27 Jun Getting Ready To Lodge Your Planning Application
Preparation is key! Below is a step-by-step process to help you get your planning application ready to lodge. Navigating the council planning process can feel like a daunting task, but with a clear understanding, it becomes much more manageable.
1. Understand the Planning Controls.
Find out what planning controls affect your site and the reason or triggers that you need a planning permit. This information will guide you on the type of application that needs to be made.
You might get this information from the council or the designer/architect that is assisting you. You can also research the planning controls yourself by searching for your site at VicPlan and looking up the councils planning scheme to find the planning control details.
2. Identify the Planning Application Requirements
Now that you know your planning controls and the triggers that require a planning permit, you can identify what information you might need.
Start by visiting your local council’s website where you can often find guidelines about applying for town planning applications. Some councils will even provide checklists of the information that will be required for different types of applications. Sometimes the planning controls will also provide details on specific application requirements.
3. Prepare the planning application.
Once you’re clear on what’s required, it’s time to prepare your application. This usually involves gathering various documents such as site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sometimes reports such as planning reports, traffic reports or a sustainable design assessment.
Ensuring that all your documentation is thorough and accurate can significantly streamline the approval process.
4. Lodge the planning application
Now that all the information has been collated you can submit your planning application. Most councils prefer application to be submitted online, either submitting via email or through an online portal. The council website will provide you with details of the options for submitting your planning application and links or specific email addresses that are required.
Submitting your application is just the start of the journey. After submission, there might be a further information request and often the application will be advertised to the neighbours. During this time, staying informed about any feedback or concerns raised is important so you can address them promptly. I have written this page to provide more details on the planning application process for you as well.
Finally, patience is key throughout this process. Every step of the process and all people involved, including the council, will need time. Setting a realistic goal around the timing of your planning approval will assist in reducing your frustrations. I have prepared a guide on how long a planning application can take. While waiting for approval might seem lengthy at times—especially given Melbourne’s busy urban landscape—it’s also an opportunity to refine any aspects of your project based on feedback received.
Hopefully this assists you with some starting steps to help with the process of lodging your planning application.
Feeling overwhelmed, or don’t have the time to figure this out yourself? We can be here to help and guide you every step of the way on your planning application journey.