Author: melanie.ellis@changeofplan.com.au

As I read planning news and collect information for my clients I will update this page with planning projects and amendments that I think are of interest or relevance. This page will be updated from time to time as new news comes up. 2023 ESD Policy A...

Before you automatically book that pre-application meeting, ask yourself: Should You Have A Pre-Application Meeting With Council? Clients often come to us wanting to get pre-application advice from the Council before they lodge their application. My advice surprises many clients, as I will often recommend...

Are you feeling a little cramped at home and looking to utilise some space from your backyard? Or perhaps you are thinking about ways to add extra income or value to your home? Before deciding whether to build a second dwelling, studio/retreat or a small...

Town planning research is important to get your town planning project off the ground. To assist people on the start of their development journey I thought it would be useful for me to tell you about some of the tools and tips that I use...

In Victoria, if you are constructing or extending one or more dwellings there is a requirement to set aside a portion of the land for the Garden Area. The Garden Area amount varies depending on the size of the lot and only applies for...

The Proposal The project was for two townhouses on a residential site in Whitehorse Council.  The design was for a single storey house to be built at the front and for the rear house to be double storey.  While this arrangement is uncommon, it was something...

*** An update on the planning scheme amendment process. August 2023, Kingston Council have submitted the Amendment to the Minister for authorisation. *** Kingston Council are currently exhibiting an amendment to the Planning Scheme to make changes to the housing zones and...