Melbourne skyline cut down to size

Melbourne's growing skyline will be reined in by the state government under strict new planning laws for the CBD.

New density restrictions are likely to significantly reduce the height of the city's future skyscrapers as the government, in partnership with the City of Melbourne, reviews planning controls over the next 12 months.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne says planning needs to keep pace with development and growth, as well as drawing people and investment into the CBD.

"There has been a massive appetite in our CBD and Southbank, and it's important we get our planning controls right," Mr Wynne told reporters in Southbank on Saturday.

Without planning changes, the CBD is at risk of darkened streets, wind tunnels and less open space, he said.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said developing planning controls could add to Melbourne's livability.

"The big question for us is will it (Melbourne) be the most liveable city in five, 10, 25 years," he said.

"Livability can slip away if you are not smart about development."

Interim planning controls are now in place for the next 12 months, including height limits and plot ratio controls.

Applications already being reviewed will not need to retrospectively meet the new requirements.