We are traffic engineers servicing Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Nunawading, Park Orchards, Ringwood North, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Warrandyte, Warrandyte South, Wonga Park.
Navigating Manningham Council’s specific traffic and parking assessment requirements is essential to ensure your planning application is compliant and approved without delay. This guide is specifically for developers and architects working on projects in suburbs such as Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Templestowe, and Warrandyte.
Key Takeaways
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Local Context is Crucial: Manningham Council has unique strategic plans, like the Doncaster Hill Strategy and Vibrant Villages plan, that influence traffic and parking assessments. A generic report is insufficient.
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Know the Triggers: A Traffic Impact Assessment is typically required for multi-dwelling, commercial, retail, and community developments, or any project seeking a reduction in statutory car parking.
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Clause 52.06 & VC277 are Key: All parking assessments must directly address the Manningham Planning Scheme’s Clause 52.06, including the updated car parking rates introduced by Amendment VC277.
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Design Compliance is Non-Negotiable: Car park layouts must strictly adhere to Australian Standards (AS 2890.1, AS 2890.6), with Swept Path Analysis often required to prove vehicle accessibility.
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Expertise Saves Time and Money: Partnering with a traffic consultant experienced in Manningham significantly reduces the risk of Requests for Further Information (RFIs) and lengthy delays, ensuring a smoother planning application process.
Table of Contents
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Why a Standard Traffic Report Isn’t Enough for Manningham Council
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Triggers: When is a Traffic and Parking Assessment Required in Manningham?
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Core Components of a Compliant Traffic Impact Assessment for Manningham
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Mastering Car Parking Design and Demand in Manningham
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Navigating the Submission and Council Review Process
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Why Partner with a Traffic Consultant Experienced in Manningham
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why a Standard Traffic Report Isn’t Enough for Manningham Council
Successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in the Manningham Council of Melbourne requires more than a standard template. Manningham is a unique municipality with a diverse mix of suburban environments, from the high-density growth areas of Doncaster Hill to the semi-rural landscapes of Wonga Park and Warrandyte South. Each council has discretionary powers to interpret its planning scheme, and Manningham’s traffic engineers possess deep local knowledge. A successful planning application depends on a report that demonstrates an equal understanding. This guide demystifies the process for developers and architects, ensuring your submission is robust, compliant, and tailored to Manningham’s specific expectations.
Understanding the Local Context: Key Manningham Road Networks
Any traffic assessment must begin with an understanding of the local road network. Manningham is defined by major arterial roads like the Eastern Freeway, Doncaster Road, Williamsons Road, and Springvale Road. These are complemented by significant local traffic generators, most notably Westfield Doncaster, which creates unique traffic patterns that council engineers scrutinise closely. A new development in Doncaster East or Templestowe Lower must account for how it interacts with these existing conditions. The council’s assessment will be heavily influenced by the potential cumulative impact on these critical networks.
Manningham’s Strategic Vision: Activity Centres and Growth Areas
A compliant report must demonstrate awareness of the council’s strategic planning documents. These policies shape how and where development is encouraged and what infrastructure is prioritised. Key documents include:
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Doncaster Hill Strategy: This long-term plan guides the transformation of Doncaster Hill into a major metropolitan hub. Any development within this precinct faces heightened scrutiny regarding traffic, parking, and sustainable transport integration.
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Vibrant Villages – Activity Centre Action Plan 2023: This plan outlines the council’s vision for its local shopping centres. Developments within or near these centres must align with the plan’s objectives for walkability, public transport access, and parking management.
The council classifies these areas into tiers, each with different expectations:
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Major Activity Centres: Doncaster Hill, The Pines Shopping Centre.
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Neighbourhood Activity Centres: Bulleen Plaza, Donburn, Doncaster East Village (including Devon Plaza), Jackson Court, Macedon Square Plaza, Park Orchards, Templestowe Village, Tunstall Square, and Warrandyte Goldfields.
