An Urban Design Framework (UDF) is a strategic planning document that provides long-term vision and direction for the future development of a specific area. It guides how the various components in the area will be designed and integrated into their surrounding environment.

UDFs should provide flexibility by identifying key principles and a future framework rather than specific solutions. A UDF commonly arises from a Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), and provides an additional level of detail, sitting between a PSP and planning permits.

A UDF is also required before activity centres (town centres) can be developed, but are also utilised in other settings, such as sensitive environmental areas, or for other land uses, such as industrial or commercial employment areas.

This UDF means that the land will be able to be developed in-line with the framework. This includes development of a supermarket, shops, food and drink establishments, childcare, medical centre, new housing, mixed-use development, a community centre, and other land uses suitable for town centres.

It will mean that the Kurunjang and Harkness community will have day-to-day services closer to where they live.

The Melton North Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) requires the preparation of a UDF before this land can be developed. This is because the PSP recognises that this will be an important place for the future community, and a greater level of thought into its design and layout is needed.

A PSP is a detailed, high-level plan that guides the long-term development of a specific growth area, outlining where housing, employment land, parks, schools and transport infrastructure will be located. It includes specific requirements for future development, including the requirement for a UDF to be prepared prior to development.

Pad site is a term given to a standalone parcel of land or development site, usually located at the front of a larger commercial building(s), designated for a single, freestanding building.

These are typically located along main roads, positioned for high visibility and accessibility. They often accommodate land uses such as drive-through convenience restaurants and service stations.

Council cannot determine at this stage what land uses will be delivered as part of the ultimate development in Kurunjang; however, the Urban Design Framework (UDF) Concept Plan shows the pad sites being used as drive-through convenience restaurants.

This means a 'Neighbourhood Activity Centre'.

It's the term given to a small centre that that provides reliable access to the basic day-to-day necessities.

The Melton Retail and Activity Centres Strategy outlines the expectations for NACs. These include:

• Supermarket
• A range of smaller shops delivering everyday goods and services
• Urban design that promotes quality built form outcomes, pedestrian access to and within the centre and which encourages interactions between local residents
• Public open space
• Accessibility via the public transport network

In addition, NACs will be encouraged to accommodate health and community services, offices and recreational activities, and be co-located with parks, community hubs, and schools.

Higher density housing will be encouraged around these centres in order to improve the use and vibrancy and to increase the accessibility of its services.

The Urban Design Framework (UDF) designates some land uses as 'SOHO / Residential (dual frontage)'.

SOHO is an acronym that stands for 'Small Office / Home Office'.

SOHO development aims to provide flexible spaces for small businesses that can double as homes, usually on the upper levels of the building.

This will be the responsibility of the landowner and private developments. However, planning permission can be granted as soon as the UDF is adopted by Council, which is expected to occur in early 2026.

The Kurunjang Town Centre will be a ‘neighbourhood activity centre’, which means a small centre intended to serve the immediate communities of Kurunjang and Harkness.

It is likely to feature a full-line supermarket, and a small number of shops, food and drink places.

Similar sized places in Melton include Coles Station Square in Melton South and Woodlea Town Centre in Aintree.

Yes, car parking has been considered during the planning process. There will be enough car parking, as well good walking and cycling connections to the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Bicycle parking will be provided throughout the Town Centre at convenient locations.

There is currently no direct public transport to this location. The nearest option is the 455 bus, which stops on Scarlet Oak Avenue in Harkness. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the site.

The UDF does include a Main Street which will be built to accommodate bus services in the future; however, planning for new bus routes is a responsibility of the State Government.