Barwon Heads Residential Character Study - City of Greater Geelong

TOWNSHIP BROCHURE
This Township
Brochure applies to all
of Barwon Heads.
Please see overleaf for
precinct map and refer
to the individual
Precinct Brochure for
your area.
Vision Statement for Barwon Heads
The seaside character and identified heritage
and environmental qualities of Barwon Heads
will be maintained and strengthened through:
• Encouraging the use of native vegetation;
• Encouraging the use of appropriate building
materials;
• Ensuring the siting of buildings to provide adequate
space for planting and to reflect spacing patterns;
• Managing site coverage to provide adequate space
for planting; and
• Ensuring building form and scale reflects
predominant patterns.
Avoid:
• Removal of native and indigenous vegetation in
areas where this is an important characteristic.
• High site coverage or extensive paving in areas
where vegetation is an important characteristic.
• Extensive use of exposed brick, particularly in
the central parts of the town.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
These are the issues that were raised by the local
Barwon Heads community for consideration in the
Study:
• Retaining the coastal lifestyle feel of the town.
• Removal of native and indigenous vegetation.
• Protecting the coastal ecology, wildlife habitats and river environment.
• Maintaining a low scale building form.
• Retaining the ‘quaintness’ of the original settlement area.
• Encouraging and retaining an informal style of public domain
streetscape treatments.
• Discouraging large, bulky dwellings with high site coverage and
boundary to boundary development.
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
TOWNSHIP
barwon heads

PRECINCT MAP
barwon heads REGION
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

1
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
This area is distinctive in Barwon Heads due to its newer building
styles, which are predominantly brick, and an openness created by its
lack of front fencing and low scale building forms. The retained native
coastal vegetation is important to its character and provides a linking
element with the remainder of the township.
Key Existing Characteristics:
Preferred Character Statement
• Architectural styles are mainly post 1980s modern villas.
• New and establishing gardens and frequent Tea-tree species.
• Dwellings are predominantly single storey mainly brick.
• Lack of front fencing.
The openness of the area will be maintained and the seaside character
strengthened by:
• Encouraging low scale dwellings;
• Retaining a lack of front fencing; and
• Retaining Tea-tree and encouraging the planting of indigenous and native plants.
Avoid:
• Large bulky buildings with high site coverage.
• Removal of remnant indigenous species.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 1
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES
Character
Element
Vegetation
Objective
To strengthen the coastal
character of the area by planting
of appropriate indigenous coastal
species.
Design
Response
1 Retain existing coastal natives and indigenous
trees. (Locate footings outside root zone.)
2 Prepare a landscape plan to accompany all
development proposals that utilises appropriate
coastal species. (see 'Indigenous plants of the
Geelong region' for information).
PRECINCT 1
barwon heads
Avoid
1 Lack of a landscape plan.
2 Planting of large exotic
tree species.
Illustration
Siting
To maintain the consistency,
where present, of building front
setbacks.
3 The front setback should be not less than the
average setback of the adjoining two dwellings.
3 Buildings that are set
further forward than the
closest of the buildings on
the adjoining two
properties.
Height and
building form
To encourage innovative
architecture that respects the
coastal township setting.
4 New buildings should be individually designed to
respond to the dominant characteristics of the
area, the coastal township setting and the site.
4 Urban period reproduction
styles and detailing.
5 Use skillion, flat or low pitched roof forms.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain the openness of the
streetscape.
4 Provide no front fencing. 5 Solid front fencing.
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

2
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
This Precinct is distinctive in Barwon Heads due to its bushland
setting and spaciousness created by large lot sizes that enable
buildings to be well separated and setback substantial distances from
the front. In most cases native vegetation has been retained and
buildings are set in an open bushland environment, and sometimes
hidden from the street.
Key Existing Characteristics:
Preferred Character Statement
• Predominant architectural style is single storey post 1980s
large modern villas.
• Gardens include indigenous and native vegetation and high canopy trees.
• Building materials consist of brick and timber with mixed roofing.
• Lack of front fences.
• Road is sealed with no kerbing or footpaths.
The spaciousness of the area will be maintained and the bush setting
strengthened by:
• Encouraging low scale dwellings that sit within the landscape;
• Encouraging buildings to be setback substantial distances from the front and side boundaries;
• Retaining native and indigenous trees;
• Encouraging the planting of native and indigenous vegetation;
• Ensuring low site coverage; and
• Encouraging a lack of front fencing and post and wire side fencing.
