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November 07, 2024

Posted at 11:02h in Planning Process

Recently I was discussing the common Council Contributions that apply to multiple dwelling applications.   One fee that also applies to some development applications is the Metropolitan Planning Levy.  This fee is a little different to the others as it is required to be paid to...

April 01, 2017

Posted at 08:21h in Housing, Planning Controls

As part of the Government's plan to reform town planning, the Residential Zones were amended recently.  The changes flow from the review of the residential zones that were started in November 2015.  Whoever said that planning doesn't move fast?! Summary of Changes Transitional provisions have been introduced...

November 24, 2016

Posted at 22:40h in Planning Process

I often get asked about planning scheme amendments, how the process works and what the implications are for current projects. The typical process for a significant planning scheme amendment is described below. While the process for Council driven amendments and private amendments (those facilitated by private...

August 05, 2016

Posted at 03:25h in Planning Process

There has recently been a change to the requirement for a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) that will assist with many small developments. Previously the main exemptions from requiring a CHMP related to developments of two or less dwellings, or subdivision of an existing building. but now...

August 01, 2016

Posted at 06:49h in Planning Process

** Update: The new planning fees have now been introduced and came into affect on the 13th October 2016.  More details are available here ** The State Government has been reviewing the Planning and Subdivision Fees that are payable when lodging a planning or subdivision application....

September 29, 2015

Posted at 05:24h in VCAT

A recent VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) decision has confirmed the limit of issues to be considered when making a decision on some types of planning applications. In determining a recent appeal, the Tribunal member first ascertained the scope of issues that could be considered....