Brimbank City Council is committed to creating an environmentally sustainable City. Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) are assessed as part of the planning process to ensure positive outcomes for all new development in Brimbank.
Council has also declared a climate emergency and emphasised the urgent need for climate action in the Brimbank Climate Emergency Plan.
Environmentally Sustainable Design
Brimbank City Council along with over 26 other Victorian Councils, have an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Local Planning Policy which seeks ESD to be integrated into land-use planning, new developments and redevelopment of existing infrastructure.
Refer to Clause 15.01-2L-02: Environmentally sustainable development for Brimbank’s ESD Policy, and the Building Design section under Clause 15.01-2S - Building Design for Victoria-wide ESD provisions.
The above clauses no longer apply to applications made under the Townhouse & Low-Rise Code. Clause 55 has its own self-contained ESD requirements.
Water Sensitive Urban Design
The Brimbank Planning Scheme contains additional Victoria-wide planning provisions that provide integrated water management objectives for both conserving drinking water and better stormwater management. These are similar to the Water and Stormwater objectives contained in Brimbank’s ESD Policy.
Refer to Clause 53.18 - Stormwater Management in Urban Development in the Brimbank Planning Scheme.
The above clauses no longer apply to applications made under the Townhouse & Low-Rise Code. Clause 55 has its own self-contained WSUD requirements.
What ESD information do I need to submit
The type of submission required depends on the nature of the development, how many dwellings are proposed and the proposed floor area of non-residential development.
Single houses
Residential development: 1 new dwelling (no other buildings kept)
Residential development: 1 new dwelling (no other buildings kept)
ESD: No ESD information is required.
WSUD: No WSUD information is required.
Residential development: 1 new dwelling (with other buildings kept)
Residential development: 1 new dwelling (with other buildings kept)
ESD (including WSUD)
- refer to Clause 55 - Two or more dwellings on a lot and residential buildings
- with the changes to Cl. 55 other ESD related clauses no longer apply (e.g. Cl. 15.01-2L-02, Cl. 15.01-2S, Cl. 53.18)
Townhouses & Apartments
Dwellings (3 storeys or less)
Dwellings (3 storeys or less)
ESD (including WSUD)
- refer to Clause 55 - Two or more dwellings on a lot and residential buildings
- with the changes to Cl. 55 other ESD related clauses no longer apply (e.g. Cl. 15.01-2L-02, Cl. 15.01-2S, Cl. 53.18)
Dwellings (4 storeys)
Dwellings (4 storeys)
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 57 report – Please address the ESD requirements within Clause 57: Two or more dwellings on a lot and residential buildings
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and include the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design.
- WSUD Modelling – Either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice.
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance).
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness.
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively for the life of the development.
Dwellings (5 storeys or more)
Dwellings (5 storeys or more)
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 58 report – Please address the ESD requirements within Clause 58: Apartment developments
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORMor MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively for the life of the development.
Non-residential (based on floor area)
Non-residential development: < 50 m2
Non-residential development: < 50 m2
ESD: No ESD information is required.
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within a WSUD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively for the life of the development.
Non-residential development: 50 m2 – 2000 m2
Non-residential development: 50 m2 – 2000 m2
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 15.01-2L-02: Environmentally sustainable development
- Clause 15.01-2S - Building Design
- Clause 53.18 - Stormwater Management in Urban Development
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively for the life of the development.
Non-residential development: ≥ 2000 m2
Non-residential development: ≥ 2000 m2
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 15.01-2L-02: Environmentally sustainable development
- Clause 15.01-2S - Building Design
- Clause 53.18 - Stormwater Management in Urban Development
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively
GTP - Please speak to City Development Services to see if a Green Travel Plan is required for your application.
Mixed use (based on floor area)
1-9 dwellings & < 2000 m2 non-residential
1-9 dwellings & < 2000 m2 non-residential
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 15.01-2L-02: Environmentally sustainable development
- Clause 15.01-2S - Building Design
- Clause 53.18 - Stormwater Management in Urban Development.
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively.
1-9 dwellings & ≥ 2000 m2 non-residential
1-9 dwellings & ≥ 2000 m2 non-residential
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 15.01-2L-02: Environmentally sustainable development
- Clause 15.01-2S - Building Design
- Clause 53.18 - Stormwater Management in Urban Development.
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively.
GTP - Please speak to City Development Services to see if a Green Travel Plan is required for your application.
10+ dwellings & < 2000 m² non-residential
10+ dwellings & < 2000 m² non-residential
ESD: Best practice in environmentally sustainable design is to be demonstrated:
- ESD report – Provide a report which lists initiatives addressing the ESD expectations of each of the ESD categories and the requirements of the following:
- Clause 15.01-2L-02: Environmentally sustainable development
- Clause 15.01-2S - Building Design
- Clause 53.18 - Stormwater Management in Urban Development.
WSUD: Best practice in water sensitive urban design is to be demonstrated within the ESD report, and including the following:
- WSUD strategy – Please provide details of the stormwater management which follow the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design
- WSUD Modelling – either STORM or MUSIC is sought to evidence best practice
- WSUD plan – A drawing is sought which indicates the catchments and treatments (See page 16 of the WSUD Guidance)
- WSUD device details – Details are sought of treatment devices appropriate to assess their effectiveness
- WSUD during construction – Provide detail of, or reference to an appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be employed during construction (this may be included in a Construction Management Plan for larger projects).
- WSUD during operation – Maintenance commitments are sought for each treatment device to ensure they operate effectively.
GTP - Please speak to City Development Services to see if a Green Travel Plan is required for your application.
Other
Subdivisions
Subdivisions
ESD: No ESD information is required.
WSUD: Best practice in stormwater management is to be demonstrated as part of ESD:
- Refer to the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design (PDF 2.3 MB) for information about preferred WSUD strategies and submission requirements
- Provide a detail WSUD report that demonstrates best practice in stormwater management
- Refer to the Brimbank ESD Guidance - Water Sensitive Urban Design for information about preferred WSUD strategies and submission requirements.
Other development
Other development
If you have not found the ESD application requirements for your development please contact Brimbank on 03 9249 4000 and ask for the Duty Planner.
How is this assessed
The Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) framework is utilised at Brimbank to assess environmental best practice of new development. The framework is shared by a growing number of Councils state-wide who are part of the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment CASBE). CASBE allows for Brimbank and other Councils to exchange information on ESD and best practice standards.
Refer to the Introduction to the SDAPP framework for an overview (please note Brimbank ESD policy triggers for planning applications to vary from that listed in the document).
Information and resources
There are ten core categories which applicants are asked to address when they provide ESD information. Policy objectives and City Development Services expectations for how these are met are listed for each category.
See The ten sustainable building categories for this information as well as links to resources.
Contact us
Email our ESD Officer if you would like assistance.
