For other matters that require a planning permit you will need to complete a Planning Permit Application form and submit it with the appropriate application fee/s and supporting documentation. A printable permit or amendment application can be accessed here.
At a minimum all applications require you pay an application fee, provide a current and complete copy of title (no older than 6 months), and a written submission outlining how the proposal responds to the decision guidelines of the site’s applicable zone/s and/or overlay/s. Other documentation may include site plans, elevation plans or landscape plans.
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 from Council about the project and to confirm what type of information will need to be submitted with the application.
You may also wish to consider obtaining private professional advice for more complex proposals involving sophisticated concepts such as respecting neighbourhood character and achieving good urban design outcomes.
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 and applicable fee. Your application will be lodged in Council’s system and you will be sent an acknowledgement letter and provided with an application number.
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
If it is considered the proposal may cause adverse effect to others (e.g. impacting on adjoining properties) then surrounding landowners and occupiers will be notified of the permit application by letter. A notice may also be required to be displayed on site and a notice may also appear 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 being available for inspection at Council’s offices to view during the notice period.
Community Participation
During the advertising period the community is able 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 and 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 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.