Melbourne's leafy middle suburbs will be forced to take on more development, paving the way for a neighbourhood showdown with the Andrews government.

With the city's population set to expand to 8 million people by 2051, Planning Minister Richard Wynne has confirmed that Melbourne's established "middle ring" – which includes highly protected suburbs such as Glen Waverley, Hampton and Doncaster – will be asked to squeeze in more dwellings to help manage future growth.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne (middle) with the McMahon family - Claire, Steve and son Joseph - in Mentone. Credit:Jesse Marlow

Under the refreshed Plan Melbourne blueprint, the limit of two dwellings per block will be scrapped, giving developers the ability to build more townhouses, villas and other properties across the city.

Mandatory maximum height limits will also be set for new dwellings – including an increase from nine to 11 metres in general residential zones.