Avoid:
• Dwellings with high site coverage, including expanses of paving.
• Loss of native vegetation.
• Solid or high fences.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 2
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES barwon heads PRECINCT 2
Character
Element
Objective
Design
Response
Avoid
Illustration
Vegetation
To maintain and strengthen the
native and indigenous vegetation
dominated streetscapes.
1 Retain existing high canopy trees and
understorey wherever possible. (Locate footings
outside root zone.)
1 Removal of high canopy
native and indigenous
trees.
2 Replace any trees lost due to development with
similar size indigenous or native trees.
3 One substantial indigenous or native tree should
be planted for every 150 sq.m. of site area.
2 Dwellings that do not
provide sufficient
setbacks from all
boundaries to
accommodate trees /
or screening plants.
Siting
To minimise the visibility of
buildings from the road.
4 Locate buildings well back from the road and
within the landform and vegetation so as to be
wholly or partly obscured from view.
3 Buildings that are wholly
visible from the road.
Site
coverage
To ensure that adequate space is
available on private land for the
retention and planting of
vegetation.
5 The total hard surface site coverage (including
outbuildings, swimming pools, tennis courts,
driveways and all non-permeable surfaces),
should not exceed 55%.
4 Buildings that exceed the
site coverage specified by
more than 5%.
6 Proposals that exceed the specified site coverage
maximums must demonstrate that the Site
Coverage objective and all remaining Objectives
and Design responses have been met.
Height and
building form
To ensure that buildings and
extensions do not dominate the
streetscape and wider landscape
setting.
7 Buildings should not protrude above the
predominant tree canopy height.
5 Buildings that protrude
above that tree canopy
height.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain and enhance the
continuous flow of vegetation
across the landscape.
8 Provide no front fencing, or post and wire
fencing to the front and side boundaries.
6 Solid front, side and rear
fencing.
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

3
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
This Precinct is distinctive due to its strong seaside township
character created by the low scale architectural styles and mixture of
building materials. The buildings frequently have low pitched or flat
roofs which adds to their low scale nature and the frequent lack of
front fencing, or low open style fencing adds to an open streetscape.
The buildings are set within established gardens frequently with
retained native vegetation. The seaside feel of the area could be
strengthened by encouraging the planting of indigenous species.
Key Existing Characteristics:
Preferred Character Statement
• Gardens are generally established with a mix of natives and exotic plants.
• Dwellings are single storey and building materials consist of
brick/timber/fibro and mixed roofing.
• Setbacks are standard, and consistent.
• Architecture is 50s-70s seaside style.
• Front fences are either not present or low, usually open style.
Maintain and strengthen the seaside township character and openness
of the area by:
• Encouraging low scale dwellings;
• Ensuring dwellings are set back from the front in accordance with the predominant setback in the
street, and are off-set from at least one side boundary;
• Encouraging the retention of established native and indigenous trees;
• Encouraging the use of lighter looking building materials, including timber and other non-masonry
cladding; and
• Encouraging a lack of front fencing or low, open style.
Avoid:
• Large, bulky buildings with high site coverage.
• A predominance of exposed brick buildings.
• High front fences.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 3
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES barwon heads PRECINCT 3
Character
Element
Objective
Design
Response
Avoid
Illustration
Vegetation
To maintain and strengthen the
coastal character of the
vegetation.
1 Retain existing native and indigenous species
wherever possible. (Locate footings outside root
zone.)
1 Removal of established
native and indigenous
species.
2 Replace any trees lost due to development with
similar size appropriate coastal species.
2 Planting of large exotic
tree species.
Prepare a landscape plan to accompany all
development proposals that utilises appropriate
coastal species.
Siting
To reflect the existing rhythm of
dwelling spacing.
3 Buildings should be offset from at least one side
boundary.
3 Boundary to boundary
development.
To maintain the consistency,
where present, of building front
setbacks.
4 The front setback should be not less than the
average setback of the adjoining two dwellings.
4 Buildings that are set
further forward than the
closest of the buildings on
the two adjoining
properties.
Height and
building form
To ensure that new buildings and
extensions do not dominate the
streetscape.
5 Respect the predominant building height in the
street and nearby properties. The height at the
front should match the typical single storey wall
height.
6 Use skillion, flat, single pitch or low pitched roof
forms.
