A Planning Permit application can be submitted online using the online application process below. Another option is to download the application form and submit it with supporting documentation as listed below. A printable permit application can be accessed here.
You will need the following documentation to begin your application;
- A current and complete copy of the certificate of title (no older than 6 months) which can be obtained from Landata
- A written submission outlining your proposal
- Fully dimensioned plans including site plans, floor plans and elevations.
- Payment of an application fee (Issued once Council has received your application)
As the level of documentation will change depending on the use and/or works being proposed it is important you Contact a Planner to obtain preliminary advice about the project and to confirm what additional information will need to be submitted with the application.
If your proposal is complex or covered by overlays that require certain outcomes such as respecting neighbourhood character and achieving good urban design outcomes, then you may also wish to consider obtaining professional advice from a private Planning consultant.
Online application
There are two streams of planning permit applications. Those assessed under the standard planning provisions and those under VicSmart planning provisions.
VicSmart is a streamlined assessment process for straightforward planning permit applications. Classes of applications have been identified in the planning scheme as being VicSmart and have specified requirements for information, assessment processes and decision guidelines. These application are generally processed within 10 business days.
For an overview of the VicSmart planning application process visit VicSmart - Fast Decisions for Simple Planning Applications
Complete and Submit the Application Form
Submit your planning permit application to Council with supporting documents. Your application will be lodged in Council’s system and you will be sent an acknowledgement letter and provided with an application number. You will also receive an invoice for the application fee. Please ensure this is paid promptly to ensure no disruption to the processing of your application.
Preliminary Assessment
The application will be assessed by a planning officer. An inspection of the site may be undertaken to determine if enough information has been provided to progress with the application.
If further information is required a letter will be sent to you within the first 28 days of the application being lodged that details what needs to be provided before the application can progress. You will be given a minimum 30 days to provide the information.
Referrals
Your application may be referred to internal Council departments (e.g. Building, Assets and Environmental Health) for advice.
Under the planning scheme your application may need to be referred to external authorities for comments (e.g. Wannon Water, VicRoads, Country Fire Authority).
Advertising
It may be determined that the proposal has the possibility of causing adverse effect to others (e.g. impacting on adjoining properties), then surrounding landowners and occupiers will be notified of the permit application by letter. In some cases a notice may also be required to be displayed on site and/or published in the local newspaper/s circulating in the area. The application will be placed on notice for a minimum 14 day period.
All advertised planning applications are listed on Council's website under View current planning applications as well as hard copies being available for inspection at Council’s offices to view during the notice period.
Community Participation
The advertising period gives the community an opportunity to comment on what is proposed before Council makes its decision. Any comments received are called submissions and those that oppose a proposal are known as objections. Council must consider all submissions/objections received when it makes a decision on an application and in some cases an onsite mediation meeting may be scheduled between the applicant, objectors, planning officers and Councillors to mediate issues that have arisen.
Final Assessment
A planning officer will then prepare a report describing the proposal and assessing it against the Corangamite Planning Scheme. Any referral comments, submissions and mediation issues are considered before making a final decision on the application or preparing a report to Council with their recommendation.
The Decision
The following decisions may be made in relation to an application.
Issue a Planning Permit
If no objections have been received.
Issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit
If objections have been received this notice must be issued. It provides objectors 21 days to appeal the decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) before a Planning Permit is issued.
Issue a Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Planning Permit
If Council decides to refuse an application the applicant has 60 days to appeal the decision at VCAT.
Appeal Against A Decision
Applicants, objectors and referral authorities can appeal Council’s decision at VCAT.
See Have your say: Objections, Submissions and VCAT appeals to learn more about the appeals process.