Bendigo Council Raises Height Limits, Tightens Design Rules August 1

City of Greater Bendigo councillors voted on 7 July to amend the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, lifting maximum building heights from two to three storeys in selected residential zones and requiring new minimum side setbacks of 1.5 metres plus articulated frontages.

The shift follows sustained population growth from Melbourne commuters and remote workers who have settled in outer suburbs since 2023, pushing the local median house price to $490,000 while straining infrastructure in established pockets.

Targeted zones and street-level effects

Amendments apply most directly to Flora Hill north of Retreat Road and sections of Strathdale along Crook Street, where blocks previously capped at two storeys can now accommodate three-level townhouses if they meet the new design code. The rules also cover parts of Golden Square near the Bendigo Stadium, requiring materials that match the red-brick character of nearby 1920s homes. Developers must now submit streetscape perspectives showing how each proposal fits the existing rhythm of single and double-fronted dwellings.

Local data from the City of Greater Bendigo’s March 2026 housing monitor shows 142 planning permits lodged in Flora Hill and Strathdale over the past twelve months, up 28 per cent from the prior year, with average lot sizes shrinking from 720 square metres to 610 square metres.

Practical steps for owners and applicants

Property owners in the affected streets should review the updated zone maps on the council’s website before lodging applications, as pre-lodgement meetings with planning officers are now mandatory for any proposal exceeding two storeys. Information sessions are scheduled at the Bendigo Art Gallery on 15 and 22 July for residents wanting to understand the new design checklists. Applicants who submit complete packages by 30 September will receive a 10 per cent reduction in application fees under the current incentive program.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.