5 Buildings that exceed by
more than one storey the
predominant building
height in the street and
nearby properties.
6 High pitched roof forms.
Materials and
design detail
To use lighter looking building
materials and finishes that
complement the dominant
pattern within the streetscape
and coastal setting.
7 Use timber or other non-masonry sheeting or
cladding materials where possible.
8 Render, bag or paint masonry surfaces.
7 Exposed red or orange
brick.
8 Urban period reproduction
styles and detailing.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain and enhance the
continuous flow of the garden
settings and the openness of the
streetscape.
9 Provide no front fencing. 9 High, solid front fencing.
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

4
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
The Precinct is distinctive due to its seaside township character
derived from the remaining pre and interwar buildings, and the
mixture of post war and recent styles with a variety of building
materials. The generally low scale buildings are set within mature
native and exotic gardens complemented by mature street trees and
informal roadway treatments. The character of the area could be
strengthened by encouraging a lack of front fencing, or open style
front fences and further native planting.
Key Existing Characteristics:
• Vegetation is mostly indigenous/native Tea-tree.
• Architecture is 50s-60s seaside style, with Victorian and Edwardian
buildings along the river foreshore.
• Dwellings are single storey with the exception of dwellings on the
southern edge of the precinct that are predominantly double storey.
• Buildings are generally set back 6-7m from front fence, and 1-3m from
the side boundaries.
• Building materials are mixed brick, timber and fibro with mixed roofing.
• Part of the precinct has unsealed roads, all roads are unkerbed.
• Front fencing varies from no front fence to average height open style.
Preferred Character Statement
The seaside township character of the area will be maintained and
strengthened by:
• Retaining the identified heritage buildings and ensuring adjacent dwellings respect the form, scale
and materials of these buildings;
• Encouraging the use of lighter looking building materials, including timber and other non-masonry
cladding;
• Encouraging low scale dwelling types;
• Encouraging the retention and planting of indigenous and native trees;
• Encouraging the use of lighter looking building materials, including timber and other non-masonry
cladding;
• Encouraging low scale dwelling types; and
• Encouraging the retention and planting of indigenous and native trees.ng of indigenous and
native plants.
Avoid:
• Removal of Moonah and Tea-tree in the public and private domain.
• Sealing and kerbing of roads.
• Large bulky buildings or buildings with high site coverage, that dominate the streetscape.
• A predominance of exposed brick buildings.
• High front fences.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 4
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES barwon heads PRECINCT 4
Character
Element
Objective
Design
Response
Avoid
Illustration
Vegetation
To retain buildings that contribute to
the valued character of the area.
1 Retain, whenver possible, intact Victorian,
Edwardian, Federation and Californian Bungalow
era dwellings.
1 Demolition of intact and good
condition dwellings from these
eras.
Vegetation
To strengthen the coastal
character of the area by planting
of appropriate indigenous coastal
species.
2 Retain existing coastal native and indigenous
trees and understorey whenever possible.
(Locate footings outside root zone.)
3 Prepare a landscape plan to accompany all
development proposals that utilises appropriate
coastal species. (see ‘Indigenous plants of the
Geelong region’ for information.)
2 Lack of a landscape plan.
3 Planting of large exotic
tree species.
4 Removal of high canopy
native and indigenous
trees.
Topography/
landform
To minimise site disturbance and
impact of the building on the
landscape.
4 Buildings should be designed to follow the
contours of the site or step down the site.
5 Major excavation works
to accommodate
dwellings or
appurtenances.
Siting
To reflect the existing rhythm of
dwelling spacing
5 Buildings should be setback at least 2 metres
from one side boundary.
6 Boundary to boundary
development.
To maintain consistency, where
present, of building front
setbacks
6 The front setback should be not less than the
average setback of the adjoining two dwellings.
7 Buildings that are set
further forward than the
closest of the buildings on
the two adjoining
properties.
Site
coverage
To ensure that adequate space is
available on private land for the
retention and planting of
vegetation.
7 The total hard surface site coverage (including
all buildings, swimming pools, tennis courts,
driveways and all non-permeable surfaces),
should not exceed 50%.
8 Buildings that exceed the
site coverage specified by
more than 5%.
8 Proposals that exceed the specified site coverage
maximums must demonstrate that the Site
Coverage objective and all remaining Objectives
and Design responses have been met.
