Planning Process

A couple of years ago I wrote about a new fast track program that the State Government was introducing called VicSmart.  You can read more about the program here and about what I wrote here. As the program has been going for a while now I...

One of the critical factors in the success of a planning project, is choosing the right team. One of the most important people to achieve your vision is the designer.  I have worked on many different projects and seen projects struggle due to dynamics between the...

Bayside Council have just started a new structure plan project for the area adjacent to Southland Shopping Centre.  The first stage involves background research and initial input from the community about the area.  They are looking for feedback on both the current issues of the...

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...

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...

** 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....

Recently the Bayside City Council have been seeking Amendments to three activity centres to introduce mandatory height limits. The amendments and public submissions received have been reviewed by an independent Panel and the Panel Report has just been released. The three activity centres are: Sandringham Village;...

I have just received the planning permit for a two unit development in Vera Street, Bentleigh East.  This was a collaboration with Enlight Building Design. [caption id="attachment_35786" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Townhouse impression of the recent successful town planning approval in Vera Street, Glen Eira. Image courtesy of...