Your traffic and parking assessment must reflect the specific strategic goals for the location of your project, whether it’s a mixed-use building in Doncaster Hill or a townhouse development near Jackson Court.
The Role of the Manningham Planning Scheme
The Manningham Planning Scheme is the primary regulatory document governing all development. A traffic and parking report is not just a technical exercise; it is a direct response to the requirements outlined in the scheme. Key clauses, particularly Clause 52.06 (Car Parking), form the basis of the council’s assessment. Your report must explicitly reference and demonstrate compliance with these clauses to be considered for approval.
Triggers: When is a Traffic and Parking Assessment Required in Manningham?
A common question from developers is whether their project requires a formal traffic and parking assessment. While every project is unique, a report is generally needed whenever a proposed development is likely to cause a ‘material increase’ in traffic generation or parking demand. This can be based on the number of dwellings, the proposed floor area, or the number of car spaces provided. It is also crucial to distinguish between a brief Traffic Statement, suitable for minor applications, and a full Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) required for more significant projects.
Development Types Requiring Mandatory Assessment
You will almost certainly need a comprehensive traffic report for the following types of projects in Manningham:
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Multi-dwelling residential developments: This includes apartments, townhouses, and unit developments, especially in areas like Doncaster, Doncaster East, and Templestowe.
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Commercial and retail uses: Any new shops, offices, medical centres, or supermarkets.
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Community and high-traffic facilities: Childcare centres, places of worship, and function centres generate significant traffic and parking demand.
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Developments seeking a reduction in statutory car parking rates: If you cannot meet the standard parking requirements, a rigorous justification is mandatory.
Interpreting Clause 52.06: Car Parking Requirements and Amendment VC277
Clause 52.06 of the Manningham Planning Scheme outlines the standard car parking rates for various land uses. The first step is to use this clause to calculate the default number of spaces your development must provide.
Critically, Amendment VC277 introduced new car parking rates and requirements across Victoria. This amendment aims to prevent excessive car parking provision in areas well-serviced by public transport. Your report must apply the correct, updated rates from the current planning scheme.
Furthermore, Manningham provides car parking requirement maps that designate specific parking rates for certain areas, particularly within the activity centres. Any request for a waiver or reduction from these statutory rates must be rigorously justified with evidence-based analysis, considering factors like public transport availability, shared parking opportunities, and local traffic conditions.
Assessing Access and Site Layout
Even a small-scale development in a suburb like Ringwood North or Park Orchards may trigger the need for a traffic report if the site access is complex. Council engineers will require an assessment for proposals involving:
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New vehicle access to an arterial road (e.g., Doncaster Road, Williamsons Road).
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Non-standard or constrained driveway designs.
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Potential conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at the property line.
This is where expert analysis is vital to demonstrate that the proposed access arrangements are safe and functional. Our professional traffic engineering services are crucial for resolving these complex access challenges.
Core Components of a Compliant Traffic Impact Assessment for Manningham
A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) that meets the expectations of Manningham Council’s traffic engineers is structured, evidence-based, and clearly presented. It must provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing environment and a robust forecast of the development’s impact.
Existing Conditions and Site Analysis
This section sets the baseline for the entire assessment. It must include:
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Road Network Documentation: A detailed description of the surrounding road network, including its classification (arterial, collector, local) and any existing traffic controls.
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Sustainable Transport Analysis: An audit of existing public transport services, pedestrian footpaths, and cyclist facilities in the vicinity of the site.
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Traffic Surveys: Conducting new, site-specific traffic and parking surveys to establish accurate baseline volumes on the adjacent road network, especially during peak hours.
Traffic Generation and Distribution
This is the core predictive element of the report. It involves:
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Traffic Generation Calculation: Estimating the number of vehicle trips the proposed development will generate. This calculation must use recognised rates, such as those from the TfNSW (formerly RMS) guidelines or, preferably, from local surveys of similar land uses.