Height and
building form
To ensure that buildings and
extensions do not dominate the
streetscape and wider landscape
setting.
9 Buildings should not protrude above the
predominant tree canopy height.
9 Buildings that protrude
above the tree canopy
height.
Materials and
design detail
To use lighter looking building
materials and finishes that
complement the dominant
pattern within the streetscape
and the coastal setting.
10 Use timber or other non-masonry sheeting or
cladding materials where possible.
11 Render, bag or paint masonry surfaces.
10 Exposed red or orange
brick.
11 Urban period reproduction
styles - and detailing.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain and enhance the
openness of the streetscape.
12 Provide no front fencing or open style front
fencing up to a maximum of 1.2 metres.
13 Front fences should not exceed 1.2 metres
other than in exceptional circumstances.
12 Solid front fencing.
Waterfront
development
To recognise the desire to
maximise views along the
waterfront, while ensuring that
new buildings and extensions
respect the patterns of
development and the coastal
setting and character of the
area.
14 Buildings should not exceed 7m in height, other
than for the roof structure.
15 Buildings exceeding the specified height must
demonstrate that the development will not
dominate the streetscape or long views of the
area, and complies with all other Objectives and
Design responses.
16 Incorporate building elements and details that
contribute to a lightness of structure including
balconies, verandahs, light-transparent
ballustrading and gable ends.
13 Buildings that exceed the
specified height by more
than 0.5 metres.
14 Large, bulky buildings
with unarticulated front
and side wall surfaces.
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

5
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
The Precinct is distinctive due to its isolation and spaciousness, due
partly to its location between the golf course and the coast, and the
appearance of buildings sited within and rising from the coastal scrub.
The buildings are eclectic in style, and include older styles, however
muted tones that blend with the scrub are preferable. Maintenance of
the density of the vegetation is important to the area’s character and
buildings should be sited to minimise the extent of the buildings are
visible from the roadway.
Key Existing Characteristics:
Preferred Character Statement
• Indigenous Tea-tree species dominate the vegetation.
• All dwellings are constructed of timber or render with iron roofs and are
usually two storeys in height.
• Architecture is characterised by post 1980’s grand seaside style.
• The eastern half of this precinct has high front fences, while the western
half has no front fences.
• The road is unsealed.
The spacious setting within coastal vegetation and the heritage
qualities of the area will be retained and enhanced by:
• Development that respects the 1-2 storey scale of development in the area;
• Ensuring development is off-set from all boundaries;
• Minimising the visibility of development from the street;
• Minimising the amount of hard paving around the dwelling;
• Encouraging innovative architecture that reflects the coastal setting;
• Requiring the use of lighter looking materials that blend in colour with the vegetation of
the area;
• Retaining and planting indigenous and native vegetation including Moonah and appropriate
coastal Tea-tree species; and
• Encouraging no or post and wire fencing.
Avoid:
• Removal of native vegetation and planting of exotic species.
• Development with high site coverage or extensive paving.
• Large, exposed brick buildings.
• High or solid front fences.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 5
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES barwon heads PRECINCT 5
Character
Element
Objective
Design
Response
Avoid
Illustration
Vegetation
To maintain and strengthen the
coastal vegetation dominated
streetscapes.
1 Retain existing native and indigenous species
wherever possible. (Locate footings outside root
zone.)
2 Replace any trees lost due to development with
similar size appropriate coastal species.
3 Prepare a landscape plan to accompany all
development proposals that utilises appropriate
coastal species. (see 'Indigenous plants of the
Geelong region' for information).
1 Removal of established
indigenous species.
2 Lack of a landscape plan.
3 Planting of exotic tree
species.
Siting
To minimise the visibility of
buildings from the road.
4 Locate buildings well back from the road and
within the landform and vegetation so as to be
at least partly obscured from view.
4 Buildings that are wholly
visible from the road.
Topography/
landform
To minimise site disturbance and
impact of the building on the
landscape.
5 Buildings should be designed to follow the
contours of the site or step down the site.
5 Major excavation works
to accommodate
dwellings or
appurtenances.
Site
coverage
To ensure that adequate space is
available on private land for the
retention and planting of
vegetation.
6 The total building site coverage should not
exceed 20%.
7 The total hard surface site coverage (including
outbuildings, swimming pools, tennis courts,
driveways and all non-permeable surfaces),
should not exceed 40%.
