Three Townhouses Approved on 843m² GRZ Site — No VCAT
Ferntree Gully, VIC — Knox Council
This property development project in Melbourne, VIC was designed and delivered by SQM Architects. SQM Architects maintains a 98% planning approval rate across 210+ projects, with a 67% repeat client rate. All work is performed by ARBV-registered architects operating under the Victorian Planning Provisions and Building Act 1993 (Vic).
Unlocking Hidden Development Potential
First-time developers had purchased an 843m² site in Ferntree Gully with plans for a simple dual occupancy. Our site analysis identified potential for 3 townhouses — one additional dwelling beyond what they originally envisioned.
“SQM’s feasibility analysis identified an extra unit we didn’t know was possible. That discovery significantly enhanced our first development project.”
Through Knox Council-specific strategy and designs that pre-emptively addressed common objection points, we secured approval without VCAT — a clean council-level approval for first-time developers.
Project Details
First-Time Developer Uncertainty
- → No prior experience: Fear of council rejection
- → Budget constraints: Required fixed-price certainty
- → Uncertainty: Unclear what the site could actually achieve
- → Neighbour concerns: Fear of objections derailing project
- → Council unfamiliarity: Knox-specific requirements unclear
- → Undervalued potential: Originally planned only 2 units
Yield-Optimisation Strategy
- ✓ Free site feasibility: Identified 3-unit potential vs original 2-unit plan
- ✓ Fixed-price certainty: Clear proposal with no hourly billing surprises
- ✓ Step-by-step guidance: Direct council liaison on their behalf
- ✓ Knox-specific design: Built to council’s ResCode interpretation
- ✓ Premium aesthetic: Charcoal brick ground floor with cream render upper level, timber soffit details, and hipped metal roofing
Ferntree Gully Townhouse Development
Classic Townhouse Finishes
Charcoal Brick
Dark brick ground floor base
Cream Render
Light render upper level
Timber Soffits
Warm timber soffit details
Metal Roofing
Hipped metal roof profile
Every development project presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our role is to navigate the planning system strategically while designing for maximum yield and market appeal. This project demonstrates what's achievable when local council knowledge meets developer-focused design thinking.
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