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Traffic Distribution Modelling: Modelling how the newly generated traffic will be distributed onto the local road network. This should be logical and consider the primary origins and destinations for the site’s users.
Impact Analysis and Mitigation Measures
The final step is to assess the impact of the new traffic on the network and propose solutions if necessary.
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Intersection Performance: Analysing the impact on key nearby intersections, often using specialised software like SIDRA Intersection, to model changes in delays and queue lengths.
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Safety and Access Evaluation: A thorough assessment of site access safety, driver sight lines, and the efficiency of internal circulation for cars, service vehicles, and pedestrians.
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Mitigation Works: If the analysis identifies a significant negative impact, the report must propose practical mitigation measures, such as new line marking, signage, or minor road improvements.
Mastering Car Parking Design and Demand in Manningham
Car parking is one of the most frequent points of contention in planning applications submitted to Manningham Council. A successful report must not only justify the quantity of parking but also demonstrate that the design of the car park is fully compliant, safe, and functional. All designs must be based on the Australian Standards, primarily AS 2890.1:2004 (for off-street car parking) and AS 2890.6:2009 (for people with a disability).
Calculating Parking Demand vs. Supply
This involves a direct application of the rates found in Manningham Planning Scheme Clause 52.06, updated by VC277.
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Apply Statutory Rates: Calculate the required number of spaces based on the specific land use proposed.
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Justify Deviations: Any proposal to provide fewer spaces than the statutory requirement must be supported by a detailed car parking demand assessment. This could involve analysing census data, local parking surveys, and the availability of alternative transport options.
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Consider User Types: The assessment must consider the distinct needs of different users, such as residents, staff, visitors, and customers, and allocate parking accordingly.
Ensuring Compliant Car Park Geometry and Layout
Council engineers will meticulously check the car park design against Australian Standards. Common areas of focus include:
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Parking Space Dimensions: Ensuring all spaces, aisles, and ramps meet the minimum dimensions specified in AS 2890.1.
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Driveway Grades and Transitions: Designing compliant driveway ramp grades and transitions to prevent vehicles from scraping.
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Swept Path Analysis: Providing clear diagrams, known as Swept Path Analysis, to demonstrate that the largest expected vehicle (e.g., a B99 design car, delivery van, or waste collection vehicle) can safely and efficiently manoeuvre through the car park without encroaching on structures or other parking spaces.
Bicycle Parking and End-of-Trip Facilities
In line with its strategic goals for sustainable transport, Manningham Council has specific requirements for bicycle parking. Your report must:
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Outline Bicycle Parking Provision: State the number of bicycle parking spaces provided, ensuring it meets the rates in the Planning Scheme.
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Detail End-of-Trip Facilities: For larger commercial or residential developments, discuss the provision of associated facilities like showers, changing rooms, and lockers.
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Ensure Convenience and Accessibility: Demonstrate that these facilities are located in a secure, convenient, and easily accessible part of the development.
Navigating the Submission and Council Review Process
Once the traffic and parking assessment is submitted as part of the planning application package, it undergoes a detailed review by Manningham Council’s internal traffic engineering team. A thorough and well-prepared initial report is the key to minimising delays and avoiding costly revisions.
The Council’s Internal Review Checklist
Council engineers will systematically review the report to ensure:
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Planning Scheme Compliance: The report directly addresses all relevant clauses of the Manningham Planning Scheme, especially Clause 52.06.
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Technical Verification: The technical assumptions, data collection methods, and analysis methodologies used are sound and appropriate for the scale of the development.
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Feasibility of Recommendations: Any proposed mitigation works or unique design elements are practical, safe, and appropriate for the local context.
Common Requests for Further Information (RFIs)
A vague or incomplete report will almost certainly result in an RFI from the council, causing significant delays. Common RFI topics include:
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Requests for additional or more recent traffic survey data.
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Questions challenging the justification for a proposed car parking shortfall.