6 Total hard site coverage
that exceeds the specified
site coverage by more
than 5%.
Height and
building form
To ensure that buildings and
extensions do not dominate the
streetscape and wider landscape
setting.
8 Buildings should not exceed 7.5 metres in
height.
9 Buildings exceeding the specified height must be
demonstrate that the development will not
dominate the streetscape or long views of the
area, and complies with all other Objectives and
Design responses.
7 Buildings that exceed the
specified height by more
than 0.5 metres.
To encourage innovative
architecture that respects the
coastal setting.
10 New buildings should be individually designed to
respond to the dominant characteristics of the
area and the site.
8 Large, bulky buildings
with unarticulated front
and side wall surfaces.
11 Incorporate building elements and details that
contribute to a lightness of structure including
balconies, verandahs, light transparent
ballustrading and gable ends.
Materials and
design detail
To use lighter looking building
materials and finishes that
complement the vegetation and
coastal setting.
12 Use earthy toned building materials, finishes or
paint colours.
13 Use timber or other non-masonry sheeting or
cladding materials where possible.
9 Exposed red or orange
brick.
10 Urban period
reproduction styles and
detailing.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain and enhance the
continuous flow of vegetation
across the landscape.
14 Provide no front fencing, and post and wire side
and rear fences.
11 Solid front, side or rear
fencing
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

6
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
This Precinct is distinctive due to its mixture of architectural styles
and building materials, and its river-edge location, which encourages
higher development. Development in this Precinct is therefore highly
visible, particularly from the eastern entrance and vistas to the
township. Vegetation cover varies from low level to more substantial
gardens with trees including a predominance of natives and frequent
Tea-tree.
Key Existing Characteristics:
Preferred Character Statement
• Gardens are established with a dominance of native trees and occasional
exotic.
• Architectural styles include Late Victorian, Edwardian, inter-war, 50s-70s
seaside, 60s-80s and post 1980s modern villas.
• The development is frequently double storey.
• Front setbacks vary, and side setbacks are usually provided from at least
one boundary.
• The south-eastern section of the precinct uses timber and iron roof
building materials, while the remainder utilises a mixture of brick,
timber and fibro with mixed roofs.
• The narrower, northern section of the precinct is characterised
by high front fencing. Low or open styles of front fence predominate in
the remainder of the area.
The area’s seaside character will be strengthened and the cohesion of
the area enhanced by:
• Encouraging development that respects the general 1-2 storey scale of development in the area;
• Ensuring development is off-set from at least one boundary;
• Encouraging the use of lighter looking materials;
• Encouraging the retention and planting of native vegetation; and
• Discouraging high front fences.
Avoid:
• Removal of existing native vegetation.
• Large, bulky buildings that are built boundary to boundary.
• A predominance of exposed brick buildings.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 6
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES barwon heads PRECINCT 6
Character
Element
Objective
Design
Response
Avoid
Illustration
Vegetation
To maintain a balance between
roof tops and tree canopy when
the area is viewed from a
distance.
1 Buildings should be sited and designed to
incorporate space for the planting of substantial
vegetation.
2 Retain existing high canopy trees and
understorey wherever possible.
3 Replace any trees lost due to development with
similar size indigenous or native trees.
1 Removal of high canopy
native and indigenous
trees.
2 Dwellings that do not
provide sufficient
setbacks from at least
two boundaries to
accommodate trees.
Siting
To provide for reasonable sharing
of views to the ocean, river or
coast.
4 Buildings should be sited taking into account the
view corridors to the ocean, river or coast from
nearby properties.
3 Buildings that completely
obscure views from public
areas.
To reflect the existing rhythm of
dwelling spacing.
5 Building should be setback from at least one
boundary.
4 Boundary to boundary
development.
Site
coverage
To ensure that adequate space is
available on private land for the
retention and planting of
vegetation.
6 The total hard surface site coverage (including
outbuildings, swimming pools, tennis courts,
driveways and all non-permeable surfaces),
should not exceed 55%.
5 Buildings that exceed the site
coverage specified by more
than 5%.
7 Buildings exceeding the specified site coverage
must be demonstrate that the Site coverage
Objective and all other Objectives and Design
responses have been met.
Height and
building form
To ensure that buildings and
extensions do not dominate the
streetscape and longer views of
the area.
8 Buildings should not exceed 7.5 metres in
height.
