Design Excellence Scorecard

Moreland is undergoing a rapid period of change as a growing number of people choose to make Merri-bek their home. This growth requires us to consider the ways we can improve the quality and liveability of medium and high-density development.

In response, Council is currently undertaking a trial of a new initiative, called the Design Excellence Scorecard.

The Scorecard was an action arising out of the Medium Density Housing Review, which Council endorsed in October 2018.

What is the Merri-bek Design Excellence Scorecard?

The Scorecard is a voluntary tool for applicants to use. 

The Scorecard establishes a benchmark for design excellence of medium and high-density development in Merri-bek.

The standards of this benchmark are in addition to the requirements of the Merri-bek Planning Scheme.

There are two different Scorecards:

• • The Scorecard for high density (apartment) developments (PDF 242Kb); and
  • The Scorecard for medium density (townhouse) developments (PDF 407Kb).

Each Scorecard focuses on four key areas:

1. Building design and materials
2. Environmentally sustainable design and building performance
3. Building accessibility, and
4. Community benefit.

All four components must be met to be compliant with the Scorecard.

Developments meeting this Scorecard provide significantly improved design outcomes and community benefit.

Trial of the Scorecard process

A trial of the Scorecard process began in March 2019. In December 2019, the Council resolved to refine the Scorecard and extend the trial until August 2020.

On 9 September 2020 Council determined to further extend the operation of the Scorecards until September 2021, subject to the following additional requirements:

• A pre-lodgement phase of consultation with surrounding properties and key stakeholders. This consultation must comprise (as a minimum) letterbox drops to the surrounding properties referencing the availability of plans; a key contact person; and an opportunity for a consultation meeting to discuss the proposal and provide feedback in advance of the application’s lodgement with Council; and the key contact person being available for discussion and resolution of issues throughout the planning process.
• The Design Excellence Scorecard must be met (with any conditions agreed to in writing) prior to Council’s public notice of an application.
• In the circumstances of 5 or more objections to a proposal meeting the Design Excellence Scorecard, a Planning Information and Discussion Meeting must be held with invitations sent to all Councillors.
• Projects that meet the Design Excellence Scorecard will be subject to the Council’s enhanced proactive planning enforcement program throughout the construction process.
• Any application lodged with Council seeking to achieve the Design Excellence Scorecard will be presented to a Planning Briefing of Councillors for greater awareness of these projects at the outset.

Eligibility for the Scorecard process

Participation in the Scorecard is voluntary. Participants may nominate themselves or may be encouraged to participate by a Council Planning Officer.

If you would like to participate in the Scorecard process, we strongly encourage you to apply for a pre-application meeting.

Council will also let planning permit applicants know if they are eligible for the Scorecard process during a pre-application meeting or when a permit application is received.

Permit applicants will receive written advice from Council prior to public notice confirming whether their application complies with the Scorecard. The Design Excellence Scorecard must be met (with any conditions agreed to in writing) prior to Council’s public notice of an application.

Benefits of participating

There are a number of incentives for participants to meet the requirements of the Scorecard:

1. An opportunity for additional pre-application meetings with Council Officers free of charge.
2. The Council Officer you meet at the pre-application meeting will manage the permit application, where possible.
3. Support through the application process from a Senior Planner and a Planning Coordinator.
4. A guaranteed decision by Council Officers, rather than at a Council meeting, resulting in a potential time saving of 4 to 6 weeks.
5. An additional meeting with Council Officers after a decision is made to facilitate endorsement of plans and reports.
6. Receive a Scorecard logo that can be used as part of development marketing and promotional material.

Other requirements

A mandatory requirement of participating in the Scorecard process is a pre-lodgement phase of consultation with surrounding properties and key stakeholders. This consultation must comprise (as a minimum) letterbox drops to the surrounding properties referencing the availability of plans; a key contact person; and an opportunity for a consultation meeting to discuss the proposal and provide feedback in advance of the application’s lodgement with Council; and the key contact person being available for discussion and resolution of issues throughout the planning process.

Applicants taking part in the Scorecard process follow the standard permit application process, including public notice, and must meet the objectives of the planning scheme.

Public notification and consultation meetings with affected people continue to take place. In the circumstances of 5 or more objections to a proposal meeting the Design Excellence Scorecard, a Planning Information and Discussion Meeting must be held with invitations sent to all objectors, the applicant and Councillors.

Permit applicants and objectors continue to have the right to seek a review of planning decisions by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

How proposals are assessed

Council Officers will determine whether a proposal meets all the requirements of the Scorecard. Assessment of whether an application meets Scorecard requirements will be based on the details outlined in the Guidelines for Applicants (PDF 2.3Mb) (PDF 32Mb). (PDF 29Mb)

Further information

• Design Excellence Scorecard for high density (apartment) developments (PDF 242Kb)
• Design Excellence Scorecard for high density (apartment) developments (DOC 160Kb)
• Design Excellence Scorecard for medium density (townhouse) developments (PDF 407Kb)
• Design Excellence Scorecard for medium density (townhouse) development (DOC 135Kb)
• Design Excellence Scorecard Guidelines for Applicants (PDF 29Mb)

If you would like further information or have a question about the Merri-bek Design Excellence Scorecard, please contact Council Planning on 9240 1111.