments and activity centre developments.

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Common Questions

Manningham Planning FAQs

Yes, steep sites are developable with careful design. We specialise in hillside development with split-level designs, retaining wall strategies, and drainage solutions. Many of our Templestowe and Doncaster projects are on challenging sloping sites.
Doncaster Hill is a designated Activity Centre with specific height and density provisions. Buildings up to 10+ storeys are possible in core areas. Our free site assessment confirms exactly what heights and densities apply to your specific site.
Bushfire Management Overlays require specific BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessments and construction standards. Development is possible but requires specialist input. We coordinate with bushfire consultants to achieve compliant designs in Warrandyte and Park Orchards.
Planning Resources

Official Manningham Planning Information

Manningham Council Planning Portal

Official planning and building information, permit requirements, and lodgement details.

Visit Council Website

Manningham Planning Scheme

Full planning scheme ordinance including zones, overlays, and local policies.

View Planning Scheme

Victorian Planning Guides

State government planning guides including ResCode, heritage guidelines, and application requirements.

View Planning Guides

Planning Scheme Amendments

Latest Victorian planning scheme amendments and reform updates affecting residential development.

View Amendments

Planning a Manningham Development?

Get a free site assessment and find out exactly what's achievable on your Manningham property.

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