9 Buildings that exceed the specified height must
demonstrate compliance with the Height
Objective and all other Objectives and Design
responses.
6 Buildings that exceed that
specified height by more
than 0.5 metres.
To encourage innovative
architecture that respects the
coastal setting.
10 New buildings should be individually designed to
respond to the dominant characteristics of the
area and the site.
7 Large, bulky buildings
with unarticulated front
and side wall surfaces.
11 Incorporate building elements and details that
contribute to a lightness of structure including
balconies, verandahs, light transparent
ballustrading and gable ends.
Materials and
design detail
To use lighter looking building
materials and finishes that
complement the dominant
pattern within the streetscape /
coastal setting.
12 Use timber or other non-masonry sheeting or
cladding materials where possible.
13 Render, bag or paint masonry surfaces.
8 Exposed red or orange
brick.
9 Urban period reproduction
styles and detailing.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain the openness of the
streetscape.
14 Provide no front fencing or open-style front
fencing to a maximum of 1.2 metres.
10 High, solid front
fencing.
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.

7
PRECINCT BROCHURE
Character Description
The Precinct is distinctive due to its bush garden court character,
created by the frequent lack of front fencing, the regular front and
side setbacks and established native gardens. The seaside location
of the area is not always evident other than through the use of typical
coastal vegetation such as Tea-tree and the mix of building materials.
Key Existing Characteristics:
Preferred Character Statement
• Vegetation is established and characterised by Tea-tree in
the north-eastern corner.
• Front setbacks are generally standard and consistent. Side setbacks are
usually provided from at least one boundary.
• A range of building materials are utilised.
• The architectural style is 60s–80s, with occasional earlier dwellings.
• Dwellings are single storey.
• Many dwellings have no front fences.
The bush garden court character of the area will be retained and the
seaside location enhanced by:
• Encouraging development that respects the low scale of development in the area;
• Ensuring development is set back from the front in accordance with the predominant setback in
the street and is off-set from at least one boundary;
• Encouraging the incorporation of lighter looking materials where possible;
• Encouraging the retention and planting of native vegetation; and
• Discouraging front fences.
Avoid:
• Large, bulky buildings with boundary to boundary development.
• High or solid front front fences.
This individual Precinct Brochure should be read in
conjunction with the general Township Brochure.
Please see overleaf for Design Guidelines to assist
with the preparation and assessment of
development proposals.
PRECINCT 7
City Of Greater Geelong Residential Character Study
barwon heads

DESIGN GUIDELINES barwon heads PRECINCT 7
Character
Element
Objective
Design
Response
Avoid
Illustration
Vegetation
To maintain and strengthen the
coastal vegetation dominated
streetscapes.
1 Retain established, indigenous coastal tree and
understorey species. (Locate footings outside
root zone.)
2 Replace any indigenous trees lost due to the
development with similar species and size trees.
3 Prepare a landscape plan to accompany all
development proposals that utilises appropriate
coastal species. (see 'Indigenous plants of the
Geelong region' for information).
1 Removal of established,
indigenous species.
2 Planting of large exotic
tree species.
3 Lack of a landscape plan.
Siting
To reflect the existing rhythm of
dwelling spacing.
4 Buildings should be setback at least 2 metres
from one side boundary.
4 Boundary to boundary
development.
To maintain the consistency,
where present, of building front
setbacks.
5 The front setback should be not less than the
average setback of the adjoining two
dwellings.
5 Buildings that are set
further forward than the
closest of the buildings on
the two adjoining
properties.
Height and
building form
To ensure that new buildings and
extensions do not dominate the
streetscape.
6 Respect the predominant building height in the
street and nearby properties. The height at the
front of the dwelling should match the typical
single storey wall height.
6 Buildings that exceed by
more than one storey the
predominant building
height in the street and
nearby properties.
Materials and
design detail
To use lighter looking building
materials and finishes that
complement the dominant
pattern within the streetscape
and coastal setting.
7 Use timber or other non-masonry sheeting or
cladding materials where possible.
8 Render, bag or paint masonry surfaces.
7 Exposed red or orange
brick.
8 Urban period reproduction
styles and detailing.
Front
boundary
treatment
To maintain and enhance the
continuous flow of the garden
settings and the openness of the
streetscape.
9 Provide no fencing. 9 High or solid front
fencing.
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER STUDY 2001 ©
and John Curtis Pty Ltd.