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Deciding on a planning application

Types of decisions

There are 3 types of decisions that can be made on a planning permit application.

1. Issue a planning permit

If your planning permit application is successful you will be issued with a planning permit and you can commence your land development or use project.

However, a planning permit is always subject to specified conditions that must be met.

Sometimes the conditions require changes to the plans before we will endorse the plans as part of the permit.

2. Issue a notice of decision to grant a planning permit

If there are objections to your planning permit application then we can only issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit.

The Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit is not a planning permit. It is a legal notice that states that we support the application if the land use or development meets certain conditions.

These conditions are explained on the notice. We send a copy of this notice to all concerned parties.

3. Issue a notice of decision to refuse a planning permit

If we consider that the land development or use proposed in the planning permit application is not acceptable, it will refuse to issue a planning permit.

The reasons for the refusal are listed in the notice. All concerned parties will receive a copy of the notice.

Should you be unhappy with the result, you have the option of making an application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to appeal. Please note fees are payable to VCAT.

Who decides on an application?

Most planning applications are decided by our planning officers. However, a decision about your planning application might be made at a Council meeting in line with our Instrument of Delegation. For further questions, talk to the planner on duty on (03) 9705 5200.

Appealing a decision

If you are unhappy with a decision, you may be able to appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Details of the appeal procedures are set out on the back of the Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit that you will receive. The closing date for appeals is 28 days after the date the responsible authority issues the notice.

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