Housing Strategy
Brimbank supports subdivision and housing growth with an integrated Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy (adopted April 2024) planning for 34,000+ residents and 14,000 dwellings by 2041. Council provides qualified support for state targets, recognising them as theoretical capacity targets. Amendment pending to implement strategy into planning scheme. [Sources: Brimbank Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy 2024; Plan for Victoria Feb 2025]
2051 Housing Target
72,000
Source: Plan for Victoria (February 2025)
Growth Areas
SunshineSt AlbansDeer ParkKeilor DownsSydenham
Minimal Change Areas
Established neighbourhood character areasHeritage precincts
Planning Overview
## Brimbank City Council Planning Department Analysis
**Brimbank is notably developer-friendly** with a clear pro-growth agenda, particularly supportive of subdivision and medium-density housing developments. Their recently adopted Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy (April 2024) demonstrates **strategic commitment to accommodating 72,000 new dwellings** by 2051, making them one of Melbourne's most growth-oriented councils.
**Processing times are generally reasonable** for a council of this size, though expect some delays while their new housing strategy amendment works through the planning scheme implementation process. Pre-application meetings are encouraged and typically productive given their supportive stance on appropriate development.
**Common delays centre around infrastructure capacity assessments** and referral authorities, particularly for larger subdivisions in growth corridors like Sunshine and St Albans. The council occasionally requests additional traffic and drainage studies for significant developments.
**The planning department operates pragmatically** rather than strictly, showing flexibility on design outcomes that achieve housing targets while respecting established neighbourhood character areas. They're **proactive in supporting state housing objectives** while maintaining realistic expectations about infrastructure delivery.
**Strategic priorities strongly favour developments** in designated growth areas (Sunshine, St Albans, Deer Park), with subdivision applications receiving particularly favourable treatment. Expect resistance only in heritage precincts and established minimal change areas.
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