This morning, a representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) attended the hearing of private criminal matters against five Councillors and Council’s CEO. The DPP took over all matters, and the charges have been dismissed.
What is the difference between a building permit and a planning permit?
The planning process determines whether the use or development of land is appropriate. For example, whether a subdivision is allowed in a particular area.
The building permit process ensures what you are building is safe and meets the relevant standards and regulations.
In some cases, you may need both.
The following is a general process guideline, not all applications trigger each process as each application is different.
Your application has been lodged. An invoice and/or request for further application information will be provided. Once received the application can be allocated to a planner.
Your application is being assessed to determine if any other information has been provided (including all reports and details on plans). At this stage we also send a copy of the application to the relevant authorities as needed (water authorities, the fire authority, heritage advisor etc.).
Once we have sent the applicant a request for further information, we wait for their response. The applicant is given a timeframe to send us the information. This can be extended if necessary.
The planner will assess the information provided from the applicant to make sure all the required information has been received and is satisfactory.
If needed, the application will now be advertised. Generally, a sign will be displayed on the property, and letters will be sent to notify surrounding properties of the proposal. During advertising, application documents are available on this website for everyone to view and make submissions.
The planner will review submissions, review key issues, and determine whether to support or not support the application.
The planner will write the report and submit it for approval.
The following decisions can be made on an application:
VCAT will consider all of application material and any further material presented at a hearing before making a decision. Once a decision is made, a copy of the VCAT order will be sent to all parties. VCAT's decision is final unless there is an appeal by a party to the supreme court on a point of law.
If an appeal has been lodged with VCAT, the following may occur:
How to apply to VCAT?
Information on how to apply to VCAT for a review of Council’s decision is in your planning permit, notice of decision to grant a planning permit or refusal to grant a planning permit notice. There is an application fee for applying to VCAT for a planning permit application decision review. The fee must be submitted with your application. You can find out more information about how to apply to VCAT and how the review process works from the VCAT website.
If you need more time to start or finish works you can apply for an extension of time.
The application for an extension of time on a planning permit must be submitted:
To request an extension of time you must complete the online application form.