Melville Design Review Group

Overview

The City of Melville’s Design Review Group (DRG) offers expert advice to the City on matters relating to urban design, architecture, landscape design, and sustainability.

While the DRG serves in an advisory capacity to a decision-making authority, its input is considered during the planning assessment process and communicated to decision-makers following the submission of a formal Development Application.

The City’s DRG operates in accordance with our Local Planning Policy 1.2 – Design Review Panel. All complex developments over $10 million which have been lodged with the City or the Development Assessment Panel for consideration are automatically referred to our DRG for review and feedback. The recommendations and advice from the DRG will be taken into account as part of our consideration of the proposal.

Complex developments are defined within Local Planning Policy 1.1 – Planning Processes and Decision Making as:
a) an application for approval of development that is a use of land if the use is not specifically referred to in the zoning table for this Scheme in respect of the zone in which the development is located; or
b) an application of a kind identified elsewhere in the Scheme, or in a local planning policy, as a complex application for development approval.

In reference to clause (b) above, the City has the below development types included in complex development applications:
a. 10 or more grouped or multiple dwellings;
b. 2,000 m2 or more of commercial floor space; and/or
c. A Development Application which is to be determined under Part 11B of the Planning and Development Amendment Act 2023 (this is development which meets the value and significance threshold outlined in this legislation).

Design Review Group members

The City's DRG will draw from seven core members and eight sessional members to be able to draw on the necessary skills required depending on the nature of the proposal being reviewed, ensure that conflicts of interest can be avoided and there is good availability to ensure a quorum of group members (which is three members). The core members include five external industry professionals, one suitably qualified academic and one community member. The City’s current DRG core members are as follows:

Industry Professionals

• Malcolm MacKay (Chairperson)
• Tobias Busch
• Patrick Simms
• Clara Hechei
• Peter Ciemitis

Academic Member

• Jackson Liew

Community Member

• Herwanto Latumaliemna

Current DRG core members have been appointed for a term of two years, from March 2026 till March 2028. 

Please click here for our terms of reference

What Information is required to be provided for a Design Review Group Meeting

The City requires the following information to be submitted to allow a thorough review of development proposals by the DRG:

• A Planning Report, prepared by suitably qualified consultant outlining all details of the development, and areas of discretion sought against the planning framework;
• An explanation of how the design relates to the 10 Design Principles in State Planning Policy 7.0 - Design of the Built Environment;
• A feature survey of the subject site;
• A full set of architectural drawings to scale, including a site plan, elevation plans and floor plans;
• A detailed landscaping plan for the development, prepared a suitably qualified landscape architect;
• An Environmentally Sustainable Development Report (ESD Report); and
• All other relevant technical reports, where relevant. These may include:
  • Acoustic Report, prepared by suitably qualified consultant;
  • Waste Management Plan, prepared by suitably qualified consultant;
  • Transport Impact Statement or Transport Impact Assessment, prepared by suitably qualified consultant (whichever is applicable);
  • Arborist Report, prepared by suitably qualified consultant (where existing trees are to be retained and/or removed); and/or
  • BAL assessment, prepared by suitably qualified consultant (if required).

The City requires all information to be provided three weeks before the DRG meeting date to allow the City to review all documents and disseminate information to and organise the attendance of panel members.

What developments are referred to the Design Review Group

In general, the DRG reviews complex and major developments however they may also review smaller applications where these are complex in nature or are likely to benefit from a design review process. The DRG also provides advice on:

• structure plans;
• activity centre plans;
• planning strategies;
• local planning policies;
• local development plans;
• precinct plans;
• design guidelines;
• amendments to the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 6; and
• other matters relating to design of buildings and places.

The purpose of the panel is to provide independent, expert advice on the design quality of the proposed development to the applicant, City officers, Council and the decision maker, to encourage innovative, high-quality designs that meet the needs of all stakeholders and the community.

Pre-lodgement Design Review Group Meetings

We encourage applicants to discuss their proposal with the DRG before lodging a planning/development application. Early pre-lodgement discussions can reduce the risks and costs associated with poor design, as any design weaknesses are identified early. It also helps to improve the overall quality of the design and smooth out the development approval process.

We encourage applicants to attend the DRG meeting in person to make a brief presentation on the key aspects of the proposal, answer any questions and receive feedback. In many cases applications are presented to the DRG more than once before they are lodged. Following each meeting, the DRG will provide the applicant with feedback, using a traffic light system consistent with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Design Review Guide. This demonstrates which design elements have been addressed satisfactorily, and which require further consideration.

Contact our planning team to organise a pre-lodgement assessment.

It is often necessary for the proposal to be presented to the DRG for final endorsement when the development application is lodged. The DRG is not a decision maker, however its recommendations will be taken into account to assess the proposal. 

For more information about DRGs, please download and read the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Design Review Guide and our Local Planning Policy LPP - 1.2 ‘Design Review Panel.’

Meeting Schedule

Meetings are closed to the public and are held at the City of Melville Civic Centre, generally on the first Wednesday of each month depending on having items to present and a quorum, comprising of at least three panel members, is in attendance.

Frequently Asked Questions