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Demands for clarification on swept paths, particularly for service or waste collection vehicles.
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Concerns about sight lines at the proposed vehicle crossing.
An experienced consultant can anticipate these common queries and address them proactively in the initial submission.
Engaging with Council and Stakeholders
The process doesn’t end with the submission. An expert consultant provides value by:
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Attending Pre-Application Meetings: Discussing traffic and parking concepts with council planners and engineers early in the process can identify potential issues before they become major problems.
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Responding to Objections: Professionally and factually responding to any resident objections related to perceived traffic or parking impacts.
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Expert Representation: Acting as your expert representative in meetings with the council or at VCAT hearings, providing clear and authoritative advice to support your application.
Why Partner with a Traffic Consultant Experienced in Manningham
The complexity of the Manningham Planning Scheme, combined with the council’s specific strategic objectives, makes undertaking traffic and car parking impact assessments a specialised task. The risks of submitting a non-compliant or technically flawed report are significant, ranging from lengthy delays to outright refusal of your planning application. A specialist traffic consultant is a vital part of your development team.
Efficiency, Certainty, and Risk Mitigation
A consultant with proven experience in Manningham suburbs like Bulleen, Doncaster, and Templestowe knows the council’s expectations, unwritten policies, and the specific concerns of their traffic engineering team. This local expertise translates directly into:
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A significantly reduced risk of rejection or lengthy RFIs.
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A faster, more predictable path to approval.
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The freedom for developers and architects to focus on their core roles, confident that the traffic component is being handled by an expert.
The ML Traffic Engineers Advantage
With over 30 years of experience working with local councils across Melbourne, including extensive work within Manningham, ML Traffic Engineers provides an unmatched level of expertise. We offer a direct, principal-led service model, meaning the senior engineer who provides your quote is the same person who undertakes the technical work and is your direct point of contact. This ensures accountability and the highest standard of quality. You can read more about our approach and our proven track record of securing approvals.
Taking the Next Step
The most effective approach is a proactive one. Engaging a professional traffic consultant early in the design phase, before plans are finalised, is far more efficient than trying to fix compliance issues later.
Contact us today for an obligation-free quote for your Manningham project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to prepare a Traffic and Parking Assessment for Manningham Council?
The timeframe depends on the project’s complexity. A straightforward Traffic Statement may take 1-2 weeks. A full Traffic Impact Assessment requiring new traffic surveys can take 3-4 weeks to allow for data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
What are the most common reasons for a traffic report being rejected by Manningham?
Common reasons include: using outdated or inappropriate traffic generation rates, providing insufficient justification for a car parking shortfall, non-compliant car park designs that fail to meet Australian Standards, and inadequate Swept Path Analysis for service vehicles.
Do I need to conduct new traffic surveys, or can existing data be used?
Manningham Council almost always prefers new, site-specific traffic surveys conducted recently (typically within the last 1-2 years) and during typical weekday peak periods. Relying on generic or outdated data is a common reason for a report to be questioned.
How much does a Traffic Impact Assessment cost for a development in Manningham?
The cost varies based on the scale of the development and the scope of the assessment. A simple parking demand assessment for a small project will be less expensive than a full TIA for a large mixed-use development requiring intersection modelling. Contact us for a project-specific quote.
Can a good traffic report help justify a reduction in the required number of car parking spaces?
Yes, absolutely. A key function of a Car Parking Demand Assessment is to provide the evidence-based justification needed for the council to consider a reduction under the decision guidelines of Clause 52.06. This often involves analysing public transport access, on-street parking availability, and the specific nature of the proposed use.
What is a Swept Path Analysis and is it always required for Manningham?
A Swept Path Analysis is a CAD-based diagram showing the path of a vehicle’s wheels and body as it maneuvers. It is almost always required for projects involving new car parks, loading docks, or complex access driveways to prove that the design vehicle (from a small car to a large truck) can enter, navigate, and exit the site safely and efficiently.
